Waterton Lakes National Park has bumped its annual Knapweed Rodeo ahead to July 29 because a low snowfall and warm spring have caused plants to bloom early in Alberta.
The park is looking for volunteers for the popular family event to “pitch in and head off a stampede of weed seeds by pulling and bagging knapweed plants.” Spotted knapweed is an invasive plant species that impacts native ecosystems. A single plant can produce up to 140,000 seeds a year.
Volunteers are asked to contribute a half or full day to “wrangle this villainous weed,” and will get free park entry for the day and a barbecue-style picnic lunch. There will be games for all ages, prizes and free hat and stickers. Volunteers who contribute 20 hours or more throughout the year get a free annual entry pass.
Email [email protected] or call 403-859-5133 to sign up. The work will happen at the hill at Prince of Wales Hotel National Historic Site. The goal is to remove all the knapweed in time for the hotel’s centennial in 2027.
No experience is necessary and all equipment is provided.