Stopping the Spread of Phragmites in Norfolk County
Invasive phragmites threatens Norfolk County’s wetlands and the plants and animals that rely on them to survive. Here’s what we’re doing to stop the spread and how you can help.
Invasive Phragmites australis, also known as European Common Reed, is spreading rapidly across wetlands and other areas in Long Point, Big Creek, and Norfolk County. It was first recorded in the Long Point wetlands 20 years ago, and in 2014 it was estimated that phragmites covered 40% of those wetlands.
Without active, ongoing management and control, this invasive plant can overtake entire wetland and marsh ecosystems, threatening wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and the long-term health of one of the most significant coastal wetland systems in the Great Lakes. The Long Point Biosphere Region has been working with partners and landowners since 2015 as part of the Long Point Phragmites Action Alliance to slow the spread and restore habitats that have been affected.
What is invasive Phragmites?
Phragmites (phragmites australis subsp. australis) is a tall, fast-growing reed that forms dense stands in wetlands, ditches, shorelines, and disturbed areas. It can grow up to five metres tall in densities of over 200 plants per square metre. In 2005, it was recognized as Canada’s worst invasive plant by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada. Unlike native wetland plants, including native phragmites, invasive phragmites grows in thick monocultures that disrupt marsh and wetland ecosystems in the following ways:
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Blocking sunlight from reaching other species, including native aquatic plants
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Preventing wildlife access and movement through wetlands and marshes
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Reducing water levels in wetlands and marshes and alter water flow
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Reducing biodiversity of native plants and animals
Each seed head can contain more than 1,000 seeds (and sometimes up to 2,500 seeds!). Disturbance from wind and human activity (e.g., mowing, cutting, etc.) can cause phragmites to spread easily and rapidly within a range of 10 km. Once established, it is extremely difficult to remove without coordinated mitigation.
Why invasive Phragmites is a threat to our wetlands
Long Point’s wetlands are internationally recognized for their ecological importance. Over 25 species at risk in the region depend on healthy marsh ecosystems, including the Blanding’s Turtle which is particularly vulnerable. When Phragmites establishes it reduces wildlife habitat, impacts species at risk, and alters natural wetland function. Dense stands replace diverse wetland vegetation needed by birds, turtles, amphibians, and fish. They change water movement, reduce water levels, increase fire risk, reduce shoreline resilience, and limit wetland regeneration. Left unmanaged, phragmites can permanently alter wetland ecosystems.
Get Free Phragmites Control Services
How you can help stop the spread of invasive phragmites
Managing invasive species is a shared responsibility. There are several ways you can support Phragmites mitigation in Norfolk County.
- Support local restoration efforts by donating to the Long Point Biosphere Region or other organizations working to reduce the spread of Phragmites in the region.
- Remove and control phragmites on your property by signing up for free Phragmites control services offered by the Long Point Phragmites Action Alliance.
- Do not pick or disrupt Phragmites stands as this may propagate the spread of seeds.