Joanne Sales is the Founder and Executive Director of Broombusters. Joanne is an organic blueberry farmer in Coombs and an award-winning columnist. In 2006, she was distressed as she watched Scotch broom spread across farm fields and towards her farm. She contacted the Town of Qualicum Beach and MOTI. “Why aren’t you getting rid of the Scotch broom?” The Town answered, “We don’t have the manpower.” Sales responded, “If we cut it, will you remove it?” The answer was YES! Broombusters was born.
Clearly, Joanne was not the only person concerned about the spread of this aggressive, invasive alien plant. Each year, Joanne reached out to different municipals, and soon residents from all over Vancouver Island started to contact her. “We want to do what Qualicum Beach is doing!” Almost 20 years later, over 14 local governments welcome over 600 Broombuster volunteers who cut broom over 6000 hours a year. Joanne is now the executive director of an ever-expanding non-profit: Broombusters Invasive Plant Society.
The success and obstacles faced by Broombusters makes for an interesting story, but of greater interest is this: Why do hundreds of volunteers spend dozens of hours each spring cutting broom? Can this plant with such lovely yellow flowers really be all that bad? YES, IT CAN!
In the presentation, you’ll hear about:
- The harm done to our native ecosystem by Scotch broom (wildfire risks, loss of biodiversity, loss of park and farmland, obstacle to forest regrowth, etc.).
- Strategies of removal, what works and what doesn’t.
- Strategies of engagement – how to get neighbourhoods, towns and regions free of broom.
- What is working in other communities on Vancouver Island, the Sunshine coast and mainland? What are others doing?
Nanaimo is in a unique situation. Since 2009, Nanaimo Broombusters have been making a huge impact, but now we’re looking for two new leaders in Nanaimo to help keep this effort going. In a world with so many overwhelming problems, we often feel powerless. But cutting broom is something simple we can do. It is easy to see success, sets an example, builds community, makes a visible difference – and it’s fun!
Check out www.broombusters.org. Cut Broom in Bloom! Starting mid-April.
Meetings are held in person at Bowen Park Social Centre – Room 2 and Online via Zoom