Crews work to control invasive plant taking over Tiny Marsh
An effort is underway to remove and control an invasive, robust weed in the Tiny Marsh.
The Marl Lake-Tiny Marsh-Matchedash Bay Conservation Association hired a company from the Windsor area to help remove the aggressive Phragmites.
David Hawke is spearheading the removal work and says Phragmites is the number one invasive plant in southern Ontario.
"If left unchecked, it's going to literally take over the wetland," explains Hawke.
He adds Phragmites is so thick and tall in the Marsh it crowds out natural vegetation and becomes a hazard for wildlife.
"Turtles can't come up on the shoreline, ducks can't bring their ducklings out, and it will just become the only plant growing here," Hawke says.
Experts say eradication is nearly impossible, but controlling the spread is possible.
Chuck Simpson, with the Invasive Phragmites Control Centre out of Langton, Ont., says the plant is covering roughly 10 per cent of the Marsh right now.
"We're using two amphibious vehicles, one to cut it right at the floor of the Marsh, that will eventually drown the plant. Little piles will be left in the water to act as a safe habitat for wildlife," he says.
Crews are done working in the Marsh this week but will be back for a couple of days next week.
They plan to return next summer to pick up where they left off.
The project is expected to take three years to complete.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.