Volunteers from the North Columbia Environmental Society and the new Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society hit the Illecillewaet Green Belt to uproot thousands of invasive Himalayan orchids which colonized the ditch on the north side of BC Hydro’s dyke that parallels the river. “We had 16 people pulling Himalayan orchid… and managed to remove about 100 metres by 10 metres of the infestation – probably about half of what was there,” CSISS Coordinator Natalie Stafl said Friday evening. “There were about 30 full-sized garbage bags (filled with the fast-growing weed) removed in all. Thanks to BC Hydro for sponsoring the event. The utility paid for gloves, pizza and miscellaneous items.” David F. Rooney photo
