COLLINGWOOD — Collingwood’s shoreline looks a little different this week thanks to the efforts of more than 35 volunteers who put up a fight against invasive species.
The annual Fight the Phrag event took place Saturday, Aug. 24, coordinated by the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA).
The group of volunteers worked to cut invasive phragmites growing along the shores of Georgian Bay at three “stands” at Harbourview Park and at 49 Huron St. (courthouse).
Sarah Campbell of the NVCA said the event almost didn’t happen, but the Blue Mountain Watershed Trust swooped in last minute by securing a $10,000 grant from the W. Garfield Weston Foundation.
Thanks to the grant, the NVCA will continue work over the next couple weeks - with the help of volunteers - to complete GIS mapping of invasive phragmites stands and work to cut down those stands.
“Their support through that grant was instrumental for ensuring a 2019 phragmites program,” said Campbell.
As it turns out, the high water levels we’re experiencing this year along the bay have provided an added opportunity to win the battle against the invaders.
Volunteers used various tools to cut the phragmites as far underwater as possible to drown the plant.
Campbell said the NVCA effort to cull phragmites is highly dependent on the volunteers who come to events like Fight the Phrag or other cutting efforts.
“We’re definitely seeing results, and that’s why we keep at it,” said Campbell.
The town of Collingwood takes care of the disposal of the cut phragmites, which cannot be composted and must be disposed of in a manner that prevents its spread.
Thanks to the grant secured by the Blue Mountain Watershed Trust Foundation, work continues on phragmites stands along Black Ash Creek and other spots on the shoreline from Collingwood to Wasaga Beach.
If you’re interested in volunteering to cut more phragmites, you can email Campbell here.
