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Town wants residents to wage war on invasive giant hogweed plants By CYNTHIA GAMBLE Staff Writer A weed "on steroids" is invading Halton Hills and the Town needs local residents to be on the lookout before it takes hold. "Residents are asked to help in the removal and management of the noxious weed, known as giant hogweed," announced Mayor Rick Bonnette at a recent council meeting. The plant (heracleum mantegazzianum) "looks like a Queen's Anne lace on steroids but it is very dangerous to handle," said Bonnette, explaining contact with its clear sap can make a person's skin ultra-sensitive to sunlight causing painful blisters. The plant grows to 2.5-4 metres (8-14 ft.) in height with 1 m (3 ft.) leaves and an umbrella-shaped lacy flower, 30 cm (1 ft) in width. "Property owners are required to remove and destroy all nuisance and noxious weeds found on their property, and we ask for their co-operation in controlling this invasive weed," he said. The best time to remove the plant is in late April and early May when it is still relatively small-- less than 30 cm (1 ft), and is easily dug up and more susceptible to herbicides. He warned that protective clothing and eyewear must be worn when dealing with this plant. Originally an Eurasian plant, giant hogweed was brought to Canada by greenhouse and nursery operations, which saw it as a dramatic addition to gardens. But, a member of the carrot family, it spreads easily, crowding out native species. The Town is aware of several areas in Halton Hills where the plant is growing, such as on Third Line in the Scotch Block area, 15 Sideroad near Fourth Line, and 22 Sideroad near Dublin Line. Hogweed prefers moist soil found along roadsides, streams and rivers. The Scotch Block patch-- which is 40-50 years old-- was the site of an ongoing study by Conservation Halton, University of Guelph and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) last year. The Ages 18 months to 5 years FULLY LICENSED. NOW ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS 5 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday, May 10, 2011 83 Main Street N, Georgetown, Ontario L7G 3H5 · Phone/Fax: 905-230-1777 · www.aamontessorischool.com · Small Student/Teacher ratios · All teachers are Registered Early Childhood Educators (ECE) · Open 7 am - 6 pm, Mon. - Fri. · Open School Breaks & Summer Months · See our website for current promotions Where Every Little Angel Is The Apple Of Our Eye Friday, May 27, 2011 Giant hogweed, which has been described as Queen's Anne lace on steroids-- has been found in various locations in Halton Hills. The Town is asking residents to remove any of the week found on their property, but to use extreme caution as contact with the plant's sap can lead to painful blisters. File photo study showed results to date of not only effective methods to kill the weed but about the plant itself: it only flowers and produces seed once in its lifetime and then dies. The strategy then is to limit the spread of the weed to stop seed production. While the investigation into giant hogweed continues this year, the Town will destroy this test site by the end of May. The exact time will be weather dependent, and signage will be posted prior to its removal. Residents, who suspect the plant may be on their property, are recommended to contact a licensed weed removal company to remove the plant or apply an herbicide. For more details on giant hogweed removal methods and how to report a sighting go to the Conservation Halton website at www.conservationhalton.on.ca and search "giant hogweed" or contact Brenda Van Ryswyk: brendav@hrca.on.ca or 905-336-1158 ext 282. Georgetown District High School 70 Guelph Street, Georgetown The Kiwanis Club of Georgetown presents Doors open at 6:30 pm, Dinner at 7:00 pm Dancing 9 pm to 11:00 pm All you can eat (while supplies last) steak and lobster, with salad, rolls, baked potatoes, dessert and coffee Tickets $75.00. Call 873-1877, 877-1598 or 877-5155 ext.126. All proceeds donated to local charities. SERVED THURSDAY & FRIDAY 11 11:30 am to 2:00 pm Featuring: -R Roast tB Beef f - Assorted Salads $ - Baked Ham - Dessert Table - "Cadillac of Sausage" - Tea & Coffee LUNCH BUFFET McGibbon Annual Golf Tournament: Sunday, June 5th Private Catering Available 11.50 HST INCLUDED FREE DELIVERY L Largest S Selection l i of f Patio Furniture in Halton Hills Since 1998 Friday 9:30 pm - close Rock n' Roll ~ LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ~ Rock n' Roll Saturday 9:30 pm - close Debbi Jordan & A Few Good Men To n e D o g s 79 Main Street South, Georgetown 905-873-9791 INDOOR & OUTDOOR FURNITURE 136 Guelph St., Georgetown (Across from Christ the King School) OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK www.furnitureindooroutdoor.ca 905-877-3388