'Tis the season for spring's sneaky visitors

Experts warn Ontarians to watch out for invasive species that pose a threat to native ecosystems

- MANUELA VEGA

Mute swans, along with goldfish and common carp, are among the most prevalent invasive animals in the GTA.

As spring arrives and more people tend to their gardens, Ontarians may begin to notice more non-native creatures and plants.

“Ontario has the largest number of invasive species in Canada — more than 180 aquatic invasive species, at least 39 forest insects, 10 tree diseases, and around 500 non-native plants, with more added every year,” said Karen McDonald, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s senior manager of restoration and infrastructure.

Horticulture groups and environmental clubs may take it upon themselves to rip out some common invasive plants, but others are particularly “high priority” for the government to regulate, said Colin Cassin, invasive species policy manager at the Invasive Species Centre.

“New species arrive in Ontario every year, and the early detection and rapid response of new species is critical to achieving effective control,” McDonald said.

Why are we hearing more about invasive species?

Experts agree that people are becoming more aware of invasive plants as the weather warms, but that there is generally more interest among the public.

“Reports typically increase in the spring through the summer as people start noticing plants waking up from the winter,” McDonald explained.

Plus, interest in native and nonnative plants is increasing, she said. People are learning to identify plants and realizing how many in Ontario are invasive, particularly through apps like iNaturalist.

Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, for its part, believes its recent updates to the Invasive Species Act have sparked curiosity.