Matt Meenink did not realize how bad a plant could be.

 

            In 2019, he traveled to Lords Pond in Tryon, P.E.I. with his new boss.

 

            They were told about large bushes surrounding the pond that needed to be removed. The pair cut down every stalk they found.

 

            Two years later, the plants returned, larger and more numerous.

 

            Now, Meenink understands how strong the weed is.

 

            “It’s a little bit sad…just knowing there could be other native plants growing here instead of this one.”

 

            The infestation of Lords Pond is one of many examples of P.E.I.’s environment being affected by Japanese knotweed.

 

            It is an invasive plant species, believed to be introduced to the Island as a form of natural fencing for homeowners. 

 

            Now it has spread to nature, largely through transporting contaminated soil.

 

            It is the most common of three types of knotweeds in the province, identified by its reddish bamboo-like stems, shovel-shaped leaves and clustered white flowers.

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             It is aggressive, widespread across the country and capable of growing up to 2.5 metres.

 

            The P.E.I. Invasive Species Council considers it the greatest invasive plant threat in the province, destroying native habitats, eroding soil and cracking home foundations where it grows.

 

            Clay Cutting, a technician for the council, has seen a rise in the presence of Japanese knotweed across the Island in recent years.

 

            He said it reproduces underground through robust roots, regrowing quickly even when most of a plant is removed.

 

            “A piece as small as a dime can become an entirely new plant.”

 

            As Japanese knotweed remains a problem throughout the province, Matt Meenink continues to fight it.

 

            Meenink, 24, works as the manager of the South Shore Watershed Association, helping preserve the environment in the region against such threats.

 

            He said it is difficult to eradicate compared to other invasive plants.

 

            “You can’t just pull it up because you just make it worse. So it’s a little scary.”

 

            Meenink co-operates with other watershed groups in the province.

 

            One of the main methods they use is cutting it and placing tarp over the stems to prevent sunlight exposure.

 

            The process can take anywhere between five to 15 years before the plant dies.

 

            Meenink said herbicide is also an option, but the risks must be weighed carefully, as it could affect other parts of the environment.

 

            “It’s tough because sometimes…you have to do a little damage to do a lot of good.”

 

            Cutting helps watershed organizations by using social media and helping plan events to educate the public about removal methods, such as trimming and tarping the plant.

 

            He said property owners with Japanese knotweed need to stick to a specific and consistent routine to exterminate it.

 

            “You have to be as stubborn as the plant.”

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             He added he does what he can to remove it, but his team is small and prioritizing focus on newer invasive species.

 

            “There’s just too much Japanese knotweed for us to make it a main focus of our work.”

 

            Meenink also uses his organization’s platforms to raise awareness about the invasive species, encouraging those with the means to do so to remove it, and reach out if they need help.

 

            He said co-operating with the invasive species souncil has inspired some homeowners to respond against the plant.

 

            “They don’t necessarily have the manpower, but if they can get the information to the people that have the power to do something, that’s great.”

 

            Meenink added while he feels somewhat discouraged from the persistence of Japanese knotweed, he remains determined to protect the environment against it.

 

            “You’ve got to keep up hope for the future.”