As part of Sheridan’s effort to promote the health of the natural environment that surrounds our campuses, an area at the Trafalgar campus that is filled with an invasive species will be undergoing a transformation. The invasive species, called “buckthorn”, poses a threat to campus biodiversity. The site is located just west of the Student Parking Lot 1, between J wing and the roundabout in front of SCAET. A contractor will be on site to have this un-wanted species removed this Friday, September 25 between 8 am and noon.
What is buckthorn and why do we need to remove it?
Buckthorn is a woody plant first introduced to Canada as a windbreak in farms. It grows quickly in a variety of light and soil conditions and forms a dense bush that prevents native tree and shrub species from establishing themselves in the same area. It has brown, coarse bark. Its green, oval leaves have minute teeth along the edges and each leaf has 3-4 pairs of veins curving towards the leaf tip. Its twigs contains sharp thorns. Birds and mice eat the fruits (black berries) which act as a laxative. Each berry continues 3 to 4 seeds.
The buckthorn at this Trafalgar location is more than three metres tall. Over the last few years, all other plants have disappeared from here because of buckthorn’s invasive nature. This dense bush is also presenting a security risk as it blocks visibility around the plot.
What to expect on Friday:
On Friday morning, a few parking spots on the east side of the plot will be blocked off. The removal process will involve grinding out all the stumps 15 inches below grade. All the wood, chips and soil will be removed.
What to anticipate for the upcoming winter and spring:
After the removal of this plot, new top soil will be placed to prepare for planting a new garden in spring. A design plan will be put together during the winter. The new garden will include native wildflowers that support pollinators and trees that provide shade. There will be a call-out for volunteers to help plant the garden in the spring time. Please stay tuned.
How you can help:
If you would like to share expertise in designing a native garden, or if you have any ideas and suggestions for the new garden, please contact Wai Chu Cheng, Sustainability Coordinator, at waichu.cheng@sheridancollege.ca.