Wednesday, April 5, 2023 – The District of Sooke invites residents to a community clean up and broom-busting blitz at 2280 Pyrite Drive on Friday, April 21st from 10 am to 1 pm! Equipment and complimentary refreshments will be provided.
The event is taking place in celebration of Earth Day and provides an opportunity for residents to come together with a common cause – removing invasive scotch broom, clearing litter and enjoying time in nature.
“This event is a great way to meet like-minded members of the community,” says Jessica Boquist, Parks and Environmental Services Coordinator. “It’s incredible to see the amount of invasives we can tackle by coming together with this sort of area-specific blitz.”
Along with District parks staff, volunteers from the Sooke Broombusters and Juan de Fuca Trails Society will be on hand to guide participants. No experience is necessary.
While tools will be available on loan for the event, supplies are limited. Residents with broom-cutting loppers are encouraged to bring them if they have them. Those attending are asked to dress for the weather – the event will be a go, rain or shine!
Get FireSmart!
Also at the event, a FireSmart Information Station. “Broom is a keen ignition source. Working to remove the species can have a big impact on mitigating our wildfire risk,” shares Ashlene Aktarian, the District’s FireSmart Coordinator. “Sooke’s wildfire risk is more significant than many realize. I’m hoping to connect with residents to help the community be more proactive in the face of our (wildfire) risk,” Aktarian says.
Invasive species management and FireSmart education are identified as priorities for 2023 in the Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan implementation. Learn more about the Plan Implementation at letstalk.sooke.ca/sooke2030
Media contact:
Christina Moog, Communications Coordinator
Tel: 250.642.1634, ext. 678
e: cmoog@sooke.ca
