Weed Free Waters

10/12/2026

The Invasive Phragmites Control Fund is supporting the economy and biodiversity through an investment from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. In 2026/27 the Fund is supporting 195 local jobs that help to manage and prevent the spread of high-risk invasive species across the province.

To learn more about the impacts of the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, visit www.ontariophragmitesaction.ca

Thanks to an investment by Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources () to develop the Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) program, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (.ca) and the Invasive Species Centre are leading Ontario’s largest habitat restoration program and tackling one of Canada’s worst invasive species.

07/26/2026

Water soldier is a highly invasive aquatic plant from Europe and Asia, often resembling the top of a pineapple, that creates dense, sharp-edged mats in North American waterways. It chokes out native vegetation, alters water chemistry, and poses safety risks to swimmers and boaters. It is listed as a prohibited species in Ontario.

How to Stop the Spread:

🗒Report sightings immediately to the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or online at www.EDDMapS.org or www.iNaturalist.org.

💦Clean, Drain, Dry boats and equipment to prevent transferring plants to new areas.

⚠️Avoid infested areas: Do not boat or swim through dense mats, as this can fragment and spread the plant.

👩‍🌾Never intentionally plant or move water soldier, as it is a prohibited, high-risk invasive species in Ontario.

07/15/2026

Keep an eye out for hydrilla in Ontario!

Hydrilla is an invasive aquatic plant and has the potential to seriously impact our lakes, rivers, and wetlands by forming dense mats that crowd out native species and interfere with recreation.

Currently, the only known population of hydrilla in Ontario is found at Hillman Marsh on Lake Erie. Early detection is critical to preventing its spread.

If you think you've spotted hydrilla, take clear photos, note the location, and report it through the Invading Species Hotline 1-800-563-7711 or online at www.EDDMapS.org.

06/03/2026

Anyone spending time on the water this season is asked to be on the lookout for water soldier, a prohibited invasive aquatic plant in Ontario.

This species forms dense, floating mats that can obstruct navigation and restrict access for fishing and other on-water activities. In addition to these impacts, it also displaces native vegetation and degrades habitat for fish species and wildlife, impacting the quality of our fisheries and aquatic ecosystems.

In Ontario, known populations of water soldier are currently limited to the Trent–Severn Waterway, the Bay of Quinte, Redhorse Lake, and Cook’s Bay, Lake Simcoe.

If you suspect you’ve encountered water soldier, take clear photographs, note your location, and report the sighting to the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or submit a report online at www.EDDMapS.org.

Photo credit: Dense mat of water soldier in Cook’s Bay, Lake Simcoe. Courtesy of Ducks Unlimited, 2025.

05/24/2026

05/07/2026

Did you know? 🌱

When an invasive plant spreads into a natural habitat, it can have long lasting impacts. Species like periwinkle, goutw**d, English ivy, and lily of the valley can take over and form dense monocultures that crowd out other plants, including native species that pollinators and wildlife depend on. 🐝🦋

When purchasing plants for your garden, avoid plants that are invasive in your area and consider native plants instead. Follow this link for gardening resources to help keep your garden healthy: https://bit.ly/4t1k1bl

04/28/2026

Many invasive plants begin growing earlier in spring than native species, giving them a head start in competing for light, space, and nutrients. Early‑emerging invasives to watch for include goutw**d, periwinkle, garlic mustard, and yellow archangel.
Learn more about invasive plants here: https://bit.ly/3n4OTG9

04/19/2026

Happy Spring

We are booking up fast for this summers business.
Call us to book your aquatic w**d removal, invasive species management,debris removal or dredging project. **ds