About Broombusters
Broombusters is a grassroots organization which was started in 2006 in response to community’s growing concern about the spread of the aggressive invasive species, Scotch broom, on Vancouver Island and lower BC mainland. Broombusters depends on the participation of volunteers, who go out into their own communities in spring to Cut the Bloomin’ Broom; clearing their own and neighbors properties; roads, parks, fields and farms. Volunteers find that Broombusting is fun – so our numbers keep growing. Broombusters is supported by donors, participating municipalities, regional districts and ministries, including MOTI and the BC Gaming Board. Join us!
Mission
Broombusters’ mission is to educate and empower communities to contain the spread of Scotch Broom. It serves as a liaison, linking municipalities, districts, media, ministries and BC Province with concerned members of the community. Broombusters’ strategy of education, inspiration, organization, media involvement and volunteer support culminates in intense 6 week period when residents go out and cut broom in their community. It works!
Broombusters purpose is to:
Limit the spread of Scotch broom; prevent new infestations.
Enable, connect, and empower people to take on the task of controlling Scotch broom.
Inspire and offer opportunities for community involvement and environmental stewardship
Serve as a liaison between government, media, communities and individuals
Provide information, publicity, a website, tools and support to help communities be successful.
Protect the native plant species and animals of British Columbia; to protect and reclaim pastures, meadows and forest lands.
How Does Broombusters Work?
For 4-6 weeks each year, usually mid April-May, while Scotch broom is in bloom, Broombuster volunteers go into chosen roads, parks and fields with loppers in hand, to cut down broom. When cut at ground level while flowers are almost or totally in bloom, Scotch broom plants usually die in the summer’s dry heat. A healthy ground cover will keep new seeds from sprouting. We have successfully eliminated broom from roads all over Vancouver Island, starting in Qualicum Beach (see video.).
Broombusters helps in many ways, that may include education resources, supplying tools, helping with publicity, organization for community cuts, providing promo materials, website listings, demonstrations. coordinating with local governments, and providing an information resource to inspire your community.
Broombusters does not pull broom or dig into the soil as that exposes bare soil, causing the long living seeds from past years to sprout. Fortunately, Scotch Broom is a soft woody weed, and not difficult to cut.
To participate, just contact the local area organizer, or email info@broombusters.org. You don’t have to become a member; just sign a waiver, learn the technique, and join local efforts. You can help for 2 hours or 200 hours! It’s fun. Cut the Bloomin’ Broom!
Reminder
Broom is a fire hazard, before and after it is cut. Plans need to be made for disposing of cut broom BEFORE you cut.* You can compost, chip, or take cut broom to most local landfills – best before seed pods form. Unfortunately, MOTI and regional districts do not have resources to remove the broom you cut. Contact Broombusters for guidance. If you are a Broombuster, we can help.
* Disclaimer: Pick up of Broom MUST be prearranged. MoT will not come to chip up broom you cut. BroomBusters may be able to help if you contact us in advance. Broombusters posts this page free of charge to your community but is not responsible for any activities listed or not listed in these communities. Cut at your own risk. Thank you. And have fun!