Thanks to the support of the Invasive Species Action Fund, we are running an Invasive Purple Loosestrife Community Engagement Removal Project during the month of August.
Our project will eliminate or impede the invasion of purple loosestrife in our unique Carolinian forest ecosystem through community engagement initiatives.
- Thursday August 3
- Thursday August 10
- Thursday August 17
- Thursday August 24
Helpful reminders:
- wear light-coloured pants
- long socks to tuck your pants into
- sturdy footwear
- bring bug spray, sunscreen
- refillable water bottle
To sign up email natasha.rogers@heartlandforest.org
The Invasive Species Action Fund (ISAF) is a grant program designed to facilitate on-the-ground management and monitoring of invasive species in Ontario. The program is made possible thanks to the support of Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).
Invasive Purple Loosestrife Community Engagement Removal Project:
Purple loosestrife has spread rapidly across North America and is present in nearly every Canadian province and almost every U.S. state. This plant has the ability to produce as many as two million seeds in a growing season, creating dense stands of purple loosestrife that outcompete native plants for habitat. Heartland Forest has identified numerous groupings of purple loosestrife throughout its wet meadow, forest edge and forest wetlands, resulting in the elimination of wildlife habitat and the risk of habitat loss. Of specific concern on our property is the threat to Swamp Rose-mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), a Species at Risk (Special Concern).
With this community engagement project, we will work towards eliminating the invasion of this plant into our unique Carolinian forest ecosystem, our wet meadow and grassland areas. This will provide a “window” for native species to regenerate, enhance our wet meadow habitat, and to prevent invasion into our Carolinian forest.
“Heartland Forest is very thankful for receiving this funding through the Invasive Species Action Fund. We are looking forward to working with the community to help control Purple Loosestrife on our property in order to get ahead of it before it spreads into our sensitive wetland ecosystems. Keep an eye out on our social media pages for volunteer opportunities this summer and to learn more about protecting natural spaces from invasive species!” Natasha Rogers, Facility and Grounds Manager.
We invite the community to get involved!
EARLY AUGUST – Invasive Mapping
We’re looking for the help of some citizen scientists! Are you up for the challenge? We need your help mapping out Purple Loosestrife on our property. Begin your hunt at the Info Booth (near the mini putt) and grab your supplies! The Info Booth is open seven days a week from 9am to 7:30pm.
MID to LATE AUGUST – Invasive Removal – Dates to be shared on our Social Media
This project is made possible with support from the Invasive Species Centre’s Invasive Species Action Fund and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Quick facts about invasive species in Ontario
- Invasive species are those that are introduced to an ecosystem outside of their native range and
have the potential to impact the ecology, economy, or society. - Invasive species are considered one of the greatest threats to biodiversity.
- Invasive species are responsible for an estimated $3.6 billion dollars of impact each year on our
forests, fisheries, agriculture, infrastructure, tourism and recreation in Ontario. - The Invasive Species Action Fund will help address pressing invasive species including aquatic
plants, terrestrial plants and forest pests.
About Heartland Forest Nature Experience
Since 2003, Heartland Forest has served Niagara Region and Southwestern Ontario through its universal dedication to inspire the lives of people of all ages and abilities to respect, protect and enjoy the world of nature. Located in the southwest portion of Niagara Falls, within the urban boundary, Heartland Forest is a wonderful example of a Carolinian Forest including seasonal wetlands. Ninety-three of our 200 plus acres are designated as Provincially Significant Wetland.
This wetland is largely comprised of a swamp forest, also known as a slough forest. In terms of both wetland and Carolinian Forest coverage, this area presents one of the largest remaining
ecosystems of its kind in the Niagara Region and is a valuable refuge for many species at risk.
About the Invasive Species Centre
The Invasive Species Centre is a not-for-profit organization that prevents the spread of invasive species in Canada and beyond by connecting with stakeholders to catalyze invasive species management and communicate policy and science knowledge. Visit our website to learn about invasive species, get technical information, take action, register for events, and sign up to receive news. Funding from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry supports the Invasive Species Action Fund.
Media contact:
Elisabeth Graham, Executive Director
Phone: 905.356.7384
Email: elisabeth.graham@heartlandforest.org
