Invasive Plant Species
Currently, there is an awareness campaign regarding invasive plants through the Ontario Invasive Plant Council called Grow Me Instead. This campaign was set in place due to the frequent planting of invasive species, unknowingly. People tend to plant "pretty" flowers in their garden such as Periwinkle or beautiful trees like the Norway Maple. Both invasive. It is illegal to sell or buy invasive species, but unfortunately not all. These negligent horticultural trades are still happening all over Ontario.
The Grow Me Instead program offers a variety of resources promoting the awareness of invasive plant species including a guide that identifies invasive garden plants and provides suitable non-invasive alternatives.
What are Invasive Species?
An invasive species is a plant, fungus, or animal species that is not native to a specific location that spreads resulting in harm to the environment, economy or human health. Invasive species are generally introduced beyond their range accidentally or deliberately; most often through humans. This is the consequence that comes with lack of knowledge and unawareness of our environmental issues.
How do Invasive Species Impact Our Community?
A PLACE OF PEACE AND FREEDOM
THESSALON FIRST NATION
There are an endless amount of negative impacts that come with invasive species. They bring threat to the natural environment and services that come with them. Invasive plants for example are competitive with our native species, spreading in search of resources such as sunlight, moisture and nutrients. This results in the elimination of our native plant species, following the impact of the surrounding wildlife who were habituated to the previous native plants in the area. Ultimately, invasive plants, just like endangered species, have a negative domino effect within our eco-system.
Aquatic Invasive Species
Aquatic Invasive Species are aquatic organisms that are non-native to the area and pose a threat to the environment, economy or human health. Some may have been introduced intentionally through dumping pet fish into the lakes or unintentionally through non-native species attaching to boats such as zebra mussels. Aquatic Invasive Species have contributed to the decline and disappearance of some native aquatic species and the downfall of local fisheries. Educating and then preventing the transferring of non-native species is the first and most effective act to get involved in this crucial issue.
Aquatic Invasive Species Can:
Reduce the natural biodiversity and populations of native specie
Harm recreational activities (fishing, swimming, boating, tourism, etc.)
Have negative impacts on native species health
Result in major economic costs