Help protect the river: Ottawa Riverkeeper launches invasive species campaign 

Sophie Demers

Ottawa Riverkeepers’ invasive species campaign, launched in July, aims to educate the public on invasive species in their area. This will give the public an understanding of invasive species and how to identify and report them. The Ottawa Riverkeeper will then be able to assess what work is needed.

Elizabeth Grater, science program coordinator at the Ottawa Riverkeeper, explains that invasive species can have a significant impact on the ecosystem they invade. “What happens with invasive species is they take over an entire area; they decrease biodiversity; and they impact the ability for native species to grow and to thrive.” These species can find their way into the watershed through intentional or unintentional human activity.

The campaign is targeting 15 invasive species. As part of a community monitoring program, the public can use the interactive map on the Ottawa Riverkeeper website to learn more about which invasive species are present in their area and take quizzes that teach them how to identify the species. There are also tools for locals to report the invasive species they’ve identified. This means that anyone can participate in community monitoring to help keep the watershed healthy.

In the Outaouais, the Ottawa Riverkeeper is focusing on 11 invasive species:

• Eurasian Milfoil
• European Frog-bit
• Purple loosestrife
• Water Chestnut
• Japanese knotweed
• Yellow Iris
• Rusty Crayfish
• European Reed
• Himalayan Balsam
• Flowering Rush
• Zebra Mussel

“We're at the knowledge building step right now. We're trying to understand what is present and where. With that data, we're able to work with local organizations,” said Grater.

The Ottawa Riverkeeper has already started working with local organizations. Recently, they worked with the Comité du Bassin Versant de la Rivière du Lièvre (COBALI), as well as the Kitigan Zibi Guardians to remove European Water Chestnuts affecting the Baie de Lochaber.

For more information about the Ottawa Riverkeeper, invasive species in the Outaouais, or to get involved, visit their website: https://ottawariverkeeper.ca/