Banish Burdock Event Success!
Earlier this week, we hosted an event in collaboration with Patagonia Whistler to remove invasive common burdock from the valley trail in Whistler Village.
With nothing but shovels, raincoats and sheer determination, our volunteers tackled this persistent invasive plant in the drizzling rain.
We had an amazing turnout of 15 volunteers who dedicated their Tuesday evening to cutting off seed heads and digging up taproots. We removed 12 large bags of invasive plant material, which was no small feat – common burdock taproots can extend over a meter deep, and this plant often grows in gravelly, hard-packed soil.
Deadheading and digging out the roots
As many burdock plants are in flower, our volunteers started off by deadheading the plants. By removing the flowers, we’re preventing the seeds from spreading further.
Everyone then got to work digging up the burdock taproots. These roots can resemble large, white carrots and are notoriously tough to remove, especially in the packed, gravelly soil along the Valley Trail. Our volunteers put in an incredible effort to get them out!
How come some burdock plants are in flower, and others aren’t?
Burdock is a biennial (or sometimes perennial plant), which means that its lifecycle typically lasts two years.
In its first year, burdock focuses on growing larger and storing energy. In its second year (sometimes third), it produces flowers. So, the burdock plants currently in flower are likely in their second or third year of growth, while the non-flowering ones are likely still in their first year.
That said, a two-year-old burdock might delay its flowering if it was previously removed improperly. For example, if the leaves are cut but the taproot is left behind, the plant can re-sprout and continue growing. It may flower (with renewed fervour!) later in the same season, or the next year.
Thank you, Banish Burdock volunteers and supporters!
We want to say a huge thank you to all of our Banish Burdock volunteers – you are the backbone of our program (or is it the taproot?) and you have made such an impactful difference in reducing common burdock density in our community.
We want to thank Escape!Whistler for their generous donation of a 2-person gift card to an escape room. Our lucky winner for this prize is: Elliot.
Congratulations Elliot, and thank you for volunteering with us!
We are thankful for the help and support of Patagonia Whistler, who supported us by promoting the event and offering a dry place for everyone to socialize after the weed pull. The treats that Purebread generously donated went a long way towards helping us forget the inclement weather!
Lastly, we also thank our funders, including the Whistler Community Foundation, the Squamish Community Foundation, BC Hydro, and the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. The Banish Burdock program is made possible in part by their generous contributions.
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