The Junction Creek Stewardship Committee conducts surveys to monitor invasive species in the Junction Creek watershed and collaborates with local community groups to assist in invasive species removal and management. We aim to gain a better understanding of the extent of their impact on our native ecosystems and develop effective management strategies to help conserve native biodiversity in Junction Creek.
Why are invasive species a concern?
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.
Invasive Species in Junction Creek
Invasive plants that have been commonly found in the Junction Creek watershed include Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam, Garlic Mustard, Purple Loosestrife, Goutweed, Dame’s Rocket, and Eurasian Water Milfoil. Download info on Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam, Garlic Mustard. And download the Junction Creek Invasive Plant Guide for more information.
Invasive Species Projects
Meet Junction Creek's Top 6 Invasive Plants!
Download a shareable copy of Junction Creek's Top 6 Invasive Plants poster!
The JCSC had two funded projects in 2022 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 conducted surveys of invasive species along Junction Creek to identify and monitor the spread of invasive terrestrial plants. Data collected from this project contributed 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 promoted 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!
Invasive Species Workshop
We hosted 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
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 us at restoration@junctioncreek.com.
Download the JCSC's 2022 Invasive Species Project infographic.
In 2023, the JCSC launched an “Empowering Youth in Invasive Species” project aimed at empowering youth and community-led stewardship to prevent the spread of invasive species along Junction Creek. The project was made possible with support from the Invasive Species Centre’s Invasive Species Action Fund and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
As part of the project, JCSC delivered guided walks and invasive species pulls along Junction Creek with the help of youth and community members; providing the tools and knowledge to empower stewardship in a way that is inclusive, enjoyable and barrier-free. Additionally, JCSC provided 60 invasive species management kits to youth and community members, helping individuals make a difference and stop the spread of invasive plants.
The project also supported the development of a site-specific 5-year management plan for a patch of invasive Japanese Knotweed in the Flour Mill by the arboretum. With the funding, we were able to acquire the materials and supplies needed for the site, outreach handouts for the community, and developed informative signage about the management project. The removal and control of the patch of Japanese Knotweed started in June 2024. Download more info on Japanese Knotweed.
Download the infographic.
Japanese Knotweed Management Project
The Junction Creek Stewardship Committee removed a patch of invasive Japanese Knotweed near Clinton Ave. & Perreault St. as part of restoration efforts to repair the greenspace and help native plants flourish.
This project was made possible with support from the Invasive Species Centre’s Invasive Species Action Fund and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Northern Ontario Heritage Foundation, and the City of Greater Sudbury. Also, a special thank you to Ethier Sand & Gravel for donating sand to fill the sandbags!
What is Japanese Knotweed?
Japanese Knotweed is an invasive plant that grows aggressively in dense patches, taking over an area, outcompeting native plants, and negatively impacting habitats. This plant can even grow through concrete and has been noted to damage building foundations and other infrastructure.
Japanese Knotweed – Profile and Resources | Invasive Species Centre
Management Technique Being Used
The management technique being used at this site does not involve any chemicals. We are using a “cutting and tarping” or “smothering” method. This method is a more environmentally friendly alternative to herbicides. First the plant is cut and removed, then a weighted tarp covers the site to block sunlight and water and heat up the roots. This creates unfavourable conditions and stops the plant from growing back. After several years of “smothering”, the site will be ready to be replanted with native plants.
Boot brush station
Trailside Boot Brush Station
In 2024, Sudbury's first trailside boot brush station was installed along the Junction Creek Waterway Park trail. This initiative helps combat the introduction and spread of invasive plants by encouraging trail users to clean their footwear before and after their visit.
Where to Find It
The boot brush station is located in the Arboretum along the Percy Park Trail, at the north end of the Downtown-Flour Mill Trail near Claude Charbonneau Park. Ready to hit the trail? Don't forget to make a stop at the boot brush station and join the fight against invasive species!
Brushing your boots is a simple yet impactful way to protect Sudbury’s natural spaces:
- Before entering the trail: Remove dirt, seeds, and plant material from the treads and sides of your boots to avoid introducing invasive species.
- Clean your boots again to prevent spreading any plant matter to other natural areas.
Download our Boot Brush for Trails Guide
Every brush counts! By taking a few moments to clean your footwear, you’re helping preserve our local environment for everyone to enjoy.
