For the second year, the Town of Cochrane is taking applications for the Weed Pull for Cash program and helping local groups earn $300 by removing weeds in local parks.
The Alberta government regulates noxious weeds, prohibited noxious weeds and weed seeds; the town complies with the regulations and educates the community on ways to control invasive species.
Laurie Drukier, senior communications advisor with the town, said staff are mostly pulling Canada Thistle. Some of the other invasive plants are Scentless Chamomile, Hounds Tongue, Tall Buttercup, Yellow Clematis, Black Henbane and Dames Rocket. She said they have been focusing on the Historic Ranche site and will continue there this year.
The town’s goal is to sustain, preserve and enhance the aesthetic beauty and heritage features of our natural and developed park areas. Reducing invasive species helps native plants and animals survive and thrive in the area.
Last year, over 200 bags of weeds were hand-pulled through the program. The town encourages people to report infestations, even if they’re unsure of the plants.
Local groups, teams and charitable organizations can apply to pull weeds in a town park and help reduce invasive species in town. After successful completion of the weed pull, the town will donate $300 to the group.
Groups must be based in Cochrane and have greater than 50 per cent of active members residing in the town. It was must an accredited and legitimate organization.
For more information and application forms, go to cochrane.ca/weedpull
