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Invasive Species
Invasive plant species have had devastating impacts in many areas, and are considered one of the greatest threats to biodiversity in our world today.
These invasive plants are non-native species, which typically do not have natural controls in their introduced range to keep their populations balanced. When invasive species arrive in a new ecosystem, they can spread rapidly, out-competing native vegetation and compromising natural shelter and food sources for wildlife.
Invasive plants can be introduced into natural areas in a number of ways. Some examples include: dispersal by seed, direct / vegetative growth, introduction as a garden ornamental, or through the improper disposal of garden waste.
Japanese knotweed
(Polygonum cuspidatum) patch
(Photo: J. Peers)
We can help slow down the spread of these species by:
- Removing them from gardens and natural areas
- Not planting known invasives in gardens
- Properly disposing of garden waste
- Raising awareness about the invasive species issue
Stanley Park and Invasive Species
English ivy (Hedera helix)
(Photo: J. Peers)
Here in Stanley Park, there are a number of invasive plant species threatening the ecological integrity of the Park's forests and sensitive ecosystems. Some examples of these plants include English ivy (Hedera helix), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus discolor), English holly (Ilex aquifolium), and Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum).
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) in bloom
(Photo: J. Peers)
Several of these plants are well-established and have already had a negative impact on Stanley Park's forests. For example, we estimate that up to 30% of the forested area in Stanley Park has already been covered by English ivy. Many others are just getting established, such as purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), and require immediate management before they become too extensive. As a result of these issues, invasive species management has become a priority in Stanley Park in order to conserve the natural forested areas, and ensure native plant survival in restoration zones
Invasive Species and Climate Change
A range of research has shown that some of potential impacts of climate change, such as increased concentration in atmospheric CO2 and nitrogen disposition, may increase the invasiveness of some plant species. With a predicted increase in the number of invasives entering our ecosystems, it is possible that these potential "biological invaders would alter basic ecosystem properties in ways that feed back to affect many components of global change" (Dukes and Mooney, 1999). Click here for more background information on climate change in Stanley Park
Visit our Ivy Busters and Stewardship Volunteer Opportunities page to see how you can help save Stanley Park's sensitive ecosystems from these invaders!
Invasive Species and Restoration Links
Invasive Species in Metro Vancouver and Coastal Areas:
- Greater Vancouver Invasive Plant Council
- Evergreen Invasive Species Resource Sheets and Poster
- Weedbusters Volunteer Manual
- Langley Environmental Partners Society
- Coastal Invasive Plant Council
- Pacific Spirit Park and Invasive Species Management
Invasive Species in British Columbia:
- Invasive Plant Council of BC
- Weeds BC (Ministry of Agriculture and Lands)
- BC Ministry of Forests and Range (Invasives page)
