Broombusters have reason to celebrate this year, says organizer Joanne Sales.
That’s because, she said, more than 100 people showed up to cut broom this year, from Courtenay to Nanaimo and Qualicum Beach remains almost broom-free.
“Although the gorse remains, Island Highway through Parksville was cleared of a lot of broom by volunteers and a substantial dent was made in the ocean of broom on the interchanges,” she said. “In Courtenay, teams of up to 20 Broombusters went out a couple times a week for six weeks. The Nanaimo group cleared parks and cut the broom beside Woodgrove Centre. Woodgrove Centre is helping the cause by posting Broombuster signs in the parking lots.
“Rotarians are committed and spreading the word.”
Sales said groups and councils from Campbell River to Victoria are wondering how the Broombuster model can be transplanted to their communities. And that is the goal of Broombusters — to enable and empower communities everywhere to conquer their own broom problems.
“The broom is spreading, but not as fast as the commitment to contain it — to protect our native species and beautiful Islands,” she said.
Now is the end of this year’s broom cutting season.
This Sunday, June 24, there will be a party and celebration for all Broombusters in Coombs, combining the annual general meeting, potluck, brainstorming session, and even some broombusting.
Anyone who was out cutting broom during the spring season is welcome.
For more information visit info@broombusters.org. www.broombusters.org.
The event will be held at 2795 Grafton Avenue, near Butterfly World.