Scotch thistle rosette/ Scotch thistle in bloom. (Submitted photos)

By Kevin Rothwell

Spiny plants can be a big problem

Invasive scotch thistle targeted in Kal Lake Provincial Park

Apr 30, 2021 | 5:10 PM

Friends of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park are headed out Sunday May 2 to hunt down scotch thistle plants before they grow into a big thorny problem.

“Scotch thistles grow to be huge and spiny, but right now, they are small and easy to remove. Large stands in Kal Park could interfere with recreation, transform the appearance of grasslands, and even prevent wildlife from moving freely. Join us to keep them out of Kal Park,” Biologist Simone Runyan stated in a Facebook post, looking for volunteers.

In early spring, Scotch thistles are small (in the rosette stage) and can easily be dispatched by slicing the top of the taproot an inch below the leaves. The leaves are then turned over to desiccate and the soil patted back down.

Volunteers can find information on helping out at this link or you can meet at the red gate at 9 a.m. with the event going until 11 a.m.

People are asked bring a ditching shovel (or regular shovel or spade), gardening gloves, water, snack, sunscreen, hat, COVID masks, sanitizer etc. Hiking boots or rubber boots are recommended.

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All Covid-19 protocols will be observed. Working groups will not exceed 10 people with physical distancing measures in place.

On April 28, a group of 18 friends of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park met at the Cosens Bay parking lot and, under the direction of Runyan and supervision of BC Park Ranger Ryan Poverchook, spent a couple of hours discovering and pulling the invasive Garlic Mustard plant.

Volunteers pulling invasive Garlic Mustard plant (photo credit: Peter Horsley)

The Invasive Species Council of B.C. along with the Regional District of North Okanagan have a four person team starting next week, to assist with a growing invasive plant problem in the region.