Mt. Douglas Park is being invaded by invasive plants and English holly is certainly one of the species at the top of the priority list for members of the Friends of Mt. Douglas Park Society. This thirsty, aggressive evergreen tree (seen on the right) quickly displaces native flora by creating a dense overhead canopy and, where opportunity exists, will also produce a thick ground cover reducing available light for native vegetation. For safety and liability reasons, Saanich Parks does not permit regis
tered volunteers the use of power tools when removing invasive species in the park. With only hand tools at their disposal, controlling the spread of English Holly becomes a hard days labor for volunteers. David Poje, a registered volunteer with the Friends of Mt. Douglas Park Society (seen on the left) is getting ready to haul a large holly shrub out to one of the main park trails for pickup and removal by Saanich staff.Holly is capable of sending out vertical, fast growing shoots from its stems and trunk and lateral stems that run along the ground and root, even after being cut down, making it very difficult to control the spread of this plant. However, long time volunteer, John Jungen, has for years been experimenting with different cutting/de-barking techniques to control the relentless growth of English holly. Although it is still too early to tell, results from trials done last fall appear to be showing some signs of success and the new method of holly control may be an option in the future. All restoration activities conducted by registered volunteers are guided/supervised by Saanich Parks staff. Staff convey directions through a volunteer lead steward attached to each group working in a park. The lead steward is tasked with ensuring work methods employed by volunteer's meet Saanich Parks requirements, policies and bylaws.
