Invasive species: Showing resolve in the new year
The arrival of the New Year comes with that all time important question: What are your New Year’s resolutions? If you are like most of society, then your resolutions are based on your actions over the past year. What do you want to change? What do you want to start doing that you didn’t do before?
It is a chance for each person to reflect on themselves and their actions and make decisions to improve their life. Often the answer is the same each year, as is the habit of breaking them before the end of January: exercise more, eat less, quit smoking, save money and get organized.
But with environmental issues becoming increasingly urgent, perhaps 2018 is the year for resolutions that create a healthier future for us, our communities and of course, the Earth. Take the time to read through these top 10 “invasive species” resolutions and chose at least one that you can strive to achieve in 2018.
1. Spend more time outdoors. Getting outside and enjoying nature is good for you and the more you become aware of nature, the more you will respect it and help ensure others can enjoy it too. When exploring, be sure to check your vehicle, boat, bike, camping gear, shoes and pets for invasive plant seeds that may have hitched a ride. Dispose of any seeds or plant fragments carefully.
2. Stay informed. Learn to identify invasive species in the Okanagan-Similkameen region. Check out our website www.oasiss.ca or follow us on Facebook or Instagram to keep up to date on current events or the latest species to watch out for.
3. Volunteer. Join a local group and participate in an invasive plant pull or re-planting effort. So much can be accomplished with just a little donated time from each of us.
4. Report sightings of new invaders in our region or outbreaks of common species in remote locations where they may go undetected.
5. Be plant-wise. When gardening, choose plants wisely. Select native plants that are adapted to our local ecosystems or non-invasive ornamental species. Know what you grow http://beplantwise.ca
6. Be wary of wild birdseed mixes. Carefully select the seed mix or create the mix yourself. Put the seed mix on cookie sheets and bake to prevent germination. In the spring, remove any unusual plants growing under or near your bird feeder, before the plant goes to seed.
7. Re-home unwanted pets such as turtles and lizards. Releasing a pet to the wild is never the right thing. Educate yourself and others http://www.dontletitloose.com
8. Learn about biological control or using natural insect enemies to control invasive plants, and consider this management option for your property.
9. Clean, drain and dry your boat and equipment to prevent moving aquatic invaders from one lake to another.
10. Encourage friends and neighbours to learn more about invasive plants and animals, and share information that you have learned such as how to identify a certain species. Are any of these on your list? Jan. 1 is only a few days away. I would love to hear what resolutions you have decided on to help you and the environment around you. Happy new year! For information on invasive species go to our website: www.oasiss.ca or contact the Program Coordinator for the Okanagan-Similkameen, Lisa Scott, at 250-404-0115.