Invasive species are a major threat to biodiversity and can cause erosion along the stream bank. Not only is this a concern for native plants and animals, but for trail users and the community as well. The Junction Creek Stewardship Committee aims to address major ecological concerns associated with the spread of invasive plants along Junction Creek and engage with community stakeholders to encourage greater education and community stewardship. 

The restoration of lost and damaged riparian habitat and aquatic stream features are vital for the recovery of functional ecosystems and to rebuild resiliency to urbanization, invasive species and climate change. As stated by Watersheds Canada, “vegetated buffers are effective in removing over 90% of runoff when compared to non-vegetated shorelines and are critical in mitigating the effects of climate change. These areas provide critical habitat and shade for 90% of aquatic wildlife and 70% of land-based wildlife at some point in their lifetime”. Sections of Junction Creek still exhibit sparse to no riparian buffer and substandard habitat as a result of numerous factors, including invasive plants. 

Meet Junction Creek’s Top 6 Invasive Plants!

Click here for a shareable copy of Junction Creek’s Top 6 Invasive Plants poster!

The JCSC has two funded projects this year to help address invasive species in the Junction Creek watershed and provide resources to empower community-led stewardship. The “Addressing erosion and biodiversity loss through invasive species management” project will conduct surveys of invasive species along Junction Creek to identify and monitor the spread of invasive terrestrial plants. Data collected from this project will contribute to scientific databases to facilitate the long-term management of invasive plant species and direct future restoration efforts along Junction Creek.  

The “Empowering Sustainable Community-led Stewardship for Riparian Habitat Restoration” project will promote community science programs to help identify and report invasive plant species impacting riparian habitat along Junction Creek. 

Project Activities 2022

Project activities included free public events and stewardship activities to engage the community in invasive species management, prevention and community science. This included free public workshops and educational walks on invasive species to help spread awareness of the ecological challenges posed by invasive plants and empower community stewards! A big thank you to project supporters, volunteers, and the community for helping make these events a great success!  For more information about invasive species in the Junction Creek watershed, click here.  

 Invasive Species Workshop – July 20th @ 7pm  

Thank you for joining us for a FREE public workshop at the Living with Lakes Centre! The event included a set-up of community outreach displays in the foyer and a special guest presentation by Derissa Vincentini from the Invasive Species Centre. Learn more about invasive species in your community and how to get involved!  

Educational Walks and Invasive Plant Removal Activities – July & August  

Are you interested in becoming an environmental steward in your neighbourhood? We had a great time hosting free educational walks along Junction Creek! We hope that these activities inspired you to become local stewards and peaked your interest to learn more about invasive species identification, prevention, and management while enjoying the beauty of our urban waterways.

Is your group conducting an invasive species project in Greater Sudbury and would like to have an outreach display at the event? Please contact Sabrina at [email protected]. 

For a downloadable copy of JCSC’s 2022 Invasive Species Project infographic click here.