Thegroundcrewtoronto

03/07/2026

03/07/2026

Eco-Actions for Flood Prevention are very timely with the rainstorm coming tomorrow!!!

03/01/2026

Great suggestions for alternatives to periwinkle and a few other baddies in the city!

02/23/2026

Ack! English ivy too!

Invasive species are plants, animals or other organisms that have been introduced to an area and cause harm within an ecosystem. As these non-native species have not evolved with natural predators or controls, their growth and spread can outcompete local species and lead to other harmful effects on the local environment. The spread of invasive species can decrease biodiversity, damage soil quality, and have negative economic and social impacts.

Some common invasive species within the City of Toronto include Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Norway Maple (Acer platanoides), Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and Phragmites (Phragmites australis).

Woody invasive species like Common Buckthorn (R. cathartica) and Norway Maple (A. platanoides) can be managed year-round, though pulling/digging plants out of the ground in the early spring or fall can help with identification and reduce damage to surrounding vegetation.

Many herbaceous invasive species like Garlic Mustard (A. petiolata), Dog Strangling Vine (Vincetoxicum rossicum), and Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria) can be hand-pulled during the growing season, but may require repetitive management to exhaust the population.

Read best management practices before removal: https://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/resources/best-management-practices/

Invasive species pose a major challenge, but the City of Toronto is committed to managing invasive species and restoring ecosystems. Through Toronto's Ravine Strategy, the City has substantially increased funding for invasive plant management and the amount of natural parkland managed every year.

Follow along to learn more about Invasive Species Week | February 23 to March 1


Image 1: A graphic of common invasive species found within Toronto depicting the leaves and/or flowers/fruits/seeds.

02/11/2026

Exclusively made for The GroundCrewToronto, these hand-made Red-Banded Bumblebees by are available for sale in our large pollinator winter gardening kits.

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

First edition monthly Notes from the Ground. Learn doable real life eco actions for Toronto that you can do today in the cold and snow!

02/09/2026

We are so excited to be teaming up with this Grounded in Bowmanville. Good vibes only. Bring your love for community and the land. Everyone welcome. Drop-in event.

02/05/2026

Let’s spread love together this Valentine’s Day! Join us for this drop-in event be learn how to Winter sow Canadian native plant seeds and make a garden kit to take home and plant now while the ground is still cold.