Broom Bash in the Mirror

Scotch Broom, Cytisus scoparius, is a Western European shrub that was introduced to Vancouver Island in 1850.

Now, subsequently thriving on many parts of the Island and mainland, this plant costs the farming and forestry industries millions of dollars every year.

It alters ecosystems by prohibiting other plants from taking to disrupted land, in return reducing biodiversity and dominating the landscape.

Often found on roadsides or in open meadows, a single plant can produce 3,500 pods, within which there are 5-12 seeds, easily forming dense thickets of yellow that obstruct mobility and increase wildfire intensity. Greenways Land Trust, an environmental non-profit organization, has been battling this fast growing, noxious weed throughout the Campbell River area for 10 years through their annual Broom Bash. Now in their 11th year, the volunteer event will be held at the BMX track adjacent to Nunns Creek Park on Homewood Road as part of Earth Week. Tim Hortons has partnered in this project, providing assistance to Greenways, plus tools, t-shirts, and Timbits to volunteers. Everyone is welcome to join in the ripping and clipping of Broom on April 25 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the track.

Earth Week is a chance to celebrate our planet and raise awareness of issues concerning its fragile nature. Greenways and Tim Hortons are happy to host this event but stress the need for volunteers in order to make it a success.

Thank you to the Mirror for publishing this article

The Courier Islander article here.