Collaborative projects across Ontario work towards controlling invasive plant Phragmites
Sault Ste. Marie, ON – The Green Shovels Collaborative is pleased to announce support for 21 projects from across Ontario through the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund. The Invasive Phragmites Control Fund was made possible through an expanded investment of $250,000 from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. All 21 community projects use collaborative action to prevent and control invasive Phragmites. These projects will increase coordination, volunteer, and land manager participation and capacity to address what some call Canada’s worst invasive plant.
The Green Shovels Collaborative is a coalition of conservation organizations that share an interest in preventing and managing invasive species. It includes Invasive Species Centre, Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Ontario Invasive Plant Council, and Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.
The Green Shovels Collaborative works with many partners to address the threat of Phragmites australis (common reed), an aggressive invasive plant in Ontario. Phragmites is a perennial grass from Europe and is rapidly spread by seed and root fragments (rhizomes) carried by wind, waves, vehicles, heavy equipment, and people. Once established, Phragmites can grow into dense, single species stands that can degrade local environments including reducing biological diversity, impacting infrastructure, agriculture, recreation, tourism, and public safety.
Investing in a collaborative, sustained solution to Phragmites is well worth it. A study estimated total economic benefits realized by controlling Phragmites could exceed $113 million annually in Ontario. An investment in Phragmites control would pay dividends by avoiding the many costs of Phragmites to Ontario such as reduced agricultural production, reduced public access to water, increased flooding, and lost tourism revenue.
Ontario’s greatest asset in overcoming the challenges posed by Phragmites are the dedicated local champions that continue to drive progress against this invasive plant.
“This exciting new investment expands action on invasive Phragmites in communities across Ontario. We are delighted to see these resources support the many community champions driving action across the province,” states Sarah Rang, Executive Director of the Invasive Species Centre.
2023-2024 Invasive Phragmites Control Fund Recipients
| Project Title | Recipient | Region |
| Phrag Free by 2033 | Near North Enviro-Education Centre | Central |
| Protecting Critical Wetland Assets through Invasive Removals | Georgian Bay Forever | Central |
| Early detection and rapid response of invasive Phragmites on Trent Symons Campus | Trent University | Central |
| Control of Phragmites & other Invasive Plants in Hoptree/Misty Hills Ravine Parks | Toronto Nature Stewards | Central |
| Town of Mono Phragmites & Invasive Species Control Project | Town of Mono | Central |
| Control and Reduction of Invasive Phragmites at Evergreen Brick Works | Evergreen | Central |
| Building a Collaborative for Strategic Invasive Phragmites Control in Southeastern Georgian Bay | Nature Conservancy of Canada | Central |
| Removal and reclamation of Phragmites-dominated shoreline area | Carson Trout Lepine & Greenan Lakes Association | Eastern |
| Ajax Invasive Phragmites Strategic Management Plan | Town of Ajax | South |
| The County of Brant Phragmites Control Project | The County of Brant | South |
| Severn Sound Watershed Roadside Invasive Phragmites Mapping Initiative | Severn Sound Environmental Association | South |
| Invasive Phragmites Control and Community Awareness Removal Project | Heartland Forest Nature Experience | South |
| Phragmites Youth Action Project for CELL’s Environmental Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Invasive Species module. | Lakehead University | South |
| Fight the Phrag! | Long Point Ratepayers’ Association | South |
| Targeted phragmites control in Stokes Bay and Gauley’s Bay | Greenough Harbour Preservation Association | North |
| Conserving wetlands in Shawanaga First Nation’s Traditional Territory from Invasive Phragmites | Shawanaga First Nation | North |
| 2023-24 Thunder Bay Regional Phragmites Collaboration (2023-2033) | Lakehead Region Conservation Authority | North |
| Phragmites removal and regional community training for Almaguin Highlands | Lake Bernard Property Owners’ Association | North |
| Phragmites mapping and removal programming, with Wahnapitae First Nation | Lake Wahnapitae Home and Cottagers Association | North |
| Survey, Control and Monitor of Invasive Phragmites in Carling Township Coastal Areas | West Carling Association | North |
| Cutting and disposal of shoreline populations of Phragmites on Eagle Lake | Eagle Lake Conservation Association | North |
About the Green Shovels Collaborative
The Green Shovels Collaborative is a coalition of conservation organizations that share an interest in preventing and managing invasive species. It includes Invasive Species Centre, Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Ontario Invasive Plant Council, and Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. The Green Shovels Collaborative works to reduce the spread of invasive species, including aggressive invasive Phragmites australis (Common reed).
About the Invasive Species Centre
The Invasive Species Centre is a not-for-profit organization that prevents the spread of invasive species in Canada and beyond by mobilizing action against invasive species that harm the economy, society and environment. Visit our website to learn about invasive species, get technical information, training, take action, register for events, and sign up to receive news. The Invasive Species Centre is the Coordinator of the Green Shovels Collaborative.
For more information please contact:
Deborah Sparks
Business Development and Communications Manager
Invasive Species Centre
media@invasivespeciescentre.ca
705-255-8301
