Phragmites Fighters
Phragmites australis is an invasive species of reed that arrived in Canada from Europe in the early 1920s. This reed is a vigorous grower which often out-competes native wetland species, like cattails, and reduces the habitat for all our native wetland species. In addition, they greatly alter the aesthetics of a landscape and reduce visibility by growing over 5 meters tall! Although it is "pretty" it is highly disruptive and degrades our natural ecosystems.
Learn how to identify this species and prevent it from invading your lake by becoming a Phrag Fighter!
Thank you for your interest in helping to save our aquatic biodiversity!
Phragmites is an invasive and aggressive plant that is threatening much of the aquatic biodiversity in southern Ontario...but it can be controlled. With your help we can identify where the plant is growing and then we can created dedicated teams to control different plots. Teaming up to fight phragmites is fun and rewarding. We offer online tools to teach you what to do and what not to do, how to report your findings to us, and we offer ongoing support with our team.
If you are interested in helping, please register below. Once registered you can choose a workshop and access the training tools on the associated linked website pages. When you look for an online training event to attend, if there isn't If you don't find a suitable date, watch the training videos online first, and contact us with questions or to book a phone/online meeting for more support!
Step 1:
Please note that we are working to ensure that all volunteer activities can be completed in a way that abides by current COVID 19 isolation protocols and best practices. Therefore at this time, Phrag Fighters simply identify plots. Removal teams are on hold at this time.
Step 2: Sign up for a live workshop
See billowy reeds, but aren't sure if its Phragmites? Do not worry! Our training workshops will provide you with all the information that you need to become an expert at Phrag surveying and removal. Everyone who wishes to volunteer must fill out the Workshop Sign-Up Form (if you are unable to attend a live session or are a returning volunteer, please select that option on the Workshop Sign-Up Form).
Those who wish to sign up for pre-recorded session:
Pre-recorded training sessions are available below for people who are unable to make a live workshop; however it is strongly encourage you to attend one because they help to build community and provide you with a chance to ask questions! If you choose to only watch a pre-recorded session you will be required to complete our Phrag Fighter Quiz. Also, please note: you must still fill out the Workshop Sign-Up Form and indicate that you are unable to make any of the live workshops.
Returning volunteers:
If you are a returning volunteer you are not required to attend another workshop session; however we strongly encourage you to attend one so you can re-familiarize yourself with protocols and our team. Please note: you must still fill out the Workshop Sign-Up Form and indicate that you are a returning volunteer.
Step 3: Re-watch training videos & read the protocols
Due to the invasive nature of Phragmites there are special protocols that must be followed to insure that it is properly identified and removed for a site. Watch the training videos below, then download and read both the Surveying Protocol, Removal Protocol, and Percentage Cover Sheet to familiarize yourself with the actions that will take place as a Phrag Fighter.
Surveying Protocol training video
Removal Protocol training video
These resources were developed and/or assembled and edited by Siena Smith, Conservation Technician
Step 4: Read the Identification and Safety Guides
As a Phrag Fighter it is very important that you are able to accurately identify the invasive phragmites versus our native reed species. Download the guide below, in addition to watching the training videos above, to become an expert in identification! Do not worry, after completing the training you will be confident in your abilities and will be able to spot the invader!
Safety is of the utmost important at all times. Please make sure that you have downloaded and carefully read the Safety Protocol below and follow it when in the feild.
Learn more about invasive species by reading our blogs!
These opportunities and activities have been generously supported by:
