Protect Your Land From Invasive Species
Through collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, conservation groups, and landowners, the Ontario Invasive Plant Council works to prevent the spread of invasive plants that threaten biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. The organization offers valuable resources, including identification guides, best management practices, and educational materials, to help individuals and communities protect Ontario's natural landscapes from invasive species— a growing concern as we feel the effects of climate change in the A2A region.
Notable resources include:
Notable resources include:
- Best Management Practices - for Burdock, Manitoba Maple, Japanese Barberry, Invasive Phragmites, and more!
- Southern Ontario Grow Me Guide - find information on non-invasive plants for your garden
help track invasive species in the a2a region
EDDMapS (Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System) is a platform that allows users to report and track sightings of invasive species and certain pests throughout Canada and the U.S. The systems integrates real-time data collection, mapping and reporting tools, compiling observations from organizations, volunteers, and databases, such as the Invading Species Awareness Program (ISAP). This collaborative network enhances efforts to manage invasive species, creating a foundation for understanding their distribution and impact worldwide.
Read this blog from Parks Canada that shows you how to report invasive species on EDDMapS!
If you live in Ontario, you can also directly contribute to the ISAP through iNaturalist.
Read this blog from Parks Canada that shows you how to report invasive species on EDDMapS!
If you live in Ontario, you can also directly contribute to the ISAP through iNaturalist.
Freshwater stewardship
Watersheds Canada is dedicated to the health and sustainability of Canada's freshwater, offering a wide range of resources for property owners, waterfront associations, and organizations concerned with the health of their lakes, rivers, and waterfront properties. Their initiatives support communities in protecting and restoring their lakes, rivers and shorelines through educational programs, restoration projects, and a variety of practical tools.
The Natural Edge Program provides shoreline property owners with the tools to naturalize their shoreline by creating a planting plan using native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Watersheds Canada supplies all materials and expertise during
the process at a reduced cost to the homeowner.
Love Your Lake invites lake associations and organizations to volunteer their lake as participants in the program. If accepted, every property on the lake will be assessed using a standardized assessment protocol, and landowners will get a personalized property report with details on the state of their shoreline and recommended actions for improving lake health for people and wildlife.
Visit their website to learn more about how you can protect Canada's freshwater. Other notable resources include:
Become a Riverkeeper with Save the River!
Save the River's Riverkeeper Program trains volunteers to monitor the St. Lawrence River, equipping them with the skills to assess river health and identify potential pollution issues.
Riverkeeper volunteers will be trained to:
The Natural Edge Program provides shoreline property owners with the tools to naturalize their shoreline by creating a planting plan using native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Watersheds Canada supplies all materials and expertise during
the process at a reduced cost to the homeowner.
Love Your Lake invites lake associations and organizations to volunteer their lake as participants in the program. If accepted, every property on the lake will be assessed using a standardized assessment protocol, and landowners will get a personalized property report with details on the state of their shoreline and recommended actions for improving lake health for people and wildlife.
Visit their website to learn more about how you can protect Canada's freshwater. Other notable resources include:
Become a Riverkeeper with Save the River!
Save the River's Riverkeeper Program trains volunteers to monitor the St. Lawrence River, equipping them with the skills to assess river health and identify potential pollution issues.
Riverkeeper volunteers will be trained to:
- Identify pollution and its sources
- Recognize wildlife die-offs and subtle changes in the River ecosystem that can indicate changes in River health
- Distinguish native and invasive plant species
- Effectively report these problems to the proper authorities
- Use citizen science apps like iMapInvasives to contribute to research
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Take the quiz!
How wildlife-friendly is your waterfront? Test your knowledge of waterfront conservation and learn about improvements you can make to protect wildlife on our shared landscape. This brochure contains stories from local landowners and practical information about natural debris, pesticides and insecticides, septic tanks, and more.
Download the brochure here. |
Reforesting Your Land
Forests Canada (formerly Forests Ontario) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the nation’s forests through reforestation, education, and conservation initiatives. With a focus on sustainability and community engagement, Forests Canada works with partners to restore and protect forest ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and raise awareness about the importance of healthy forests. Their programs, including large-scale tree planting projects and educational resources, aim to inspire individuals, schools, and communities to take action in preserving Ontario's forests for future generations.
- 50 Million Tree Program - designed to significantly reduce landowner's cost of large-scale tree planting
- Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program - voluntary program administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry that offers a property tax reduction on well-managed forest land in Ontario
- Beech Bark Disease - management options for tolerant hardwood forests
- Landowner Guide
REWILD YOUR LAND— aCTS OF RESTORATIVE KINDNESS
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Build an ARK! An “ARK” is a designated space—a yard, garden, or larger plot—where natural habitat is restored to support native plants, insects, and wildlife. The goal is to foster biodiversity by creating safe havens for struggling species. To get started, reduce mowing, avoid pesticides, and plant native species. Small, thoughtful steps like leaving wild patches and adding water sources can transform any area into a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem.
Learn more on how to create your own ARK here. |
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