MONITORING AND MANAGING INVASIVE SPECIES
AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES
Aquatic invasive species are living things that have been introduced into an aquatic environment that is outside of their native ranges. These species differ from introduced species in that they tend to spread quickly, outcompeting native species and causing damage to the environment, economy, and/or human health. As new additions to the ecosystems, they often have few natural predators, and human intervention in the form of monitoring and removal are required. Ontario Streams focuses on monitoring and educational awareness programs throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES
MONITORING PROJECT
Ontario Streams conducts monitoring to understand the pathways of invasive species into storm water management ponds. By learning how the species are being transported, we can develop mitigation projects and educational programs to prevent future spread. Ontario Streams leads presence/absence studies and supports awareness campaigns including posting signage in storm water pond areas to highlight the importance of preventing intentional introductions such as releasing pets and plant species.
Where does this monitoring take place?
In storm water management ponds, including residential, industrial, and commercial ponds throughout the Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe watersheds.
TERRESTRIAL INVASIVE SPECIES
REMOVAL PROJECTS
Ontario Streams focuses on the removal of terrestrial and riparian invasive species such as Common Buckthorn (also known as European Buckthorn). Common Buckthorn outcompetes native vegetation, creating large, dense canopies that block sunlight from reaching the ground below. As a result, native under-canopy vegetation and tree saplings cannot grow, creating a monoculture of this invasive species and decreasing biodiversity. Ontario Streams uses manual pulling and cutting techniques to remove large stands of Common Buckthorn and replaces them with native trees and shrubs. Check out this video to learn more about how we manage Common Buckthorn!
