Monday, April 22, 2024 – The District of Sooke is pleased to announce that the complimentary broom drop-off program is back! As broom begins to bloom, it’s the right time to cut and remove the plant, aiding in the ongoing effort to mitigate the spread of invasive species and reduce wildfire hazards in the area.
Sooke residents are invited to bring their cut broom to the designated drop-off station at the District of Sooke Parks Yard, located at 2070 Kaltasin Road on Saturdays, from May 4 to 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Scotch broom, an invasive woody shrub introduced to southern Vancouver Island in the 1850s, poses ecological threats by competing with native plant species and altering soil chemistry. Its removal is important in reducing wildfire risks and preserving local biodiversity.
In addition to the drop-off service, residents are encouraged to engage in local broom-busting events, including one this Friday, April 26 – meet at the Broomhill playground at 9:30 a.m. For more local events, please visit sooke.ca/events.
Media contact:
Christina Moog, Communications Coordinator
District of Sooke
Tel: 250.642.1634, ext. 678
e: cmoog@sooke.ca
More about the April 26th Community Clean Up (+ Broom-Busting Event):
Come together as stewards of Sooke as we tackle the removal of broom and other invasive species litter cleanup near Broomhill playground alongside the Friends of Sooke Parks Society, the Juan Fuca Community Trails Society, Sooke Broombusters and all interested volunteers.
Meet at the picnic shelter at 9:30 AM to enjoy a light refreshment, hot tea and coffee, and receive a safety orientation as community volunteers come together to make a difference. After 2.5 hours lunch will be provided for volunteers, alongside the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company!
Please dress for the weather and bring your own tools if you have them. Limited supplies of additional tools and safety gloves are available for community volunteers. Children are welcome, with parent/guardian supervision, to assist with the litter cleanup and smaller invasive plant species removal.