Broombusters in Sooke

04/02/2026

🔥 Did you know invasive plants can increase wildfire risk?

Species like Scotch broom don’t just spread fast—they create highly flammable fuel that can burn hotter and faster, increasing the severity of wildfires.

Even after a fire, invasive plants are often the first to return—outcompeting native species and setting the stage for future fires 🔥

By Lisa Houle | June 11, 2024 In a recent announcement by the B.C. Government, the Ministry of Forests is investing $15 million in 2024 to protect water, water infrastructure…

03/09/2026

❤️

Today on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women who help lead the fight against invasive species. 🌿💪

From volunteer broom-busting crews and organizers to educators and community advocates, women play a vital role in protecting our local ecosystems and restoring native habitats.

Your dedication, teamwork, and passion for the environment are making a real difference across our landscapes.

Thank you to all the amazing women of Broombusters — today we celebrate you!

02/28/2026

"A volunteer team will work from March 1 to April 15..."

02/23/2026

20 years of Broombusters!

02/06/2026

Yes, Ladysmith! 👏

20 Years of Impact | Community Walkways

Trails and walkways connect communities — and keeping them healthy takes care and commitment.

In 2025 in Ladysmith, Broombusters focused on removing invasive species along well-used routes, helping protect both accessibility and biodiversity.

01/30/2026

20 Years of Impact | Urban Parks
Even in busy urban areas, restoration matters.
Broombusters have continued work in Coquitlam’s parks and trails in 2025, tackling invasive species that threaten native ecosystems and wildlife habitat.

20 Years of Impact | Urban Parks

Even in busy urban areas, restoration matters.

Broombusters have continued work in Coquitlam’s parks and trails, tackling invasive species that threaten native ecosystems and wildlife habitat.

Broombusters in Coquitlam

01/25/2026

20 Years of Impact | Public Spaces 🌳🌿 "Broombusters were proud to support restoration efforts at North Island College in Port Alberni in May 2025.
Healthy campuses start with healthy ecosystems — and removing invasive species helps native plants reclaim space where students learn and gather."

01/16/2026

For 20 years, Broombusters have been showing up where it matters — restoring 🌿 ecosystems, protecting 🚶‍♀️ trails, and supporting communities across BC. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing some of the places where Broombusters made a difference in 2025.

From rail corridors to school grounds, public spaces to community trails — this is what long-term stewardship looks like. 🌱

Learn more about us at www.broombusters.org

10/31/2025

🌿 Happy BC Non-Profit Day! 🌿

Today we join non-profits across the province in celebrating the incredible impact of volunteers and community organizations that help make British Columbia a better place to live. 💚

At Broombusters Invasive Plant Society, we’re proud to be part of this movement — working alongside dedicated volunteers, municipalities, and community partners to restore native habitats and keep our landscapes broom-free! 💪🌱

A huge thank-you to every Broombuster who gives their time and energy to protect BC’s ecosystems. Your work matters — and together, we’re making a difference!

Broombusters in Parksville Qualicum Broombusters in the Alberni Valley Broombusters in Coquitlam Broombusters in Sooke Broombusters in qathet/City of Powell River 💚

05/25/2025

"The spring bloom is a beautiful thing, as flowers opening signal the summer to come. But with it comes a bloom of more unwelcome species – like Scotch Broom.

In Sooke and surrounding regions, the notorious yellow plant is everywhere, covering hills and roadsides in a sea of obnoxious yellow flowers. Now, one Sooke resident is taking the fight against the flora invasion into his own hands.

“I’m just tired of watching ecological crises pass us by, as we pretend it’s too far gone to make a difference,” said Asteroid, who asked to omit his last name. Asteroid took to Facebook earlier this May, asking fellow community members if they would help him remove broom in the area.

Broom is notoriously invasive and harmful to the native environment. Aside from its tendency to displace native plants and reduce biodiversity, it is also extremely flammable and attracts ticks.

Asteroid said the Facebook response from residents was so positive that he is now planning a day of communal broom removal.

“There really is a simple solution. We just have to get up and make the change we want to see in the world, no matter how small,” he said.

“If we are walking, running or crawling, any effort to better our community is an effort well made.”

The event will take place May 30 at 2 p.m. at the Garry Oak Meadow in Sooke Potholes Provincial Park.

“Garry oak areas are some of Canada’s most endangered ecosystems. Once common in coastal areas of southwest British Columbia, less than 5 per cent of these ecosystems remain in a near-natural condition,” Asteroid said on Facebook.

Participants can meet by the Sooke Potholes Regional Park sign on the day and are asked to bring gardening tools, if they have them, gloves and a drink. There will be some spare equipment available for those without.

“It's best to get into starting to clear it now before the seed pods start to crack. It's preferable to do so before they even begin to develop, and we are in that stage now,” Asteroid said on Facebook.

For more information or updates on the event, visit the Sooke Ecological Restoration page."