Learn about Invasive Species Affecting our Environment at the Invasive Species Awareness Fair

Mississauga has a number of non-native invasive plants and pests that threaten the city’s natural environment. On Saturday, May 13, the City of Mississauga is hosting an Invasive Species Awareness Fair at Tecumseh Park to educate residents about invasive species and how they affect Mississauga’s environment, habitats, ecosystems and tree canopy. During the event, you will learn more about garlic mustard, common reed (phragmites), dog-strangling vine and hemlock woolly adelgid. You’ll also learn how to detect, report and protect Mississauga’s green and natural spaces while exploring this beautiful natural area, enjoying snacks, getting your face painted and participating in other family-friendly activities.

Event details

What:

The City is hosting an invasive species awareness fair to share information about invasive species.

You will be able to:

• Learn about invasive species from City staff and local environmental organizations
• Learn how to report invasive species
• Join a guided nature walk where you will learn about restoration work taking place at Tecumseh Park
• Assist with garlic mustard removal
• Take part in a wildflower giveaway
• Participate in family-friendly activities

Who:

All Mississauga residents interested in learning more about invasive species in Mississauga.

Registration is not required. If participating in the guided nature walk and/or garlic mustard removal, you must sign a waiver (if under 18 years old, a parent or guardian will need to sign the waiver).

When:

Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where:

Tecumseh Park
1115 Tecumseh Park Dr.
[MAP]

There is no parking lot available at Tecumseh Park. Consider using active transportation to get to the park by walking, cycling or using a micromobility device. If driving, visitors can park on residential streets following all rules and posted signage. If taking transit, visit MiWay’s Trip Planner to plan your travel and get real time trip updates on your next bus arrival or call 905-615-INFO (4636) for assistance.

City’s Actions to Address Invasive Species

The City’s Invasive Species Management Plan and Implementation Strategy responds to the threat of invasive species in Mississauga. It aims to limit future threats from invasive species to the community, the City’s budget and our natural areas.

Interested in helping to protect our natural areas? Become a Natural Areas Stewardship Volunteer to help City staff remove invasive plants in parks and natural areas. The City is hosting three stewardship events to learn what garlic mustard is, how to properly remove and dispose of the invasive plant, while working alongside City staff. The events include:

• Creditview Wetlands
  • Saturday, May 27 at 10 a.m. to noon | Register

• Windrush Woods
  • Saturday, June 3 from 10 a.m. to noon | Register

• Meadowvale Station Woods
  • Saturday, June 17 from 10 a.m. to noon | Register

Report Invasive Species

If you spot an invasive plant species on City property like a park, trail or boulevard, you can report it using the invasive species reporting form. If you spot spongy moth (formally LDD) in Mississauga, you can report it using the online reporting form.

For more information about the invasive species awareness fair, visit: mississauga.ca/events-and-attractions/events-calendar/invasive-species-awareness-fair

BACKGROUND

Invasive Species in Mississauga

Invasive species are plants, animals or micro-organisms that are not native to Mississauga and threaten the city’s natural environment. They can negatively alter Mississauga’s parks, woodlands, natural areas and wildlife habitats. Invasive plants can take over the space, change the soil composition and compete for nutrients making it harder for native plants to grow. Invasive insects can cause direct harm to trees and other native plants by transmitting disease or eating the leaves or stems.

Tags

• Climate Change
• Invasive Species
• Parks and Forestry