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Invasive Species Removal

The Niagara Parks Commission has been actively controlling the spread of non-native, invasive species for many years in an effort to protect more sensitive native species of plants, and their respective communities.
The greatest culprits are Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus), Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Manitoba Maple (Acer negundo), and Norway Maple (Acer platanoides). Removal has been achieved through a variety of means including mechanic and chemical, solarization, and the use of prescribed burns.

Invasives Areas of focus in recent years are Dufferin Islands, Whirlpool Forest, the rim of the gorge from the Whirlpool Forest to Queenston Heights, Queenston Heights Forest, the Redan trail, Locust Grove, and the prairie restoration site north of the Lilac Garden.
Staff have been amazed at how quickly the native vegetation fills in once the threat of the invasive species has been removed. Watch for further information about our efforts to rid the Park of these pests.