The Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council (SSISC), an environmental non-profit organization committed to minimizing the
threat of invasive species in the Sea to Sky Corridor, will be facilitating the Adopt-a-Trail program along the Valley Trail
through the summer months.
This community-wide campaign is designed to target Common Burdock, a pesky, prickly, prevalent invasive plant that can be spotted frequently along the Valley Trail.
As part of the Adopt-a-Trail program, residents are invited to ‘adopt’ a short segment of the Valley Trail by committing
to remove the Common Burdock plants found in their section during the growing season. “The Valley Trail is beloved by
the Whistler community and visitors alike. This is a great opportunity for community members to become involved in
enhancing native vegetation along the trail network to help protect Whistler’s biodiversity, while also getting out in the
fresh air”, explained Clare Greenberg, SSISC’s Executive Director.
Participants can visit ssisc.ca/burdock to sign up; families, businesses, roommates, and groups of friends are welcome to sign up.
Common Burdock (Arctium minus) is most distinguishable by its purple flower heads that mature into prickly and
clinging brown burs, as well as its large wavy-edged leaves. It is not uncommon for trail users to come upon the velcro-
like burs stuck to their clothing, gear, and pets. Burs can cling onto a variety of materials for many kilometres, and the
popularity of the Valley Trail allows it to be a transport corridor for the easily dispersed seeds.
“Burdock plants out-shade and displace native vegetation, and can be a hazard for birds and bats that get tangled up in
the burs”, explained Greenberg. By participating in the Adopt-A-Trail program, residents can help contain Common
Burdock by suppressing its population and preventing it from moving further down the trails.
The removal of Common Burdock can be done with a mattock or shovel by digging up the taproot. Flowering heads, burs
and all plant parts must be bagged and disposed of with general household waste or in the invasive species bin at the
transfer station. “It’s important to avoid composting invasive plants like Common Burdock, because they may survive
the composting process and spread further”, specified Greenberg.
To help SSISC stop the spread of invasive Burdock in Whistler, and to find out more about the program, go to
www.ssisc.ca/burdock.