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Crews take a torch to Oak Bay seaside park to battle burweed

Burns are frequent at Cattle Point to tackle the invasive plant
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A crew is set to burn carpet burweed Jan. 13 at Cattle Point. (Black Press Media file photo)

A swarm of people with torches at Cattle Point this Thursday should be no cause for alarm.

Visitors may have noticed red circles appearing in the meadows of the Oak Bay park recently. On Jan. 13, a crew plans to burn carpet burweed from those areas in the park.

That day, the team also hosts a show and tell for other municipal parks staffers from across the Capital Regional District.

READ ALSO: Oak Bay torching invasive burweed at Cattle Point

Carpet burweed (soliva sessilis) is an invasive plant threatening to suffocate the already at-risk species endemic to the rare maritime ecosystem of Cattle Point and Uplands Park.

It spreads easily to new areas by attaching its seeds to the skin, shoes and paws of park goers and their dogs.

Burns are not unusual at Cattle Point – it’s the best way to kill the plants and viable seeds in the ground. The work is complemented by hand removal of the plants from the sensitive maritime meadows where rare plant species limit the ability to torch.


Do you have a story tip? Email: c.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca.

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Christine van Reeuwyk

About the Author: Christine van Reeuwyk

I'm dedicated to serving the community of Oak Bay as a senior journalist with the Greater Victoria news team.
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