On July 6, the first invasive plant pull event took place to kick-off the SSM Himalayan Balsam Community Project, a collaborative project in partnership with the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Clean North, Sault Naturalists, Voyageur Trails Association, Science North, Lake Huron North, Sault College, Algoma University and the Invasive Species Centre, with support from the City of Sault Ste Marie, the province of Ontario and the government of Canada.
The project partners are taking a collaborative and community approach to tackling the growing Himalayan balsam population in Sault Ste Marie. “Himalayan balsam is an invasive plant that outcompetes and pulls pollinators away from native species. It often takes over shorelines increasing the risk of soil erosion along stream banks due to its shallow root system.” said Derissa Vincentini, Community Science Coordinator of the Invasive Species Centre, “Together we were able to remove 15 bags of this plant at the first pull event, reducing the risk of this invasive plant, Himalayan balsam, spreading further in Sault Ste Marie.
The event began with a prayer and smudge offered by Elder Joe Jones of Garden River First Nation. In attendance of the kick-off event was City of Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Matthew Shoemaker who remarked, “The work of this project is important and the impact it will have should not be overlooked. Invasive species spread aggressively – devastating ecosystems and costing a lot of money – and Himalayan balsam has already been spotted at several locations locally. I am committed to ensuring the City has a positive environmental impact both through municipal operations and as an advocate in the community, and this project represents an opportunity for us to help fulfill our responsibility.”
Missed out on this event? Our partners will be hosting more!
- Clean North – July 15, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Mike Zuke Park in Bayview
- Lake Huron North – July 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Drake Street Park East End
- Science North – August 14-18 at Bellevue Park as part of their summer camp
- Sault Naturalist – August 31 at East End Park
- Voyageur Trail Association – Hosting a private pull with members only.
There are multiple ways to get involved and you can even get entered for a chance to win one of two $100 New North Greenhouse gift cards. Enter the contests by attending one of the public pull events, add your individual pull efforts on our online form, or report Himalayan balsam to iNaturalist.
About the Invasive Species Centre
The Invasive Species Centre is a not-for-profit organization that prevents the spread of invasive species in Canada and beyond by connecting with stakeholders to catalyze invasive species management and communicate policy and science knowledge. Visit our website to learn about invasive species, get technical information, take action, register for events, and sign up to receive news.
About the SSM Himalayan Balsam Community Project
The 2023 Sault Ste. Marie Himalayan Balsam Community Project is a city-wide environmental stewardship campaign that focuses on the prevention, reporting and management of Himalayan balsam. Thank you to our funders, the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the province of Ontario and the government of Canada for supporting this project. For more information about the project check out our project page or come say hello on Wednesdays at the Mill Market.
Media Contact:
Derissa Vincentini
Community Science Coordinator
Invasive Species Centre
(705) 541-5752
dvincentini@invasivespeciescentre.ca
