It was a sunny day and the tide was out. Oh what fun it is to go walking along the dyke watching the birds flying overhead, and seeing plenty of ducks in the water, smelling the fresh salty air. There were blackberries being picked by seniors and young children, while others were jogging or taking a walk with their dog(s). A few "birders" were out on the hunt for special species, peering through their binoculars. But a small tough group - well Don Burkett and Tom Siba along with your La Diva went trapsing towards the muck with shovels, heavy duty garbage bags and grit! We were digging out the spartina angelica and were prepared!. After an hour of digging and loading the large amount of bags that we brought, we were done!

But we still plan to come back a few more times, while the weather stays warm and try to get rid of more of this invasive plant with the pretty name. Come help and volunteer! The more volunteers, the faster the job gets done and we all end up helping the environment. All you need is rubber boots, a shovel and a bit of brut force. Come help out and enjoy a day at the beach with us!

Here is an article about this plant on the Corp of Delta website http://www.corp.delta.bc.ca/EN/main/residents/771/808/spartina_anglica.html and at Ducks Unlimited: 

http://www.ducks.ca/province/bc/volunteer/spartina.html 

Spartina invasion in Boundary Bay

Volunteer for the annual removal of Spartina in Boundary Bay, Delta

The B.C. Spartina Working Group is a consortium of conservation organizations and government agencies committed to monitoring and removing invasive spartina in BC. Spartina anglica is an aggressive aquatic grass that invades intertidal mudflats and beaches. It was planted as a bank stabilizer in Washington and has become a multi million dollar problem, taking over to form monotypic “spartina meadows” that result in a loss of important habitat for fish and wildlife. In BC, the spartina invasion is still in its infancy, and the Spartina Committee partners are employing the “Early Detection, Rapid Response (EDRR)” technique to control its spread – but we need more support! ......

Volunteers are needed to assist in manual removal in the areas of Boundary Bay and Robert’s Bank, Delta.