King Township is asking residents to take a stand in the fight against invasive species with the launch of the King Invasive Species Survey. This innovative initiative, part of the Township’s Invasive Species Management Strategy (ISM), is designed to tackle some of Ontario’s most destructive invaders—like Giant Hogweed, Emerald Ash Borer and Purple Loosestrife—which are threatening the health of local ecosystems. By participating in the survey, residents can help shape the Township’s action plan and become active stewards of King’s natural environment.
Ontario is home to several invasive species that cause significant damage to ecosystems, infrastructure and local economies. According to Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources, some of the most destructive invasive species include:
- Emerald Ash Borer: This metallic-green beetle, originally from Asia, has decimated ash tree populations across Ontario. It disrupts entire ecosystems by killing ash trees, which play a vital role in forests and urban landscapes.
- Giant Hogweed: This large, dangerous plant poses a serious health risk to humans. Its toxic sap can cause severe burns, blisters and long-term skin sensitivity when exposed to sunlight.
- Zebra Mussel: These small, freshwater mussels clog water pipes, damage boat engines and alter ecosystems by filtering out nutrients, disrupting the food chain in lakes and rivers.
- Asian Carp: A highly invasive fish species threatening to enter the Great Lakes, Asian carp outcompete native fish for food, leading to a disruption of aquatic ecosystems.
- Purple Loosestrife: Known for its bright purple flowers, this plant rapidly invades wetlands, displacing native vegetation and reducing biodiversity, which impacts wildlife that depends on native plants for food and habitat.
- Spongy moth: This invasive insect defoliates trees, especially hardwoods like oak, maple and birch, causing extensive forest damage and weakening trees.
- Phragmites: This tall, reed-like plant takes over wetlands and roadside ditches, crowding out native species and reducing habitats for wildlife, particularly birds. King Township has been treating and monitoring Phragmites in the Dufferin Marsh in Schomberg.
The King Invasive Species Survey invites residents to share their knowledge and experiences with invasive species in the Township. The survey’s findings will directly influence the ISM, shaping future educational resources, fact sheets, workshops and hands-on removal or mitigation efforts to combat the spread of these harmful species.
Residents are encouraged to complete the survey and contribute to this crucial environmental initiative. The survey is available online at the following link: King Invasive Species Survey.
For regular updates on Township programs and events, follow the official corporate social media channels on X, Facebook and Instagram or visit king.ca.
Photos courtesy Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources
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Media Contact
Township of King
Jason Ballantyne, Communications Officer
Township of King | Phone: 905-833-5321 | Email: media@king.ca