Invasive Species Blogs
These blogs are about various invasive species that can be found in the Land Between, what harm they cause, how to identify them, how to remove them and who to notify if you find them.
Spongy Moths (LDD/Gypsy Moths) – How can we manage the invasion?
Invasive species are exotic organisms which enter a locality and then dominate/out-compete native species. Many of these invaders have been established for several decades, with the majority of us unable to even recognize them because we are accustomed to their presence. One of these species is the gypsy moth which was introduced into the United …
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Phrag Fighters Help Save Lake and Wetland Habitats
Invasive Phragmites is a large grass-like plant that is taking over Ontario’s wetlands and reducing biodiversity. The plant colonizes ditches, bays and wetland pockets. It grows in such thick mats that turtles, frogs, and other animals cannot move through their native habitats. The plant is also tall, and blocks sight lines along roadsides. In the …
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What the Phrag?! All You Need to Know About Invasive Phragmites
Phragmites australis australis, otherwise known as European Common Reed or Invasive Phragmites, is a fast-spreading, perennial aquatic grass found growing in wetlands, shorelines and roadside ditches. This aggressive plant crushes biodiversity by outcompeting our native plants. In 2005, Invasive Phragmites was named Canada’s worst invasive plant species by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada. What Does It …
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HIPPO- The Greatest Threat to Biodiversity
Every time a species goes extinct or is lost from a given area, global biodiversity is irreparably damaged and destabilized. Specific causes of losses to biodiversity are varied, but the predominant and severe causes of global species extinction are summarized by HIPPO. No, we are not talking about the cute but albeit huge 3500 pound …
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Clogging the Lakes- Eurasian Watermilfoil
Understanding Eurasian Watermilfoil: What is it, How Did it Get Here, What are its Impacts, and What Can We Do to Prevent its Spread? What is Eurasian Watermilfoil? Eurasian Watermilfoil is an alien of sorts…but not the kind of alien that you may be thinking of! It is called an alien, or invasive species, because it …
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Be Fish Friendly- Tips and Tricks for Responsible Recreational Fishing
For many of us, casting a line out on a calm lake sounds like the perfect way to spend a late summer’s evening. Avid anglers are no strangers to waking up at the crack of dawn to hop in a boat with a rod and tacklebox in hand (and maybe a morning coffee too!). Even …
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Recreational Boating and the Environment – Tips and Tricks for Environmentally Conscious Boating
A day out on the boat is a good way to unwind and relax, but did you know recreational boating may have a significant impact on the marine environment around you? Recreational boating is a significant part of the Canadian economy and pastime for the nations boaters (National Marine Manufacturers Association Canada, 2019). Although an …
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Ontario Burdened with Invasive Species – Tips and Tricks for Managing Invasive Species in The Land Between
Did you know Ontario has the highest amount of invasive species across Canada? Dozens of invasive species have infiltrated our lakes, rivers, and forests, putting our native species and the environment at risk. An invasive species is a plant, animal or micro-organism that is not native to a specific location and has the tendency to …
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