SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. — The Invasive Species Centre in Sault Ste. Marie has announced the recipients of its Education and Community Action Microgrant Awards for Ontario.
The winners include three groups that are working to combat invasive plants and animals in Northwestern Ontario, including garlic mustard in Thunder Bay:
- EcoSuperior Environmental Programs/Thunder Bay – 5th annual Garlic Mustard invasive plant pull
- Grand Council Treaty # 3/Kenora – zebra mussel early detection program
- Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Assn/Kenora – zebra mussel settlement sampler community workshops
The Invasive Species Centre, a not-for-profit organization, is giving each of 24 recipients across the province a grant of $1,000 to support their work.
Funding comes from the Ontario and federal governments.
The ISC says that, around the world, invasive species are the second most important threat to biodiversity after habitat loss.
A recent study estimated the potential impacts on agriculture, fisheries, forests, healthcare, tourism and the recreation industry total $3.6 billion in Ontario alone.
Garlic mustard was first discovered in Thunder Bay in 2015 along the McVicar Creek recreation trail, and quickly made its way to trails behind the former Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital.
The seeds are easily spread by people and animals, and can remain in the soil for up to 30 years before sprouting.
EcoSuperior has said the herb, which originated in Europe, produces chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants including trilliums and native violets.
