Invasive plants are everyone’s problem, and need to be everyone’s solution. People are the largest spreader of invasive plants. Here are some ways that you can help:

Gardeners

• Know what you grow. Avoid purchasing known invasive plants. Be suspicious of exotic plants promoted as "fast spreaders" or "vigorous self-seeders" as these are often invasive plants.
• Avoid picking plants from roadsides, gravel pits or other disturbed areas.
• Control and dispose of invasive plants prior to flower or seed development.
• Request that local botanical gardens, nurseries, and gardening clubs promote, display or sell non-invasive plants

Land Managers & Land Owners

• Control established invasive plants using methods appropriate to site and species. For example; hand pulling, digging, cutting, and mowing.
• Minimize soil disturbance and damage to desirable vegetation.
• Promptly seed or re-vegetate disturbed areas with non-invasive plants.
• Since invasive plants are extremely persistent, ongoing control and monitoring is often required.

Disposal

• Dead-head and dispose of invasive plant seeds, seed heads or fruit prior to flowering and seed maturity.
• Don't "recycle" garden debris into a public park or natural area.
• Avoid composting invasive plants, as they can often quickly re-establish themselves.
• Collect invasive plant material in heavy plastic bags; transport to local transfer station or landfill for deep burial or incinerate.
• For remote areas, try to pack out flowers/seeds in a bag for disposal. Leave uprooted plant parts to dry out and decay.

Education

• Learn to identify the invasive plants in your area.
• Participate in local events like community weed pulls.
• Spread the word, not the weeds! Communicate the importance of invasive plant management to friends, family, neighbours and co-workers.

Recreation

• Stay on existing roads and trails and avoid travelling in weed infested areas to prevent seed dispersal.
• Clean equipment, tools, vehicles and footwear before leaving an area that is infested with invasive plants.
• Choose weed-free parking and staging areas.
• Report sightings of invasive plants. Visit the 'Report-A-Weed' page to find out about the different options for reporting new infestations.