The Westman Naturalists enjoy learning more about what's in their own backyard, and this Friday evening they will be learning about those plants that just don't belong in our prairie landscape!  Plants like purple loosestrife, leafy spurge, baby's breath, and spotted knapweed.

Mike Bagamery will be sharing what the Canadian Council on Invasive Species’ Youth Nature Keepers have done to address the destructive impacts of certain introduced species.

Bagamery has a BA in political science and a master’s degree in natural resource management from the University of Manitoba.

President of the Westman Naturalists, Alex Koiter, says all are welcome to attend in person at Brandon University, or by zoom.  Bagamery will be sharing his presentation via zoom at the Brody Building at Brandon University.

"Invasive species are what many people encounter from us naturalists who are seeing changes, and that are out-competing natural species, but also producers like cattle producers where some of these invasive species can be problematic for their operations," explains Koiter.

"So, it's like how does one control new invasive weeds that could potentially be toxic to livestock?" he adds. "So, there's quite a wide range of interest in invasive species because it does impact a number of different groups."

Now that temperatures are warming up, the group is looking forward to spending more time in the outdoors to learn more the plants and critters here in the Westman Region.  Seeing the migratory birds return to their summer homes encourages all of us to spend more time outside!  Needless to say there is lots of excitement amongst the Westman Naturalists community.

"Spring is here and those in our organization will be gearing up for our outdoor events as well.  So, people should be watching our website and social media feeds for these upcoming events because it will be everything from short, in-town [City of Brandon] nature walks, to carpools and convoys to a determined location to look at birds, plants and animals.  And sometimes we just go to look at the landscape.  They're all under our naturalist's umbrella!" add Koiter.

The Westman Naturalists are a group of amateur naturalists with the goal of exploring and enjoying the natural beauty and history of south-western Manitoba, from wildlife to wildflowers and everything in between.

For more on those plants and critters that don't belong in Manitoba visit the Invasive Species Council of Manitoba HERE!

For more information on this and more upcoming events with the Westman Naturalists, visit their website HERE!

Invasive Species and the CCIS Youth Nature Keepers Event Details:

Time: 7:00 PM, Friday, April 19th
Location: Brodie Building Rm 3-47, Brandon University & Online

Blue weed is a prolific seed producer; a single plant can produce 2,800 seeds and is potentially poisonous and unpalatable to grazers. Bouncing Bet is native to Europe and is an escaped ornamental that contains saponin glycosides, which means that it can be toxic if eaten.  Common Tansy can reduce productivity of pastures for livestock and threatens the ecological health of areas. It contains several toxic compounds which pose a health risk for animals and humans if eaten or absorbed through the skin.   (photos and plant information credit to the Invasive Species Council of Manitoba)