Written by Madison Sturba, Invasive Species Centre

The Greenbelt is incredibly diverse, with countless organisms living in its protected forests, wetlands, rivers, fields, and grasslands. These ecosystems support over 70 species at risk, including the wood turtle, butternut tree, and red-headed woodpecker. The survival of these species (and many others) really depends on the continued protection and health of these natural spaces.

Invasive species are one of the biggest threats to biodiversity in the Greenbelt. Invasive species are non-native organisms that have been introduced to an ecosystem outside of their native range and cause significant ecological, economic, and social harm in their new environment. Invasive plants, animals, insects, fish, and fungi can dominate the landscape and cause drastic changes as they outcompete native species for resources.

Some species are more worrisome than others – through surveys, events, and other conversations, we discovered that growers in the area are most concerned about the potential arrival of spotted lanternfly, which is an invasive plant hopper that feeds on over 100 different plant species. Some of its preferred hosts include grapevines and fruit trees, so it’ll be particularly damaging for Ontario’s wine, brew, and tender fruit industries. The insect hasn’t been confirmed in Canada yet, but it’s been found lurking close to the border in New York and Michigan. Some invasive plants like phragmites and buckthorn are also on farmer’s minds, since they can crowd out native plants, reduce crop yields, and become costly to manage.

Is there anything that can be done to prevent invasive species? We’ve been working with the Greenbelt Foundation to increase invasive species awareness and reporting. When more people are informed and engaged, more eyes are on the landscape paying attention to ecosystem health. Increased awareness means more chances to spot new invaders early – and early detection is key to taking swift, effective action before they spread further.

Learning more about invasive species in your area is an important step in land stewardship! There are lots of virtual resources and in-person opportunities where you can learn how to get more involved. For example, we’ve been hosting free spotted lanternfly training workshops in the Greenbelt to teach people how to prevent, identify, and report spotted lanternfly. We’re always highlighting events on our website and socials, so check out www.invasivespeciescentre.ca to stay informed! We also have a new Invasive Terrestrial Plants Training course that will be available for free in December thanks to the Greenbelt Foundation. This course will highlight a few different invasive plant species found in the Greenbelt and will cover ways you can prevent and manage their spread.

Protecting Ontario’s Greenbelt from invasive species is essential for preserving the ecological richness that makes this region so special. With your support, we can try to keep lands and waters free from invasive species.