MONITORING AND MANAGING INVASIVE SPECIES
AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES
Invasive species are living things that have come from another part of the world and are now causing problems in the new habitat. 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 managing, monitoring, and raising awareness on a variety of invasive species.
AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES
MONITORING PROJECT
Ontario Streams monitors aquatic ecosystems to understand the pathways of invasive species into stormwater management ponds across the Greater Toronto Area. 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 stormwater pond areas to highlight the importance of preventing intentional introductions such as releasing pets and plant species.
TERRESTRIAL INVASIVE SPECIES
REMOVAL PROJECTS
Ontario Streams primarily manages the terrestrial invasive species Common Buckthorn (also known as European Buckthorn) which can be found along rivers across the Greater Toronto Area. 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 manage 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!
