07/20/2026
Our field crew has been working hard this summer removing invasive species throughout the Hunter-Clyde Watershed Group!
Invasive species are non native species that have been introduced to a new location that is outside of their natural range. They are usually introduced primarily through human activity, either intentionally or accidentally. They can quickly outcompete and take resources from native species such as habitat/space, sunlight/food and other resources. This is because they lack their natural predators and diseases to keep their population in check. When invasive species begin to take over it can limit biodiversity within our ecosystems.
Out crew have been busy removing Bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara), Wild cucumber (Echinocystis lobata), Small balsam (Impatiens parviflora), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), and Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica).
Pictured above includes small balsam, and wild cucumber. As you can see the small balsam is spread very thick along the forest floor, and the wild cucumber is climbing up native species.
Thank you to the Wildlife Conservation Fund and to the Canada Water Agency for supporting our habitat enhancement work along with other projects!