An invasive plant is steadily extending its reach into northern Ontario, prompting local communities to collaborate on strategies for early detection and containment. The Junction Creek Stewardship Committee, an environmental organization based in Sudbury, organized a workshop in partnership with the Invasive Phragmites Control Centre to educate individuals on identifying and preventing the spread of invasive phragmites, also known as common reed. This invasive species has the ability to form dense stands that outcompete native vegetation and disrupt wetland ecosystems.
According to Jayden McGleish, a field supervisor at the Invasive Phragmites Control Centre, the plant is encroaching into northern Ontario, including areas like Sudbury, where significant patches have already taken hold. The invasive phragmites can quickly overtake native plants like cattails and bulrushes, creating obstacles for wildlife movement. McGleish highlighted the challenges faced by turtles and frogs navigating through dense phragmites patches, leading to adverse impacts on local ecosystems.
In addition to ecological disruptions, invasive phragmites can encroach on recreational areas, encroaching on shorelines and impeding access. The plant’s aggressive growth can even penetrate asphalt and infrastructure, resulting in costly damages to municipal drainage systems and roads. While the species is more prevalent in southern Ontario, its presence is increasingly noted in northern regions, including Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, and Thunder Bay.
Erik Barr, affiliated with Conservation Sudbury, emphasized the importance of proactive measures in controlling the spread of invasive phragmites in Sudbury before it becomes uncontrollable. Barr noted ongoing efforts to manage the plant’s growth in the region.
To distinguish invasive phragmites from its native counterpart, experts like Barr advised looking for specific characteristics such as wider leaves and thicker stems in the invasive variety. Another key indicator is the thickness of the line where the leaf meets the stem, with the invasive plant exhibiting a thin brown line compared to the thicker line on the native species. Educating the public on these distinctions is critical for effective monitoring and management of the invasive plant.
Jaclyn Groom from the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee emphasized the need for public awareness to differentiate between native and invasive phragmites, particularly in areas where transportation activities can inadvertently spread the plant. The plant’s affinity for metal-rich soils around mining sites poses a concern for further spread, potentially impacting waterways like Junction Creek.
Chuck Simpson, a manual controls manager at the Invasive Phragmites Control Centre, highlighted the effectiveness of treatments using backpack sprayers and the herbicide Timberline. Despite the current prevalence of native phragmites providing a buffer, Simpson emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment to mitigate the spread of the invasive plant. Demonstrations showcased the application of treatments, aiming for a high kill rate to control invasive phragmites, although some regrowth may occur in subsequent seasons.
