August 22, 2023
Tammy
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Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is Old World in origin. It is thought to have been introduced from Europe in the late 1800’s, after settler deforestation, for use in windbreaks, erosion control, and stream bank stabilization. Planted in many locations across Canada, it can now be found from Nova Scotia to Saskatchewan, including throughout southern Ontario. …
August 22, 2023
Tammy
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Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is indigenous to Western Europe and can be found from England to Italy. Its introduction to North America dates from the 1800s, when it was brought by settlers to use for food and medicinal purposes. Since then, Garlic Mustard has spread throughout Southern Ontario and now presents a significant threat to…
August 18, 2023
Tammy
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As long as there is abundant greenery along the trail, why does it matter that it is introduced, non native plant matter? Native plants (including shrubs and trees) have coexisted for centuries providing the resources for a diverse ecosystem. A circle of life provides the resources for each plant and animal in balance. When non-native…
August 18, 2023
Tammy
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Niagara’s Most Unwanted #4: Japanese Stiltgrass Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is regulated as a pest in Canada and a newcomer to our country as an invasive species. Native to southeastern Asia, it arrived in North America in the 1900s when used as packing material. Since then, Japanese Stiltgrass has proliferated across large swaths of the United…
August 14, 2023
Tammy
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Look up! Some of our native vines wind their way far up into the trees – wild grape, Virginia creeper, and poison ivy cohabiting peacefully with the trees. Unfortunately, other vines, including oriental bittersweet and honeysuckle, which are interlopers, wreak havoc in the upper reaches of the forest canopy. In the Niagara region, the honeysuckle…
November 11, 2022
Tammy
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Update from the NBTC Biodiversity Committee: DID YOU KNOW? Dog-strangling vine is an invasive perennial herbaceous plant in the milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae). It is spreading rapidly and causing damage to ecosystems in southern Ontario. Dog-strangling vine invasions can harm biodiversity in a number of ways. It forms dense stands that overwhelm and crowd out native…
November 11, 2022
Tammy
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The day is fine, or not, and as we trudge toward our destination the woods and fields provide a welcome backdrop. Yet how aware are we of what plant matter is in the natural areas that we pass. Many of us are becoming more adept at recognizing massive stands of vegetative interlopers along the side…
June 16, 2022
Margaret
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NBTC has had a busy year setting up a biodiversity committee, working on a Blue Bird Nesting Program, implementing invasive species pull parties, identifying native and invasive species and doing audits. The Biodiversity Committee meets quarterly. Their focus has been: Invasive Species – which to tackle and the best way to eradicate them. In…
August 6, 2021
Margaret
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Non-native Honeysuckles Non-native honeysuckles were imported as early as the 18th century to serve as garden ornamentals, stabilize soils, and provide wildlife habitat. Unfortunately, these species have naturalized and spread well beyond their original plantings to fields, pastures, and forests, where they cause problems for native flora and fauna. These invasive honeysuckles enjoy a…
August 6, 2021
Margaret
No comments exist
Once rare in our area, we now celebrate regular sightings of the Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis), thanks in part to our NBTC volunteer’s efforts. Back in April 1984, rapidly declining populations (by as much as 90% in areas), led The Committee on the Status of Endangered Species in Canada (COSEWIC) to designate this bird a species…