Getting to the Root of the Problem: Take Action During Invasive Species Awareness Week

The City of Mississauga is recognizing Invasive Species Awareness Week. From February 21 to March 4, you can join a series of virtual or in-person events to learn about invasive species. You will also learn how to detect them early and how to protect Mississauga’s urban tree canopy and natural spaces.

Invasive species are plants, animals or micro-organisms that are not native to Mississauga. They can negatively alter their new environments, threatening Mississauga’s parks, woodlands, natural areas and wildlife habitats. Invasive plants can take over the space, change the soil composition and compete for nutrients making it harder for native plants to grow. Invasive insects can cause direct harm to trees and other native plants by transmitting disease or eating the leaves or stems.

Event details

What:

The City is hosting a series of virtual and in-person events in Mississauga for Invasive Species Awareness Week. You will be able to:

• Join a one-hour webinar to learn about the City’s Invasive Species Management Plan and Implementation Strategy. You will learn what the City is doing to manage invasive species, how you can get involved and actions you can take to manage invasive species on your own property.
• Join a one-hour webinar about identifying and reporting plant and insect invasive species. You’ll also learn about volunteer opportunities to remove invasive species in public parks and natural areas.
• Come out for a one-hour guided walk to learn about ecological restoration efforts at Windrush Woods or Creditview Wetlands.
• Take part in a guided walk at Sawmill Creek Park to learn about emerging non-native invasive pests.
• Become a Natural Areas Stewardship Volunteer to help City staff remove invasive plants in parks and natural areas.

Who:

All Mississauga residents interested in learning more about invasive species in Mississauga.

When:

All events take place from Tuesday, February 21 to Saturday, March 4, 2023.

Where:

The events are either virtual or in-person at various locations. To register, visit mississauga.ca/invasive-species.

City’s Actions to Address Invasive Species

The City’s Invasive Species Management Plan and Implementation Strategy responds to the threat of invasive species in Mississauga. It aims to limit future threats to the community, the City’s budget and our natural areas.

Although all invasive plant species can threaten our natural environments, the City prioritizes the species that currently pose the greatest threat. The City is currently mapping and controlling the following highly invasive plants:

1. Giant Hogweed
2. Wild Parsnip
3. Tree of Heaven
4. Dog-Strangling Vine
5. Japanese Knotweed
6. Phragmites (Common Reed)

Report Invasive Species

Reporting will help the City map populations of invasive species, create management plans and prevent further spread.

• If you spot an invasive plant species on City property like a park, trail or boulevard, you can report it using the invasive species reporting form.
• If you spot Lymantria dispar dispar (LDD) in Mississauga, you can report it using the online reporting form. If you notice LDD egg masses on your property, you can protect your trees by removing egg masses before the end of April. Egg masses can be found on trees, windowsills, under eavestroughs, patio furniture, fences or mailboxes. Watch the video on how to remove LDD egg masses.

To learn more about ways to help and what the City is doing to manage invasive plants and pests in Mississauga, visit mississauga.ca/services-and-programs/forestry-and-environment/invasive-species/.

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Tags

• Trees