top of page

Rattray Marsh Conservation Area  Invasive Species Removal

October 2024 in Collaboration with Credit Valley Conservation

Invasive species are non-native organisms that have been introduced due to human activities in an environment they do not naturally belong to. These species can significantly disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources, spreading diseases, or causing habitat degradation. Due to their potential to cause severe ecological damage, removing invasive species as soon as possible is crucial.

​

Rattray Marsh Conservation Area is a beautiful wetland ecosystem along the Lake Ontario shoreline in Mississauga, uniquely, it is the last remaining lakefront marsh between Toronto and Burlington. The conservation area has 5 trails, the longest is called the Pedestrian Waterfront Trail and spans 1.1 km. The beauty of the area lies in the abundant wildlife, including deer, herons, beavers, foxes, birds, and amphibians. Thanks to the participants of the event, HNPO helped maintain the area that over 650 species of plants and animals call home!

​

Rattray Marsh Conservation Area is completely owned and managed by Credit Valley Conservation, and they have worked to protect the land since they obtained their first 10 hectares in 1971. The importance of Rattray Marsh has been recognized by organizations as well as the community, as it receives over 300,000 visitors annually. Unfortunately, this area has endured numerous degradation challenges over the years, namely urbanization, climate change, and what we were there to remove, invasive species.

Event Details

         Sunday, Oct 6th, 2024 

         9:30 AM - 1:30 PM

      

Rattray Marsh Conservation Area (1550 Green Glade, Mississauga ON L5J185)

Itinerary

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Sign-In + Welcome

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Opening Ceremony

10:30 AM - 12:30 AM

Invasive Species Removal

12:30 AM - 1:15 PM

Lunch Break

1:15 PM - 1:30 PM

Volunteer Hours Sign-Off

Invasive Species We Removed!

Buckthorn

image.png

Buckthorn is the common name for the family Rhamnaceae. There are over 900 species around the world, three of which can be found inhabiting North America: Common and Glossy buckthorn. Interestingly though, only one species of this plant is native to Canada: Alder-leaved buckthorn. 

Buckthorns go by various names and come in various forms, but the species found in Ontario can be generalized by their smooth, slightly ridged green leaves and grape-like clusters of black or orange fruit. 

image.png

Background:

  • Native to Europe and some parts of Asia​

  • Brought to Canada in the 1880's to be used for farm management or decorative purposes

  • Non-native buckthorn is found in Canada from Nova Scotia to Saskatchewan

    • In Ontario it mainly resides in the southern regions

    • Also certain parts of the United States​

Why are Buckthorns Harmful?

  • Thick stem systems act as shields from the sun to native plants

  • Rapid germination means they easily populate areas and overwhelm other species

  • Hosts to fungi and insects that are often harmful to other plants

  • Resilient; can grow in wet, dry, bright, or shady areas

Our Partner: Credit Valley Conservation

Established in 1954 by the Ontario government, Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is one of 36 community-based environmental organizations at the watershed level in the province. CVC volunteers and stewards are involved in climate change and greenhouse gas reduction, flood and natural water management, as well as educating Canadians on environmental issues. So join them and the HNP team in conserving our environment at this biannual invasive species pull!

Pictures From The Event

20241006_111534.jpg
20241006_102031.jpg
20241006_113413.jpg
20241006_110325.jpg
20241006_095026.jpg
frog.jpg
trail walk.jpg

Thank you to all who Participated!

© 2024 Human Nature Projects Ontario.

Human Nature Projects Ontario is a federally incorporated non-profit organization in Canada.

​

HNP Ontario acknowledges Indigenous Peoples throughout Canada. This includes Inuit, Métis and more than 900,000 people living in more than 630 First Nations communities, and in cities and towns across these lands.

Website developed by Muhammad Ansar & Kelly Li; maintained by HNP Ontario's logistics team.

  • Youtube
  • Twitter
  • TikTok
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Discord
  • LinkedIn
bottom of page