John invited Lilly to be our guest speaker July 31, 2018 to talk about her work with Ducks Unlimited on controlling invasive species on Wolfe Island. | Greta du Bois, herself very concerned about human influence on the environment, thanked Lily for her work and her excellent presentation. |
Lily is a student at Guelph in Environmental Science. She is working for Ducks Unlimited Canada on Wolfe Island to battle invasive species.
European Water Chestnut – floating plant that quickly forms a dense floating mat that lowers oxygen levels detrimental to fish and wildlife. Seeds are sharp and dangerous when washed up on shore.
Currently hand-pulling to remove them. Need to be careful if wrapped around lilly stems. Pulls out quite easily. 2 people pulling weeds all day! J
Leave on land to dry out.
Native to western Europe, Africa brought as ornamental plant in 1879.
66% reduction in 3 years.
After pulling the plants in an area, they do surveillance around the area to look for more.
No bio-controls known for European water chestnut (which have risks of their own).
Volunteer, avoid boating in infested areas, never release non-native plants or fish.
Bigger problem on south shore in the States.
Not much further east than here for us.
For the slides of Lilly's presentation, see: photoalbums/lily-auty-invasive-species-talk-slides-july-31-2018