CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

Saturdays and Wednesdays

Workshops happening to help stop invading weeds

Jun 18, 2021 | 3:35 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Medicine Hat Interpretive Program and Grasslands Naturalists are co-hosting workshops for the next four weeks, to stress the importance of removing invasive plants and weeds from when they appear.

“Numerous non-native species have taken over our green spaces, gardens, and back alleys. Many of them are considered invasive,” reads a release from organizers. “Because they can be extremely harmful to our natural and agricultural environments, provincial law requires these species be eradicated or controlled. Unfortunately, most people now consider them a normal part of nature and allow them to grow freely without proper management.”

Organizers say that when left unchecked, our urban areas can act as reservoirs for these weeds which then deliver a continual invasion to native grasslands and cultivated areas where this problem is already extensive.

Examples of common provincially regulated weed species in Medicine Hat include downy brome, creeping bellflower, and field bindweed.

The workshops will take place Saturdays from 1-4:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 6:30-9 p.m. June 19 to July 14. Each workshop will be about one hour long three sessions on Saturdays and two on Wednesdays. Gardeners, landowners, renters, and anyone who loves nature is encouraged to attend.

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For more information and to register, phone the Nature Line at 403-529-6225. People are asked to register for dates that correspond with their specific neighbourhood.

North Neighbourhoods – Saturday June 19 and Wednesday June 23 Ranchlands, Crescent Heights, and Riverside North of the South Saskatchewan River

North-Central Neighbourhoods – Saturday June 26 and Wednesday June 30 Flats, Downtown, SE and SW Hill, and Tower Estates Between the River and Seven Person Creek, Scholten Hill

South-Central Neighbourhoods – Saturday July 3 and Wednesday July 7 Ross Glen, Southview, Crestwood, Norwood, Marlborough, and Connaught Above Scholten Hill and Kin Coulee to the TransCanada Highway

South Neighbourhoods – Saturday July 10 and Wednesday July 14 Southlands, South Ridge, Vista Heights, and Saamis Heights South of the TransCanada Highway

Registration is required so COVID-19 protocols can be followed and meeting locations will be revealed to registrants.

Park interpreters Marty Drut and Ian Langill are coordinating these workshops and are available at the Nature Line or by email at mhip@natureline.info.

Information can also be found on natureline.info and the Police Point Park Facebook page.

There will be a drop-in information booth available for those not able to attend a full workshop and more information is available from the Nature Centre.