Invasive species are everyone’s problem, and need to be everyone’s solution. People are the largest vector of invasive species. You can make a difference!
Gardeners
Know what you grow. Avoid purchasing known invasive plants. Be suspicious of exotic plants promoted as “fast spreaders” or “vigorous self-seeders” as these are often invasive plants.
Avoid picking plants from roadsides, gravel pits or other disturbed areas.
Control and dispose of invasive plants prior to flower or seed development.
Request that local botanical gardens, nurseries, and gardening clubs promote, display or sell non-invasive plants.
Disposal
Dead-head and dispose of invasive plant seeds, seed heads or fruit prior to flowering and seed maturity.
Do not dump garden waste into a public park, natural area or roadside ditch.
Avoid composting invasive plants, as they can often quickly re-establish themselves.
Collect invasive plant material in heavy plastic bags; transport to local transfer station or landfill for deep burial or incinerate.
For remote areas, try to pack out flowers/seeds in a bag for disposal.
Education
Learn to identify the invasive plants in your area.
Participate in local events like community weed pulls.
Spread the word, not the weeds! Communicate the importance of invasive plant management to friends, family, neighbours and co-workers.
Recreation
Stay on existing roads and trails and avoid travelling in weed infested areas to prevent seed dispersal.
Clean equipment, tools, vehicles and footwear before leaving an area that is infested with invasive plants.
Choose weed-free parking and staging areas.
Report sightings of invasive plants. Visit the ‘Report-A-Weed‘ page to find out about the different options for reporting new infestations.
Land Managers & Land Owners
Control established invasive plants using methods appropriate to site and species. For example; hand pulling, digging, cutting, and mowing.
Minimize soil disturbance and damage to desirable vegetation.
Promptly seed or re-vegetate disturbed areas with non-invasive plants.
Since invasive plants are extremely persistent, ongoing control and monitoring is often required.