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Broom bash connects Savary neighbours/helps conservation efforts

Volunteers gathering at Duck Bay later this month to pull invasive species
Tanya Hill
Tanya Hill

Friends, neighbours and volunteers are gathering for a Broom Bash event hosted by the Nature Trust of BC on Monday, February 24, at Duck Bay on Savary Island.

While it seems early in the year to start pulling out the stubborn invasive Scotch broom, Carleton MacNaughton, coastal mainland conservation land manager of the Nature Trust of BC, said it's the perfect time of year to hold a Broom Bash event.

"The primary method of disposal for the large amount of cut Scotch broom is to pile and burn it on the beach," said MacNaughton. "The timing of these events ensures that we are in compliance with burning restrictions, and are tackling the broom before it starts flowering and producing seed in the springtime."

Duck Bay on Savary Island is an excellent place to have broom pulling events, added MacNaughton, due to the site's easy access for participants.

"We are making good progress after years of removing broom in this area, and improving the ecological condition of the coastal sand dune ecosystem," said MacNaughton." Removal of Scotch broom can also result in increased erosion on steeper slopes, so to minimize the risk of erosion we concentrate efforts on gently sloping areas such as Duck Bay."

Broom pulling participants tend to be residents of Savary Island who enjoy getting out with neighbours to help out on an important conservation activity. After a day of pulling broom, participants usually get together on the beach with snacks and warm beverages around the broom fire, until the plant matter turns to ash.

"Scotch broom is an introduced invasive species that is a major threat to coastal sand dune ecosystems like those found on Savary Island," said MacNaughton. "This puts rare species, such as the endangered contorted-pod evening-primrose, at risk of being lost from this landscape."

MacNaughton added that Scotch broom didn't evolve in North America, and has no natural checks here, so it can outcompete the natural plants in this [Savary] ecosystem.

"By actively removing Scotch broom, we can give rare species and ecosystems a fighting chance to survive and thrive here," said MacNaughton.

Participants will gather at 12 pm. Anyone is welcome to attend. Nature Trust of BC will provide gloves and loppers. Folks are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes/boots, and to bring rain gear and a water bottle.

For questions about the Broom Bash event, email [email protected].

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