Part of our 'Managing Invasive Plants along Urban Trails in Sudbury’ project, made possible with support from the Invasive Species Action Fund and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Northern Ontario Heritage Foundation, the City of Greater Sudbury, and Pinehill Lumber. The views expressed are solely the views of JCSC and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province, Ministry of Natural Resources or the Invasive Species Centre.
Invasive species pulls and community outreach
In addition to the Japanese Knotweed Management project and trailside boot brush station, we also delivered a series of invasive plant pulls and outreach campaigns to empower community stewardship and remove invasive plants along the Junction Creek Waterway Park trails. Throughout the project, 29 volunteers removed 224 kg of invasive plants (Himalayan Balsam, Purple Loosestrife, and Japanese Knotweed) in Garson, New Sudbury, and the Flour Mill community.
Together, we are tackling the ecological challenges posed by invasive plants and driving positive change for the long-term restoration of Junction Creek.
Phragmites in Sudbury
Invasive Phragmites (Phragmites australis) is a growing concern in the Sudbury region as it is on the forefront of encroaching spread from southern reaches. Greater Sudbury poses unique challenges for the spread and control of invasive Phragmites. There are over 330 lakes and a network of rivers and streams which increases the risk of Phragmites spreading since the seeds can easily travel long distances in flowing water. Phragmites has also been reported in heavily polluted areas such as those that contain mining waste and metals that kill most native species but provide adequate growing conditions for Phragmites with little to no competition. This may result in higher occurrences in the region since Sudbury is one of the largest mining communities in North America and has mining facilities situated at the headwaters of Junction Creek and its tributaries.
Comprehensive mapping is critical for defining the scope of invasive species spread and identifying priority sites. Greater Sudbury is over 3,000 square kilometres in area, requiring greater efforts in species monitoring to cover such a large geographic area to fully understand the extent of spread in the region. Sharing knowledge and resources are effective ways to amplify monitoring efforts, however, there is currently no regional level planning for invasive Phragmites in Greater Sudbury. Consequently, much of Greater Sudbury remains unmapped despite past community efforts. Therefore, there is a strong need for targeted invasive Phragmites monitoring and collaborative planning in Sudbury for long-term management and prevention.
Phragmites Patrol: Monitoring and Controlling Invasive Phragmites Project
In 2024, the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee (JCSC) launched the Phragmites Patrol: Monitoring and Controlling Invasive Phragmites Togetherproject to collectively address gaps in mapping, monitoring, and managing invasive Phragmites australis (European Common Reed) in the Greater Sudbury region.
Key Activities and Results
- Mapping and Data Collection
We conducted extensive surveys along 81 km of shorelines in the upper reaches of Junction Creek watershed and surrounding lakes, filling important data gaps for comprehensive mapping and to support regional Phragmites management efforts. We also collected DNA samples to distinguish between native and invasive subspecies. - Public Engagement
Throughout the project, we provided applied learning opportunities for students, informative presentations and outreach material, and encouraged community science involvement in invasive species reporting. We also hosted a free public information session featuring guest speakers and outreach displays to raise awareness about invasive Phragmites. - Collaborative Planning
The project facilitated collaboration with local partners and stakeholders to help create a coordinated regional approach for monitoring, prevention, and control of invasive Phragmites.
Learn more about invasive Phragmites:
- Phragmites - Ontario Invasive Plant Council
- Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative | Linking people, information & action
- Invasive Phragmites | Ontario's Invading Species Awareness Program
- Invasive Phragmites – Profile and Resources | Invasive Species Centre
This project is made possible with the support of the Ontario Phragmites Action program and supporting funder, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. The views expressed are solely the views of JCSC and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province, Ministry of Natural Resources or the Invasive Species Centre.
Phragmites Working Group
Help stop the spread of invasive plants!
You can help reduce invasive species in your watershed by planting native species in your gardens and yards, cleaning footwear and boats between use in different locations to prevent the spread, learn how to identify invasive species, reporting sightings to the Ontario Invading Species Awareness Program, and volunteering at an invasive species removal event in your neighbourhood.
Invasive plants can spread from yard clippings being dumped in greenspaces and by seeds being transferred on footwear. Do NOT dump yard waste into greenspaces, instead dispose of yard waste following residential leaf and yard collection guidelines. For more information, download the Manage Leaf Yard Brochure (greatersudbury.ca).
Additional resources:
Invasive Species Centre
City Of Greater Sudbury's Invasive Species Page
Video: What makes a plant ‘invasive’ and what harm does it really do?
Canada Invasives Youth Resources