This summer, environmental organizations across the city of Sault Ste. Marie are coming together to engage the community in a city-wide environmental stewardship campaign! Community members will be able to participate in the prevention and management of Himalayan balsam.
Beautiful but invasive
Himalayan balsam is an invasive herbaceous plant that was initially introduced to North America as a garden ornamental. This plant is easily recognizable by its bright pink flowers, and despite its beauty, it can have a number of detrimental effects on the environment, such as crowding out native species and reducing biodiversity. When this plant overtakes shorelines, the shallow roots provide a poor buffer against erosion compared to native species, so infestations of Himalayan balsam along waterbodies can contribute to shoreline erosion.
A team effort
That’s why, with financial support from the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Invasive Species Centre is teaming up with the Sault Ste. Marie Conservation Authority, Science North, Clean North, Sault College, Algoma University, Sault Naturalists, Lake Huron North, and the Voyager Trail Association to plan a city-wide awareness campaign and multiple invasive species pulls at key locations.
Each of these groups comes with its own unique skillset and reach. Pooling our skills and resources will allow for a much wider reach and project scope. Through teamwork and cooperation, we will be able to launch an effective city-wide campaign to inspire, educate and involve the community in protecting their local environment.
This campaign will benefit the city by encouraging community members to get involved in environmental stewardship and spark an interest in invasive species and other environmental issues. Removal of this invasive plant will help native species flourish. It will also help keep trails from becoming overrun and inaccessible and preserve riverbanks by preventing erosion.
The aim is to work together to create a healthier environment and a well-educated community enthusiastic about environmental protection.
Upcoming stewardship opportunities
As we move into the spring and summer months, keep an eye out as this invasive plant starts to pop up on the landscape in the coming months and report it to EDDMapS.
If you are in Sault Ste. Marie this summer, look out for opportunities to participate in invasive species pulls and removal contests and to learn more about what you can do to prevent the spread of Himalayan Balsam and other invasive plants. More information coming soo
