The City of Richmond is raising awareness about invasive species and how to prevent them from spreading through a series of displays at city hall and a couple of workshops during the month of May, which is Invasive Species Action Month in B.C.
Richmond Mayor Malcom Brodie pointed out that education and awareness about invasive species can reduce the risk of introducing invasive species and further spreading them through early detection.
“Invasive species not only disrupt Richmond’s local ecology but in some cases they can threaten our vital flood protection infrastructure,” said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “With staff continuing to apply promising new techniques to manage and monitor these species, awareness amongst our citizens will only bolster our ability to combat these problematic invaders.”
A display in the Galleria at City Hall (6911 No. 3 Rd.) will feature a new invasive species each week in May:
• Week 1 (May 1-10): European chafer beetle and healthy lawn care tips
• Week 2 (May 13-17): Knotweed species
• Week 3 (May 20-24): Parrot’s feather
• Week 4 (May 27-31): Brazilian elodea
The weekly displays will provide information on each species and showcase what the city is doing to combat them as well as suitable alternative plants that will support local pollinators and combat the destructive spread of invasive species. Staff will be at the event from 11 a.m. to noon daily to answer any questions.
Through the city’s Invasive Species Action Plan, eight invasive species are a priority due to their risk to health and safety, infrastructure and the environment. Species include Brazilian elodea, common reed, Eurasian milfoil, European and impressive fire ant, giant hogweed, knotweed species, parrot’s feather, and wild chervil.
On Saturday, May 11, at the Engineering and Public Works Open House, city staff will promote invasive species awareness and give away native plants to encourage sustainable gardening. The city is also hosting a free workshop on European chafer beetle lawn care on Saturday, June 1. For more information, contact 604-276-4316.
For more information on invasive species in Richmond and to download a PDF of the Action Plan, click here.
For more information on Invasive Species Month in B.C., click here.
To report suspected invasive plant or animal species, call 604-276-4316 or email invasiveplants@richmond.ca.
