Interpretive Centre invites residents to help with invasive plant control
By Medicine Hat News on August 17, 2024.
The Medicine Hat Interpretive Centre is looking to get residents involved in the local ecosystem, inviting them out for a weed pull. “Have you noticed the orange flagging tape tied to some of the plants in the park? This tape is marking an invasive plant slated for removal, Common Buckthorn, which has become a serious problem,” says park interpreter Genevieve Mathieu. To help combat this problem, the centre is hosting another invasive plant pull event, where attendees can learn about Common Buckthorn and other invasive plants causing problems within the community. “We’ll identify Common Buckthorn, and the native plant it closely resembles, Chokecherry, and spend a bit of time doing some hands-on control,” said Mathieu. Gerry from Grasslands Naturalists, also known as one of the “Buckthorn Boys,” will be co-hosting the event, and all attendees will receive a free copy of the book Invasive Plants of Alberta. There’s no need to register to attend, and attendance for this event is free. Pants and close-toed shoes are recommended, but the MHIP will provide gloves and other supplies. The event will run on Aug. 25 from 1-2:30 p.m. at Police Point Park. 8-7
