Blog Story

Weed Whackers

Invasive plants find their way into Fish Creek Provincial Park in a variety of ways, including dispersal of seeds via wind and/or water from surrounding neighbourhoods and backyard gardens.  These plants out-compete native plant species for sunlight, soil and water resources, leaving less forage for native wildlife.  Our Weed Whackers program brings volunteers together to actively engage in pulling these “weeds”, giving our native plants a better chance at survival.  We focus on “winnable battles”, those species that have not yet become pervasive throughout the park and which we have a chance at controlling through this kind of hands-on effort!

Weed Whacker outings typically take place between May and August each year at locations throughout the park, including the ATCO Heritage Grassland at the Bow Valley Ranch.  Volunteer Weed Whackers learn how to identify target species and are provided with tools, personal protective equipment and instruction before setting out to work with a group to remove the target invasive species from a particular area during a two-hour outing.  Click here to view Volunteer Job Description.

NEW: Weed Whackers Mowing and Tilling Program

• Through the support of our funders and sponsors, we were able to purchase new weed whacking equipment including two gas-powered rototillers, two gas-powered weed whippers and a manual lawnmower. We will be mowing pilot project areas in Lafarge Meadows, the ATCO Heritage Grassland, and along Sun Valley Drive. Click here to view Volunteer Job Description.

To be notified of outings, click “Become a Weed Whacker” button below, create a MyVolunteerPage  account and then check off “Weed Whackers” in your list of Program Interests.

There are also opportunities for experienced Volunteers to assist by leading smaller groups on Weed Whacker outings.  Please see Stewardship Assistant section above for more info.

If you would like to know more about our Weed Whacker Program, please contact Emma Stroud, Citizen Science & Stewardship Coordinator, at emma@friendsoffishcreek.org.