South Prospect Lake

Broom Cutting: Nov 13rd/ 2024

Cowichan farmers are trying a new method of controlling broom which may be an interesting experiment for the large area at South Prospect Lake Park. You can read the article at the end of our Meeting Notes, which includes the advice to “… use long-handled lopers… leaving a stump 18 to 24 inches or so… The goal is to turn your broom field into a forest of stumps. Next spring… many stumps will [by hand] break off about 2 inches below ground… the root that is left in the ground is dead, and the soil not disturbed.”

(page 5, https://issuu.com/islandfarmandgarden/docs/island_farm_and_garden_july_2024 )

And

From Wylie Thomas: “…

trying a new method of broom control and was wondering whether there are other groups that have followed this method.
My colleagues and I have been using this method to control large broom for at least a decade now. I would say it has achieved about 95% control, depending on the size and woodiness of the plants treated. We call it the “punji stick method” in reference to the long, somewhat hazardous, sticks it leaves in place. We usually let the punji sticks decompose in place (i.e., we don’t try removing them as this would disturb the soil).
We find that the higher off the ground you cut, the better the results. We always check that there are no green twigs or leaves on the stem below the cut, and remove any we find; the logic being that any photosynthetic tissue remaining increases the survival chances.
It also seems that if plants are cut flush with the ground their chances of survival and producing new growth increase. I suppose this is because the plant is less exposed to the elements that would otherwise kill it.
This is all anecdotal and based on observation. We don’t have the hard numbers to be able to say definitively what does and doesn’t work.”

Broom Pull: June 15th/ 2024

The trail leading from the parking lot to the lake, only a few feet in, a small meadow was getting over-run with broom. I like to get a ‘Before’ photo but got busy and forgot.

For more information, have a look at this page from Islands Trust:

https://islandstrust.bc.ca/conservancy/protect-nature/care-for-your-land/protect-against-invasives/scotch-broom/

Broom Pull: Jan 16th/ 2021

The gang gathers: Kitty, Mary, Winona & Ian.

South Prospect Lake Broom Bash: April 6/ 2019

Thanks to everyone who joined us for a few hours of invasive species removal and a short walk to enjoy the spring wild flowers.

We welcome all support of our local parks.

Light refreshments,and tools are be provided. Please bring garden gloves and wear old clothes and sturdy shoes.

Greater Victoria Green Team

What we’re about

~ Restore, Conserve, and Connect to our Environment throughout Greater Victoria ~

The Greater Victoria Green Team is a regional-wide environmental volunteer program and is part of the National Charity Green Teams of Canada http://www.GreenTeamsCanada.ca . We are a group of people from all over the Greater Victoria area who get together to help restore our local environment in the Capital Regional District. We work with Municipal and Provincial Parks, Charities, Non-profit organizations, Societies, Stewardship and Watershed groups to tackle environmental issues through co-operation and teamwork. We also volunteer at farms to promote local sustainable agriculture. Gloves and tools will be supplied as well as refreshments! All ages are welcome* and no experience is necessary. If you care about the environment, local food security, and meeting other passionate people then this is the group for you!

Our mission: To inspire stewardship of nature by connecting diverse individuals through hands-on educational environmental activities.