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INFORMATION EDGE

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Communities in Bloom Yarmouth and the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve are advising Yarmouth residents about two invasive plant species that are becoming far too common in the area. The first is tansy ragwort, also known as "Stinking Willie". Tansy ragwort is a biennial (blooming the second year), but also can act as a perennial. It features bright yellow blooms and can be seen just about everywhere in Yarmouth County this season. It looks similar to another wildflower called Solidago, known more commonly as golden rod and often grows alongside it. But there’s a big difference between the two, as tansy ragwort is very toxic to livestock and other animals. In its first year, the weed appears simply as a rosette of leaves and if not removed, becomes much larger with yellow blooming flowers in its second year. If you encounter this invasive plant on your property, proper removal can help reduce its spread. Each plant left to grow will eventually produce millions of seeds. Here’s how to safely remove and dispose of it:

– Mowing will prevent the plant from blooming and spreading seeds, but it will continue to regenerate.

– Fully remove the plant from the ground, making certain to pull the roots. Wearing gloves is a good idea, as many have found they are sensitive to the plant.

– Dispose of the removed plant(s) in clear garbage bags and place at curbside for pickup on your regular garbage day. Do not compost tansy ragwort, as the roots and seeds could survive the composting process and continue spreading.

The second invasive species is not toxic but very difficult to remove once it takes root on your property. The Himalayan blackberry found its way to Yarmouth in the 1970s. This species is very different from native blackberry plants, forming extremely dense thickets with extralarge, curved thorns. The plant spreads through seeding but also through growth of its extra-long branches. Each time a branch touches the ground, a new plant often grows in that spot. Himalayan blackberry blooms later than native blackberry and has blooms that are white to pink. Identifying this plant early is key to preventing it taking over an area of your property. If you spot this species, do the following:

– Wearing gloves and protective clothing, carefully cut down the canes. This plant is not likely to survive composting, so it is safe to place in your compost/green cart.

– Once the canes have been removed, go to work on removing the roots if possible.

– Continuous mowing of the canes is another way to keep the plant in check.

Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve representatives are expecting a management plan on Himalayan blackberry from the Invasive Species Council of Nova Scotia. Details from that plan will be made available at a later time.

For more advice and information about these invasive plants, as well as other plants to keep an eye out for on your property, email info@swnovabiosphere.ca

MONTHLY FYIS SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

You can watch regular town council meetings live on Eastlink Community TV or through our livestreaming service. Committee of the whole council meetings are available through livestream only. You can find meeting agendas and livestreaming details on our website at townofyarmouth. ca/ agenda-and-minuteslivestream.html.

– Committee of the whole council meeting, Thursday, Sept. 22, 3:30 p.m.

– Regular town council meeting, Thursday, Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS:

public engagement process, we are hosting two public consultation sessions to share the survey results, receive more of your feedback and answer any questions you may have about the boundary review. The public consultation sessions will be held Thursday, Oct. 13, in council chambers at Yarmouth Town Hall, 400 Main Street. There are two times to choose from: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. or 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Town of Yarmouth is seeking to fill the following positions:

GRANTS COORDINATOR

Reporting to the town engineer, the grants coordinator will be responsible for researching, preparing, submitting and managing grant

Atlantic Canadians are facing while getting fit, 49 per cent were bored with their current fitness routines, while 53 per cent of respondents blamed lack of time.

Meanwhile, 42 per cent of Atlantic Canadians feel gross using shared equipment in a gym or studio.

Another 58 per cent are just sick and tired of trying to lose weight gained during COVID-19, while 27 per applications to secure funding on behalf of the organization.

TRANSIT

DRIVERS (CASUAL)

We are seeking to fill casual bus driver positions. Applications should include a copy of your Class 4 license, drivers abstract, criminal record check. You will be required to submit a vulnerable sector check if successful in the interview process.

WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

This role involves water treatment facility operational duties, as well as duties related to the monitoring of the water quality, in the facility, in the distribution system and in the watershed, as assigned by the chief operator.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

This position involves wastewater treatment facility operational duties related to the safe and efficient operation of the Yarmouth Wastewater Treatment Plant.

For full details on these positions and to apply, visit: townofyarmouth.ca/newsnotices/employment-opportunities/

The Information Edge is a monthly column bringing you important news and information from the Town of Yarmouth.

cent felt their fitness regimen has improved since the pandemic.

Though some Atlantic Canadians are having difficulties with their fitness routines, 38 per cent felt satisfied with their current fitness routine and another 47 per cent are seeing results.

The study featured the responses of 1,508 people gathered from Aug. 10-12.

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2022-09-21T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-09-21T07:00:00.0000000Z

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