OFAH FILE: 842
May 15, 2013
Pulling out the stops on garlic mustard
OFAH and Volunteers help control infestation at Ken Reid Conservation Area
In the fight against invasive species, early detection and rapid response are essential. That’s why, in an effort to prevent populations from becoming established and creating problems, staff and volunteers with the Invading Species Awareness Program (ISAP) the Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC) and Kawartha Conservation will be working together to rid Ken Reid Conservation Area in Lindsay of garlic mustard. Funding for this event was provided by the Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network (BEAN).
“Garlic mustard is an invasive plant initially brought to North America from Europe in the 1860’s,” said Alison Kirkpatrick, Terrestrial Invasive Species Liaison with ISAP. “We have been controlling the infestation at Ken Reid Conservation Area for several years now. Last year we pulled upwards of 700 pounds of garlic mustard.”
Garlic mustard has the ability to grow in a wide range of sunny and fully shaded habitats, including undisturbed forest, forest edges, riverbanks and roadsides. Once it becomes established, it can displace native wildflowers, such as trilliums.
Join us Friday, May 17th at 9am at Ken Reid Conservation Area to help combat this invasive species. Volunteers are encouraged to contact Alison Kirkpatrick if interested in participating in this event.
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources partner to deliver the Invading Species Awareness Program, which engages the public in education and awareness to prevent the introduction of new invasive species, and to help stop the spread of those already here.
For more information on invasive species visit the www.invadingspecies.com or contact the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711.
With over 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 710 member clubs, the OFAH is the province’s largest nonprofit, fish and wildlife conservation-based organization, and the VOICE of anglers and hunters. For more information, visit www.ofah.org.
Details:
| Who: | The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, the Ontario Invasive Plant Council, the Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network and Kawartha Conservation |
| What: | Garlic mustard pull |
| Where: | Ken Reid Conservation Area, 277 Kenrei Road, Lindsay |
| Directions: | From Highway 35 – Turn east onto Kenrei Park Road, travel 2.7 km. Destination will be on the left. 277 Kenrei Road, Kawartha Lakes. |
| When: | Friday, May 17, 9 am in the Conservation Area parking lot. |
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Contacts:
| Alison Kirkpatrick Terrestrial Invasive Species Liaison Invading Species Awareness Program 705 748-6324 ext. 234 |
Shannon Gutoskie OFAH Manager of Communications 705-748-6324 ext 270 |