February 18, 2021
The City of Mississauga is recognizing Invasive Species Awareness Week from February 21 to 27, 2021. The week encourages residents to care for their local environments by learning more about invasive species in their community. Throughout the week, the City will also share information about its Invasive Species Management Plan and Implementation Strategy (ISMP&IS).
“Invasive species are plants, animals or micro-organisms that are not native to Mississauga and cause harm to our natural environment. Historically, they’ve had a dramatic impact on our tree canopy and natural environment, causing a lot of devastation to our precious green spaces,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Investing in a plan like this will help ensure that invasive species are no longer a threat to our community and our budget. It is our priority to preserve, enhance and protect our natural areas to ensure they are healthy and continue to provide countless benefits to Mississauga.”
The ISMP&IS was developed in response to the growing number of invasive species in Mississauga. It provides a phased, city-wide approach to managing invasive species like the Gypsy Moth, Emerald Ash Borer, Wild Parsnip and Giant Hogweed.
“Over the last few years, the City has been experiencing a number of issues due to invasive species. Whether it’s the spreading of Giant Hogweed, Cankerworms affecting our hardwoods, or the Emerald Ash Borer destroying our ash trees, invasive species of all kinds continue to be a major problem throughout the city, threatening our parks, green spaces and wildlife habitats,” said Jodi Robillos, Director, Parks, Forestry and Environment. “Invasive species put pressure on our environment because they don’t have any natural predators. Based on our previous experience trying to eliminate them, we’ve seen success with mitigation efforts, which is why our Invasive Species Management Plan and Implementation Strategy is so important.”
Last year, the City partnered with The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to eliminate the invasive Asian Long-horned Beetle from its tree canopy due to strong mitigation efforts. The Asian Long-horned Beetle was brought to Canada unintentionally. Infected trees were removed, chipped up and processed to eliminate the ability of the beetle to destroy other healthy trees.
Robillos added, “During the year, especially during Invasive Species Week, the City wants to generate awareness and educate residents about invasive species and early detection, to continue to protect our urban tree canopy and natural spaces.”
During Invasive Species Awareness Week, the City will be hosting three informative online webinars for residents.
Invasive Species Management at the City of Mississauga
Monday, February 22
5 to 6 p.m.
Register
Woody Invasives of the Greater Toronto Area
Wednesday, February 24
5 to 6 p.m.
Invasive Species Awareness Week Trivia Night
Friday, February 26
6 to 7 p.m.
For more information about other invasive species in Mississauga, visit mississauga.ca/services-and-programs/forestry-and-environment/invasive-species/.
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