An invasive plant is expanding its presence in northern Ontario, prompting local communities to take action in identifying and managing it before it establishes a strong foothold. The Junction Creek Stewardship Committee in Sudbury organized a workshop in collaboration with the Invasive Phragmites Control Centre to educate individuals on recognizing invasive phragmites and preventing its spread.
Invasive phragmites, also known as common reed, can form dense stands that outcompete native plants and disrupt wetland ecosystems. Jayden McGleish, a field supervisor at the Invasive Phragmites Control Centre, noted the plant’s infiltration into northern Ontario, with significant patches emerging in Sudbury.
The invasive species can rapidly overtake native flora like cattails and bulrushes, creating obstacles for wildlife navigation. McGleish highlighted instances of turtles and frogs struggling amidst the dense growth, with some unfortunate fatalities. Moreover, invasive phragmites can encroach on recreational areas, encumbering shorelines and impeding access.
While more prevalent in southern Ontario, invasive phragmites is increasingly encroaching on northern regions such as Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, and Thunder Bay. Erik Barr, a contract worker at Conservation Sudbury, emphasized the importance of proactive measures in containing the invasive plant’s spread in Sudbury.
Distinguishing between invasive and native phragmites is crucial. Barr explained that invasive phragmites typically exhibit wider leaves and thicker stems compared to the native variety, which displays a reddish hue on its stems. An additional distinguishing feature is the thickness of the line where the leaf meets the stem, with the invasive variant having a thin brown line compared to the thicker line of the native species.
Educating the public on differentiating between native and invasive phragmites is essential for monitoring and controlling the plant’s spread. Jaclyn Groom from the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee emphasized the significance of raising awareness, especially regarding inadvertent transportation of plant material along roads and railways.
In terms of treatment, Chuck Simpson, a manual controls manager at the Invasive Phragmites Control Centre, highlighted the efficacy of using backpack sprayers and the herbicide Timberline. Treatment efforts in Sudbury have shown promising results, with a high kill rate achieved, though some regrowth may occur the following year.
Overall, proactive identification, awareness, and treatment measures are crucial in combating the spread of invasive phragmites in northern Ontario.