The Tiny Marsh needs your help!
The invasive Common Reed is establishing itself within this provincially significant wetland and there is a program being implemented to stop its spread.
The Marl-Tiny Marsh-Matchedash Bay Conservation Association (M-T-M) is creating a task force of volunteers to assist with this control program.
The Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area, near Elmvale, is well-known for its amazing biodiversity of plant and animal life, annually attracting birdwatchers, recreational walkers and nature photographers.
Common Reed, usually referred to by its scientific name Phragmites (specifically Phragmites australis subsp. australis), is threatening to take over large areas of the marshland and reduce the natural mix of habitats.
Volunteers who wish to participate in this “Phrag Free Tiny Marsh” project will be trained on the identifications of both the native and invasive forms of phragmites, will learn of various control methods that can be applied, and be led in work parties along the Trotter Dike to hand-cut stands of this invasive plant species.
M-T-M has obtained financial support from Tiny Township and Ducks Unlimited (Canada), coupled with informational support from the Ontario Invasive Plant Council and the Invasive Phragmites Control Centre, which has allowed for the mapping and evaluation of the phragmites threat to Tiny Marsh and area.
“Now it’s time for some hands-on action!” the group says.
Volunteers can sign up to join a work party for a variety of dates in August, currently set to occur on a Monday, Wednesday or Saturday. Work times will be 9 a.m. to noon and 3 to 6 p.m. Pre-registration is required by contacting volunteer coordinator David Hawke at [email protected].
Detailed information will be supplied to those who express an interest in helping with this project.
The M-T-M Conservation Association was formed almost 25 years ago to ensure these three provincially owned wetlands continue to be managed and maintained for wildlife and recreational uses. Further details of M-T-M’s history and mandates along with membership information can be found here.
