Restoration of Black Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) At Tower Point, Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park

Abstract

The field at the entrance to Tower Point, part of Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park in Metchosin BC, contains one of the only identified populations of Black Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) in the Capital Regional District. This project attempted to restore part of this field through the manual excavation of Black Knapweed, filling the pits created with soil, and sowing native grass mix within the area to promote grass regrowth. Due to the current list of challenges faced, the restoration of Black Knapweed is a project that progresses slowly and could use a burst of funding or activity to prevent greater expenses in the long term. However, it is a project that volunteers may be helpful for, and is a project that has the potential to prevent Black Knapweed from establishing itself within the Capital Regional District.