What do Himalayan blackberry, English ivy, Scotch broom, Gorse and Policeman’s helmet have in common? They are all invasive plants that have discovered Vancouver Island is a great place to grow.
A free public presentation in Yellow Point will help residents learn how to identify, remove, and replace invasive plant species to support ecological restoration in their own backyards.
On Thursday, June 26, the Yellow Point Ecological Society (YES) is hosting “Landscapes Under Pressure: Combating Invasive Species and Reconnecting Native Habitats,” a talk by ecological restoration consultant Hunter Jarratt. The event begins at 7 p.m. at the North Oyster Community Hall, 13469 Cedar Rd.
An invasive plant is a non-native plant that has the potential to negatively impact the composition, structure and function of native ecosystems. Vancouver Island is home to many invasive plant species that threaten biodiversity, human health and personal livelihoods.
Just one of these invasive species, Himalayan blackberry, has a significant ecological impact. It outcompetes native species for essential resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients, leading to reduced native plant diversity. It also limits available habitat and food sources for native wildlife, compounding the loss of biodiversity. The Himalayan blackberry forms dense thickets that can obstruct roads, walkways, and other infrastructure, creating hazards and requiring ongoing maintenance.
Locally, YES is working hard to raise awareness of the impact of these plants through workshops, work parties and educational sessions like the event on June 26 with Hunter Jarratt.
Known as “the invasive species guy,” Jarratt is active in many aspects of invasive species control and eco-restoration. He works at KiKi Nursery in Yellow Point, which has a wide array of native plants and provided native plants for the Ladysmith Secondary School Indigenous plant gardens.
Jarratt's presentation will highlight the many species that have invaded Vancouver Island and offer practical solutions for their management. Perhaps most importantly, he will talk about replanting and restoration.
According to Jarratt, knowing where to start can be challenging. His presentation will provide an overview to help guide ecological restoration and stewardship efforts in your garden and community spaces.
He also leads the KiKi Nursery Garry Oak Ecosystem Restoration Project near Woodley Range Ecological Reserve and volunteers in local parks. His work includes advocacy, such as petitioning Nanaimo City Council to adopt stronger invasive species regulations in the mid-Island region, including Cable Bay.
Jarratt was chosen as the Yellow Point Ecological Society’s Green Champion of the Year for 2025.
