Invasive Phragmites Control Centre

05/15/2026

This we are reminded of why working in habitat restoration is so important!

Our team at IPCC has a special love for turtles. They among many other species are largely impacted by invasive phragmites. From habitat loss to obstruction of pathways to nesting sites, turtles often get stuck or are forced to travel elsewhere. This leads to a growing need for road crossing, which increases road mortality.

All 8 of our Ontario turtle species are either endangered, threatened, or of special concern.

If you see a turtle injured or in danger reach out to 🐢 They do incredible rehabilitation work!

It’s important now more than ever to be informed and aid endangered species across Ontario. In practice this looks like signing petitions, being alert to proposed local government legislation, and volunteering where you can.

Together we can protect our cherished species and habitats.

05/07/2026

Periwinkle is an extremely aggressive plant! They spread rapidly and create dense mats that smother surrounding flora. It also releases growth-inhibiting chemicals, which negatively affect surrounding vegetation.

This non-native groundcover destroys ecosystems and provides little to no wildlife value. Its leaves are toxic if ingested for most, including dogs and humans.

Once established, periwinkle can prove very difficult to remove!

Keep an eye on what’s growing in your yard 🌱

04/26/2026

Some people aid the environment by making changes in their personal life, some spread awareness, and some take action by seeking opportunities to be hands-on in their communities. Last week was National Volunteer Week and we’d like to bring attention to the amazing people/organizations who do all three.

The IPCC has had the great pleasure of working and collaborating with many volunteer groups and is so grateful for the ongoing friendships and support in our collective fight against phragmites!

Our appreciation goes out to:

Nancy Vidler and the Lambton Shores Phragmites Community Group https://lspcg.com/

Leslie Wood and Oliphant Fishing Islands Phragmites Community Group

The Kincardine Residents Against Phragmites https://lnkd.in/eGjmHh7T

Friends of Second Marsh https://www.secondmarsh.ca/

Sandra Marshall and the Ipperwash Phrag Phighters https://centreipperwashcommunity.ca/ipp/

Marilee Koenderink and the Lake Bernard Phragmites Working Group https://lnkd.in/eYhT-J3y

Bruce and Laurie MacKenzie, and Friends of Grimsby Wetlands https://lnkd.in/eR-JAPH5

Judith Jones, and the Manitoulin Island Phragmites Project https://lnkd.in/eTMDJZx2

Kate Harries, and the Marl-Tiny-Matchedash Conservation Association https://lnkd.in/esKnGiQ8

Nancy Matthews, and the Lake Eugenia Property Owners Association https://www.lepoa.ca/

Lawrence O'Keeffe, and the Friends of the Napanee River https://lnkd.in/ejXv8upW

Lynn Short who developed the spading control method and has volunteered a lot of her time to help control phrag along Wymbolwood Beach

04/22/2026

Today we celebrate the planet that brings us all together and sustains our lives. It’s a day to remind us not to take the Earth and its precious habitats for granted. 🌎

Even when environmental degradation comes from all sides and seems unsolvable, every action, big or small, in support of environmental stewardship counts.

Learning where you can help is the first step to inspiring change!

Come see the IPCC team at an upcoming event in London!

🌱Earthfest London
🗓️Saturday, April 25th 2026
⏰11am-4pm
📍Citi Plaza, London, ON

04/13/2026

A glimpse into what motivates our team to take action in environmental restoration and their favourite wetland species! 🐸🐢

More team interviews to come!

02/23/2026

It’s Invasive Species Awareness Week!

This is a great opportunity to spread knowledge throughout our communities by sharing simple info with our friends and family! Knowing about something is the first step to caring about it 🌱

The cold months are a great time to spread awareness on invasive phragmites, Canada’s worst invasive plant, since their dormant phase is so easy to spot!

02/02/2026

World Wetlands Day is a great reminder of the crucial ecosystems around us 🌎

Wetlands are biodiversity hotspots. Many Canadian species including migratory birds and endangered wildlife rely on these habitats. That’s why it’s so important for us to act as environmental stewards and protect these areas. 🪶🐢

They are also incredible for:
- Flood and storm protection: wetlands act as sponges and absorb excess water which reduces the risk of flooding.
- Water quality: they are natural filters which trap pollutants, sediments, and nutrients.
- Carbon storage: wetlands store more carbon than any other ecosystem which makes them critical climate change mitigators.
- Water supply: they recharge groundwater aquifers and maintain water flow during dry periods.

Ontario is home to 6% of all wetlands on earth, and 1/4 of all Canada’s wetlands!

Southern Ontario has already lost over 70% of our wetlands due to agriculture expansion, urbanization, resource extraction, climate change, and pollution.

Take pride in the wetlands around you and fight for their health! 🫵📢🌱🪏

Many thanks to our friends for sharing some of this information with us!

12/31/2025

A Huge Thank You from the IPCC Team! ✨

Another great year! We’re incredibly proud to have treated 1186+ hectares of land across Ontario in 2025, helping to combat 17 invasive species that threaten our wetlands and natural areas. 🌱🌎

Our crew of dedicated phrag-fighters gave it their all to have another successful season. Many hours of collective effort was put in to protect the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Controlling invasive species continues to be crucial when preserving the health of our environment and wildlife that rely on these habitats! 🐢🦉🐸

Huge thank you to everyone out there who supported our mission and did their part this year to make a positive environmental impact! Together we can continue to make a difference, and protect the spaces we love! 💪

11/29/2025

This , we are sharing a first look at the new heatmap of invasive Phragmites patches across the Algoma region. The map has been developed by the Algoma Region Phragmites Working Group, led by Lake Huron North, and is nearing completion with Garden River’s mapping being added soon!
This regional map will play a key role in identifying Phragmites threatening sensitive wetland ecosystems, as well as locating leading-edge patches where early action can help slow and reverse the spread. By working together and using the best available data, we are building a stronger, more coordinated approach to protecting Algoma’s shorelines, wetlands, and freshwater systems.

Thank you to all partners and community members supporting this work. Stay tuned for updates as we continue moving toward a full regional management strategy. Invasive Phragmites Control Centre Clean North Invasive Species Centre Central Algoma Freshwater Coalition Central Algoma Land Trust Sault Naturalists Rural Agri-Innovation Network - RAIN

11/11/2025