(Photo by Robert Barossi)

By Robert Barossi

Invasive species can be more than just a nuisance. They can seriously impact the ecosystem they invade, and those impacts are often, if not usually, negative. They can be detrimental to many other species in the area, including robbing those species of food or other resources. This story focuses on the Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, not far from the city of Edmonton. Volunteers have been an essential part of the process which has greatly reduced the amount of creeping thistle in the area. One of the story’s many great aspects is the mention of the “invasive species appetizers” volunteers were served, along with recipes to take home with them. Dandelion pesto, anyone?

The Sanctuary’s website is here and here is a link to Nature Conservancy of Canada, which recently hosted the invasive species removal event for the ninth time.