On Saturday October 3rd, the Greater Victoria Green Team joined forces with The Land Conservancy to remove invasive Common Periwinkle at Ayum Creek Park in Sooke. Our efforts were led by Biologist and Land Manager for The Land Conservancy, Torrey Archer who instructed volunteers on how to clip periwinkle at ground level and then cover the forest understory with cardboard to prevent regrowth.
Common Periwinkle, scientifically referred to vinca minor, is a small evergreen plant with glossy dark green leaves and white or purple flowers that typically bloom in spring and summer. Similar to English Ivy, Common Periwinkle is a smothering invasive, forming dense mats on the forest floor, which creates a monoculture, suppresses native plant species and reduces biodiversity. Currently located in the Lower Mainland of BC and parts of Vancouver Island, Common Periwinkle can withstand poor growing conditions, which has allowed it to continue spreading through BC.
In order to prevent further spread of this species please be ‘PlantWise’ when selecting ornamental plants for gardens. Use alternative non-invasive species in place of ornamental invasive plants.
THANK YOU
Thank you to our volunteers: Dean, Brandy, Claudia, Robyn, Josiah, Grace, Catrien, Julian, Lori, Megan, Bernard, Richard, and Tiago.
Thank you to The Land Conservancy for supporting GVGT programs – it is always a joy to work with you. We look forward to our final event for 2020 on October 27th.
A Photo Album from the day are found here!
Group Photos!
Highlights
- In total 18 GVGT volunteers came out to help clip Periwinkle and cover the ground with cardboard, totalling more than 35 hours!
- An area of ~275 square metres was worked on – impressive!
- 8 people were introduced to Ayum Creek Park and 5 people had never worked with Common Periwinkle before!
- Volunteers reported feeling welcomed and appreciated as well as safe and left feeling accomplished.
- Thank you to our in-kind sponsors who donated thank you gifts to our community: EarthRated dog poop bags, tea lights from Honey Candles, Lush hard perfume and West Coast Seeds.
Participant Quotes
I enjoyed the socializing and learning from other members of the community. I liked making a difference to help the forest thrive and the common goal of bringing people together.
This event creates a more meaningful connection with the land for me. Doing these kinds of things definitely gives me a feeling of attachment to conservation areas.
I enjoyed everything: It was fun, well organized, I learned new things. Thank you for the opportunity!
