Invasive Species
It is important to handle any invasive species you see on your property according to safe and recommended guidelines specific to each plant.
Invasive species are species that are not native to a particular environment. They tend to spread very quickly pushing out and competing with species that are native to the area. Invasive species impact many things such as water quality, biodiversity, fish and wildlife habitats and tree cover.
One of the consequences of globalization was when people and goods were travelling from country to country often pieces of their natural environment would travel with them leading to the introduction of invasive species in many countries.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the variety of different species living in the world or a particular ecosystem or habitat.
Why is biodiversity loss a concern? Biodiversity is important because it is the foundation of all ecosystems and with the loss of biodiversity it could lead to an ecological collapse. Within ecosystems everything works together for stability. Biodiversity prevents the extinction of species and allows the native species to adapt to their potentially changing environments. Biodiversity loss acts like a domino effect, as soon as biodiversity is beginning to struggle species begin to go extinct and then this affects the food chain , which in turn affects the ecosystem as a whole. Once a specie is extinct there is no going back, it is especially dangerous when it concerns species unknown to science.
How do invasive species affect biodiversity? When an invasive specie takes root in their new home they often thrive and spread quickly. Because the other species in the habitat or ecosystem have not evolved with it the invasive specie has an advantage. The invasive specie will compete with a native specie that has never encountered it before and they will use the resources and space historically used by the native species causing a decline in their population or numbers. The spread of invasive species also causes widespread loss of habitat for native species
Why should you be concerned with the spread of invasive species? With the spread of invasive species there are effects of human well-being for example they can affect water quality, when invasive species that are ground cover grow along bodies of water they lack deep root structures this causes the area to be more prone to erosion when there is flooding. When this occurs it releases sediment into the water way.
Helping stop the spread of invasive species helps towards preserving the native and natural landscape of the area.
What can you do about invasive species in your area?
1. Don't move/plant invasive species
2. Don't transport firewood; buy it where you are and leave it there
3. Fishing: do not empty your bait bucket near water
4. After being out in the bush/fields etc. wash all your equipment and clothing
5. Do not transport plants, seeds or any part of a plant across borders
Plans for removal of Goutweed and Japanese knotweed from the property and what you can do on your property:
Report invasive species sightings at :
1-800-563-7711
You can also report invasive species sightings at EDDMaps to help relevant organizations.
Another site you can join to report sightings of invasive species, as well as any other native species you may find is iNaturalist. While you are there, follow cornergardener and join the Corner Garden Project.
