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As we head into the middle of summer we can see the lush vegetation that fills the forests, parks and wetlands of Muskoka. Unfortunately, invasive species are spreading across multiple habitats in Muskoka, such as forests, wetlands, lakes, and roadsides. Generally, invasive plants are displacing native vegetation and altering Muskoka’s natural habitat. Examples of these plants are: Invasive Phragmites, Garlic Mustard, Common Buckthorn, Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed, and Purple Loosestrife. These plants reduce biodiversity, alter soil chemistry, and degrade natural habitats. Some invasive plants, like Giant Hogweed, can also posea risk to people if touched. Awareness and proper identification are key.
Aquatic invasive species disrupt food chains in lakes and rivers, and these can be species such as: Spiny Waterflea, Eurasian Water-Milfoil, Rusty Crayfish, Round Goby, and Rainbow Smelt. They outcompete native fish for food, degrade spawning habitats, and reduce water quality.
Many of these species were introduced through human activities such as gardening, ballast water exchange, or improper bait disposal. The combined impact of these invasive species is altering Muskoka’s natural environment and making it more difficult for native species to survive.
Warmer, wetter conditions are creating an environment where some invasive species can thrive more easily. With more frequent extreme weather events like floods and droughts, native plants become stressed and create opportunities for invasives to move in. As well, increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to higher uptake in plants, which can increase herbicide resistance. There are also insects, called sleeper species, that are dormant or in low numbers due to unfavorable climate conditions, cold winters for example. As the climate warms these species can survive at higher levels as the winters are not cold enough to kill them. This is one of the leading reasons why ticks have spread throughout Central and Northern Ontario.
Everyone can do their part to prevent invasives spreading throughout Muskoka and help native species thrive.
Prevention
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Report invasive species so they can be detected, monitored, and removed.
This can be done through:
a. Invading Species Hotline (1-800-563-7711)
b. EDDmaps.org or iNaturalist -
Clean, drain, dry boats and watercraft when leaving a lake
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Burn local firewood - do NOT move wood from one location to another
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Use local bait – never dispose of bait in the water
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Plant native gardens - The Grow Me Instead Guide is a great resource along with the Georgian Bay Biosphere list of native plants
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Dispose of invasive species in garbage bags, not in the compost
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Stay on hiking trails and keep pets on a leash
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Educate yourself - learn how to identify invasive species
Removal
**Detailed removal processes and information can be found at https://www.invadingspecies.com/
General removal tips:
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Learn to identify invasive species - early detection is key
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Look up best management practices for the species you are trying to remove.
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Remove plants before they flower and set seed if possible. This will reduce spread.
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Pull or dig up by the roots. Removal of the entire root system is important to prevent growth.
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For woody plants, cut repeatedly if digging isn’t possible.
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Use native ground cover to prevent re-growth of invasive species.
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Don’t move soil or plants from infested areas. Soil can carry seeds or root fragments, as can tools and materials used for removal. Ensure these are clean before using them in another area.
If you are interested in hearing more about The District’s climate work and its intersection with native and invasive plants check out the Plants Always Win Podcast, where our Community Climate Initiatives Coordinator, Lauren Saville is the guest.
Want to stay up to date on all the District’s environmentally related projects? Check out the Envirohub for the latest information on programs, initiatives and outreach events.
References:
Muskoka Watershed Council 2023 Report Card – Chapter 10 - https://www.muskokawatershed.org/wp-content/uploads/2023RC-BackgroundReport-10-InvasiveSpp.pdf
Invasive Species Center - https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/invasive-species/what-is-at-risk/climate-change/
Protecting Muskoka, Together
Everyone can enjoy Muskoka’s lakes, and everyone can do something to help keep them that way for generations to come. Learn more about the work we are doing to support our natural environment at www.muskoka.on.ca/envirohub.
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