Click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter
Next week will mark the end of National Invasive Species Week. (file photo/paNOW Staff) : Tyler Marr
Invasive species

National Invasive Species Week comes to an end

Mar 3, 2019 | 10:28 AM

Environment and conservation groups have spent the past week marking National Invasive Species Week.

The occasion is observed by groups like Ducks Unlimited, which are dedicated to preserving natural habitats all over the country.

Jodie Horvath, who serves as a conservation program specialist with Ducks Unlimited, told paNOW there are some invasive species which are a major issue in Prince Albert and the surrounding area.

One of the most problematic is tansy, which is present in the northeast and central part of the province.

“Tansy is a prolific spreader. It takes over and basically kills everything else around it,” said Horvath.

Horvath said the invasive plant is all the more problematic as livestock don’t eat it, which makes them all the more difficult to control.

When tansy comes into an area it has the potential to destroy much of the native plants which make up the area. Horvath said the provincial government has a system which it uses to classify species as invasive.

“At that point it’s probably hurtful to our forage and crop stands and then also a threat to our native grasslands and native areas also,” she said.

Invasive species, overall, Horvath said, generally cannot be controlled by actions like using general pesticides or livestock.

“We’re seeing a lot of glyphosate resistant weeds popping up,” she said.

In the battle against problematic plants, Horvath said people can take action, such as being educated about the kinds of plants people put on their property. Some invasive species have been given a boost by people seeding them on their properties for personal use, she said, noting tansy started as an ornamental species.

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn