City, Grasslands Naturalists partner to remove invasive buckthorn

Medicine Hat – Members of Grasslands Naturalists are continuing work to remove common buckthorn, an invasive plant species, from Police Point Park.

The shrub, native to Europe and Asia, can grow to be as large as a mature tree. In Alberta, it is a prohibited noxious weed capable of outcompeting native species and negatively impacting the area biodiversity.

Grasslands Naturalists are using mechanical methods to extract or girdle the identified invasive species. The soil conditions are ideal for removal, and the time of year is pertinent to prevent the weeds from setting seed.

Since the project began in 2021, members have treated or removed more than 75 shrubs of varying sizes within Police Point Park. The group is continuing to share findings with the Parks and Recreation’s integrated pest management team who will determine how effective these control measures are.

The City of Medicine Hat continues to provide support for this initiative by picking up the collected material and disposing of it appropriately.

For more information about this invasive weed, visit the Animal and Pests Control page. 

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