The Cataraqui Region Invasive Phragmites Working Group is calling on local lake and watershed associations, residents, cottagers, anglers and boaters to assist in identifying and reporting invasive Phragmites along lake shores and stream banks this summer.
Phragmites is widely considered one of Canada’s worst invasive plants. To create a more comprehensive understanding of how Phragmites are impacting the Region, the Cataraqui Region Invasive Phragmites Working Group has launched a citizen science initiative using the Cataraqui Invasive Phrag Survey powered by the Survey123 app. The survey enables users to document sightings of the aggressive plant species.
“This type of community involvement is essential,” said Nick Sterling, Watershed Conservation Technician with Cataraqui Conservation, who is helping to lead the project. “By gathering on-the-ground information, we can fill in important data gaps and plan more effectively to manage, and where possible, remove invasive populations. The best time to submit observations to the app is late July and early August when the tall reeds are most visible.”
Invasive Phragmites is a non-native perennial grass that spreads rapidly, out competing native plants, damaging habitats, and reducing shoreline access. Their presence has been growing throughout the region, including along lake shores, wetlands, and drainage areas. The data collected through this summer’s survey will allow the Working Group to update its regional inventory and better assess where and how these plants are spreading.
Over the past two years the Working Group successfully earned grants through the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund for collaborative planning, education, monitoring and management of invasive Phragmites. A key to this year’s success is getting help to map populations that have become established in more sensitive areas by spreading from roadsides where they first became established.
“We want to map them now and see what can be done to help before they have time to grow to an unmanageable level,” said Holly Evans, Watershed Planning Coordinator with Cataraqui Conservation. “Early detection and action are critical for invasive species like Phragmites”.
The survey results will help determine where future control efforts can be implemented in coordination with lake associations and private landowners. Any future management actions will be developed in collaboration with the community to ensure they align with local priorities.
To participate, residents are encouraged to download the free survey app, which provides identification tips and GPS tagging tools. While cruising around the lake or walking along a stream bank, users can record locations of invasive Phragmites and their surrounding environmental conditions. If you plan to complete or have completed a shoreline cruise, please let us know and we’ll update our mapping so others can plan their efforts to fill other gaps. You can send us info by using the online Invasive Phrag Shoreline Survey Log.
For more information, or to download the app and instructional video, visit the Cataraqui Region Phragmites Management Area website. Here you will also find a map showing where observations have already been submitted.
Together, local knowledge and environmental stewardship can help protect the region’s valuable natural spaces from the spread of this harmful invader.