 English Ivy climbs up trees, weighing down branches, threatening tree health.
Invasive Species Management
Ecologists note that after habitat loss, invasive species are the highest threat to global biodiversity. In the Lower Mainland, gardeners have introduced numerous non-native species. Most do not compete with native species in natural areas, but a small group of non-natives have succeeded in competing and sometimes dominating natural areas. These non-natives are termed "invasive species", and can smother native ecosystems and can even be a human health risk.
The City warns residents to beware of a new toxic invasive plant - the Giant Hogweed, and take steps to carefully remove any plants to prevent further infestation. Click on the link above to get more information.
In Burnaby invasive species include the following plants. Click on the links to find more information on each plant through the King County, Washington State website: Himalayan blackberry - [NEW WINDOW], English ivy - [NEW WINDOW], Japanese knotweed - [NEW WINDOW], giant hogweed - [NEW WINDOW], policeman's helmet - [NEW WINDOW], purple loosestrife - [NEW WINDOW], and Scotch broom - [NEW WINDOW].
In June 2006, City Council approved a pilot program - [PDF 990KB] to manage invasive species in the Still Creek Watershed. The Environment Committee presentation on this project can be found through this link - [PDF 1.2MB]. To read more about restoration prescriptions for the Still Creek watershed, click the full report here - [PDF 5.0MB].
The pilot program includes 6 key steps:
 Giant Hogweed is a new invasive species to Burnaby, and is harmful to humans 
 The fruit from Himalayan blackberry is delicious for humans but the plant smothers native ecosystems and limits bird and wildlife habitat. As a resident of Burnaby, you can help prevent invasive species from escaping into the wild, by ...
- Never dump garden waste or hanging baskets into natural areas! Rather, dispose of plant materials through the City's Yard and Garden Waste Pick-up Program;
- Learn which non-native species can invade natural areas - [NEW WINDOW] and avoid planting them in your garden!
- Grow regionally native plants in your garden - for more information contact the Native Plant Society of British Columbia - [NEW WINDOW]
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