Phragmites
What is Phragmites?
Phragmites australis (European Common Reed) is an invasive perennial grass that is spreading rapidly throughout Ontario causing severe impacts in our communities and ecosystems.
Phragmites forms thick stands that choke out native vegetation. It is limiting shoreline access, impeding recreational activities like swimming and boating, and degrading shoreline ecosystems.
Phragmites Resources
- Phragmites Management Factsheet – A Landowners Guide
- Alternatives to Phragmites – Ornamental Grasses Factsheet
- The Process for Invasive Phragmites Removal in Georgian Bay Wetlands and Shorelines (Georgian Bay Forever website)
- Phragmites Infestation within the Bear Creek Provincially Significant Wetland Complex
Phragmites Management in Collingwood
One ecosystem where Phragmites is of increasing concern is the west shoreline of Collingwood. This shoreline hosts globally rare coastal marshes that are home to a diversity of species, including species at risk, and is a part of the provincially significant Silver Creek Wetland Complex.
Following an initial community meeting in September 2014, NVCA and Georgian Bay Forever developed an action plan for the West Collingwood shoreline. The Blue Mountain Watershed Trust Foundation and the Town of Collingwood joined the partnership, providing expertise and support.
NVCA, Georgian Bay Forever and Blue Mountain Watershed Trust have mapped the extent of Phragmites along the west Collingwood shoreline, and trained community volunteers on the proper control methods. Dozens of volunteers have contributed their time to removing Phragmites on both public and private property. After the volunteers have cut and collected the plant, the Town of Collingwood has been instrumental in transporting it to the local landfill where it is safely composted. (Don’t try to compost phragmites in your backyard composter. The temperatures are not hot enough.)
Project funders include: Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund, WWF Loblaw Water Fund, Environment and Climate Change Canada EcoAction program, Georgian Bay Forever.
Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Lake Simcoe South-eastern Georgian Bay Clean-up Fund and the RBC Bluewater Project have offered financial support in past years
If you would like more information or want to get involved in this project, please contact NVCA.
Phragmites Management across the Watershed
In 2016, NVCA’s watershed monitoring team developed a Phragmites & Invasive Species Action Plan for the Nottawasaga Valley Watershed.
Early Detection is Key
Early detection and rapid response is essential for the control and/or eradication of invasive species in an area. If you spot these Phragmites, please report the sighting to EDDmapS.
Invasive Species on Private Property
NVCA does not offer a service to remove invasive species on private property. If you are looking for tips on dealing with Phragmites on your property, see the links above, or visit Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program.
Stewardship Services
Environmental Education