Volunteers from the Friends of Holland Creek have been shoulder deep in broom and other invasive species around the Ladysmith area in their quest to protect biodiversity.
Although fall is not the best time to be cutting broom, the group is still active in their efforts to bring awareness about unwanted plants and to protect the biodiversity of Holland Creek.
“We had over 200 hours of volunteer time and 20 volunteers sign up and some others did their own patches,” said Nikki Toxopeus, Friends of Holland Creek volunteer. “We had volunteers at all the work parties ranging from one to eight. We usually had five or six for each of the community cuts.”
Over the summer months the volunteers have been doing a regular shift on the first and third Mondays, working at Transfer Beach and in Holland Creek.
“We have been developing a website and we’re very fortunate for the volunteers who are doing the artwork, etc. for that. The website will give us the opportunity to have more up to date information on our activities and also tips for people,” Toxopeus said.
The group is proud of what they've achieved this spring and summer.
"We’re on target with our plans to clear a buffer zone around the parks," Toxopeus said. "The best results are the areas that people live in or walk in as they come out to help clear the broom and continue to work there on their own.”
Toxopeus expressed thanks to the town’s parks operations for their support.
“The town crew picked up the piles from these people as well as the community cuts around the parks,” she said.
The volunteers are hoping to put signs up showing the absence of broom in some areas.
“We can see it, because we know we have cleared it, but it would be good to advertise to others,” Toxopeus said. “The biggest challenge is the remote areas, the inaccessible areas and the mature dense stands of broom on private land or developing areas which introduce new broom into the area. We are working with developers and the town to address these areas.”
To keep everyone up to date the Friends of Holland Creek have a series of events lined up and Toxopeus requested those interested email [email protected]. The events from September to December are:
• Sept. 9, from 2-4 p.m. the Ladysmith Arts Council have organized an afternoon of “en plein air” painting and sketching at the Transfer Beach native plant gardens. Bring your own equipment and sign up by emailing [email protected] with Holland Creek in the header.
• Oct. 2 from 7-8:30 p.m. the Coastal Invasive Species Council of BC is organizing an online talk on managing the invasive species the group encounters in their work in the Ladysmith area. To register email the Friends of Holland Creek.
• Oct. 29 from 7-9 p.m. is an iNaturalist for Nature in person session at the Frank Jameson Community Centre. Learn how to use the iNaturalist for the Bioblitz, or the group’s restoration work and as a tool for your own learning. Bring your own mobile device with the iNaturalist app installed if possible. Sign up on www.reccowichan.ca event 105706.
• Nov. 26 from 7-9 p.m. is the Friends of Holland Creek public meeting. This is an opportunity to share your ideas on how to best protect Holland Creek and prepare for 2026. The location will be in Ladysmith and will be confirmed when the number of attendees is determined. Those interested in registering should email [email protected]
The group is also holding ongoing events such as meadow and shrubbery care at Transfer Beach on the first Monday of the month until the end of November. Sessions are from 10 a.m. to noon and folks are to meet at the Kinsmen Shelter at Transfer Beach. This is an opportunity to learn how to care for the butterfly meadow and bird shrubbery, collect seeds and learn about our native plants.
The walks and work bees in Holland Creek are the third Monday of the month until the end of November. Gather at the information kiosk at Sixth Avenue and Methuen Street at 10 a.m. Invasive plant control or native plantings will be the discussions and attendees are asked to bring loppers or snippers if they can.
