Invasive species

What are we doing to protect the environment?

Signage helps, but many do not care.

There are several species who are beginning to invade Canada from parts afar.

• Water soldiers
• Zebra mussel
• Sea lamprey
• Round goby
• Purple Loosestrife 
• Spiny Water Flea in the Great Lakes Region - competes with fish for food
• Giant hogweed.

Zebra mussels attach themselves to boats, and are shipped by recreational boaters or anglers wherever those who fish and boat place their vessels. 

purple loosestrife in a field

Remember the big deal about purple loosestrife? It certainly sits in the ditches and competes with the bullrushes.


People who take wood from place to place can provide transportation for insects that will endanger the fragile cycle of life. Predators must compete for food, upsetting the balance of feast and famine.

Giant Hogweed, from Britain, is a phototoxic plant. From Wikipedia...

Its sap can cause phytophotodermatitis (severe skin inflammations) when the skin is exposed to sunlight or to UV-rays. Initially the skin colours red and starts itching. Then blisters form as in burns within 48 hours. They form black or purplish scars, which can last several years. Hospitalisation may become necessary.^[1] 

How frightening.

giant hogweed

The stems are quite large (2 - 8 cm in diameter), lending themselves to pea shooters, and much danger for small children. Immediately wash the area with soap and water and stay out of the sun.

The sun causes the reaction, and much care is required. It causes phytophotodermatitis. Within 24 hours you will get large blisters and emergency care may be required. Phytophototoxicity is amplified by humidity and perspiration. The blisters peak between 1 to 3 days. For more information on identifying or removing giant hogweed, call the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711, or visit InvadingSpecies.com or WeedInfo.ca.

Then there is THIS invasive species...