The Project
The Knotweed Lab began during the 2020 pandemic as a collaborative project between the arts and sciences for the purpose of slowing the spread of invasive knotweed in BC. The study of knotweed, including the troublesome “Bohemian” hybrid species of knotweed, began many years before this.
The Knotweed Lab consists of three academic researchers and several undergraduate researchers from a range of disciplines and backgrounds, including those from Art + Design, Media + Communication, the Natural Sciences, and Psychology. We work together to generate new creative solutions for the study and management of knotweed. We also work together to “get the word out” about the research being done—communicating the insights from our academic research with those that need to hear about it most.
Most recently, our team has been focused on surveying for knotweed along the Chilliwack-Vedder River, as well as studying the tendency of knotweed to spread along waterways. The invasive knotweed spreading through our BC waterways disrupts native ecosystems, including important salmon habitats. The need for effective knotweed management has never been more urgent if we are to protect the ecosystem from further harm. Knotweed management, done by experienced professionals, has restored ecosystems that have been disrupted by knotweed.
The Knotweed Lab is an interdisciplinary community of scientific and creative researchers committed to studying and generating awareness about invasive Bohemian knotweed near waterways in BC. Our project integrates creative practices and methods with scientific research to explore environmentally-conscious solutions for knotweed management and awareness.
For more information about how to manage knotweed, contact one of our partner invasive species organizations on the Resources page.