ANNOUNCEMENTS

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A Little Blackberry Housekeeping at Antler Swamp​

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September 10, 2026

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You may notice a change coming to the area in front of Antler Swamp.

As part of the broader City of Nanaimo effort to manage invasive plant species in our parks and natural areas, the hedge of Himalayan blackberry in front of Antler Swamp will be removed.
The City of Nanaimo identifies Himalayan blackberry as an invasive species targeted for control. Left unchecked, these vigorous plants can form dense thickets that compete with native vegetation and, in this particular location, could eventually overtake much of the wonderful restoration work that a dedicated group of island volunteers has undertaken.
Removing the blackberries will help protect and complement the restoration work already completed at Antler Swamp, while giving the native vegetation a better opportunity to thrive.
There are a couple of additional benefits as well. Right now, the blackberry hedge largely hides Antler Swamp from view. Many people walking or passing by may not even realize this beautifully restored area is there. Removing the hedge will open up the site, improve visibility, and allow everyone to better see and enjoy the work that has gone into restoring it.
Removing the thicket will also reclaim additional space for the playing field. In 2024, portions of the blackberry thicket extended approximately 18 feet beyond the restoration site perimeter and into the field. Removing it will help restore that area to usable playing space while maintaining a clearer boundary around the restoration site.
We recognize that many islanders enjoy picking blackberries, this was a carefully considered decision. Fortunately, there are still plenty of other areas around the island where blackberries are plentiful and available for picking, including a large patch near the Community Garden.
This work also forms part of the Protection Island Lions Club’s ongoing responsibilities in caring for our island parks and public spaces in cooperation with the City of Nanaimo under our recently renewed maintenance agreement.
A very big thank you to the dedicated volunteers who have put so much time and effort into bringing this special area back to life. If you haven’t visited Antler Swamp recently, we encourage you to wander down and have a look — it’s definitely time well spent!
Thank you, as always, for your understanding and continued support as we work together to care for and enhance our island’s public spaces.

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For more information:

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City of Nanaimo — Invasive Species
https://www.nanaimo.ca/green-initiatives/natural-environment-and-ecosystems/invasive-species

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Nanaimo Bulletin — City Targets Invasive Plant Species Again
https://nanaimobulletin.com/2026/07/23/city-targets-invasive-plant-species-again/

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Your PI Lions Club