Tag: atlantic wildlife institute

Volunteer work party Saturday to get rid of invasive species along Tantramar River

A tiny glossy buckthorn sapling, which can be easily confused with native chokecherry. Image: contributed

The Nature Conservancy’s stewardship team has put out a call for volunteers to go to the Atlantic Wildlife Institute in Cookville this Saturday from 10am to 1pm, to help get rid of an invasive shrub that is strangling out other native species.

Aaron Dowding, New Brunswick Stewardship Manager with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, is hoping many hands will make light work in an effort to control glossy buckthorn in areas along the Tantramar River that pass through AWI’s 70 acre property in Cookville. The property has been under a conservation easement with the Nature Conservancy of Canada since 2009, and makes up part of the conservancy’s Chignecto Isthmus Nature Reserve.

CHMA called up Dowding to find about more about Saturday’s work party, and glossy buckthorn.

Glossy buckthorn is not actually thorny, so volunteers don’t need special equipment, but Dowding recommends bringing a good pair of gloves, a water bottle, and a lunch.

People wanting to participate can contact Caroline Blakely via email (caroline.blakely at natureconservancy.ca) or register online at www.conservationvolunteers.ca until noon Friday.

Glossy buckthorn was introduced to Canada about a century ago, says Dowding, as an ornamental plant that attracts birds. Unfortunately its popularity with birds also helps it spread its seeds and propagate easily, and as the plant moved into wild forests it took over the understory and mid-canopy, says Dowding.

Nature Conservancy staffer tackles glossy buckthorn.
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