In the past, we printed a warning about “Giant Hogweed” at the start of our canoeing season. See here. So far this season, we have seen some along the banks of the Nith River.
This year, for those of you who are hiking in rural areas, possibly near rivers and lakes, there is a good reason to watch out for these plants as they start their growing season. This may also be helpful for those of you who have cottages or like to camp near rivers or lakes.
The following warning is being sent out via email to other groups. Since we make many stops along the shoreline on both rivers and lakes during our canoe trips and we may encounter giant hogweed, it seems like a good time to share:
The giant hogweed plants have sprouted. They are presently a good contrast against the background of winter-dead and they a are larger than the other plants around.
Please check your riverside properties from the water edge to a place just above the high water lines from the last seven years.
If you find any, they can be dug with a shovel and turned over so the sun can scorch them. It is only necessary to cut the root off at 4” to 6” below the soil.
Please report any new findings with GPS coordinates and a photo to gianthogweed@rogers.com so that we can map the spread.
More info is available at the Facebook group Giant Hogweed Mitigation Project.
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