Invasive plants are plant species that are introduced to places outside their natural range, where they establish and disperse and have a negative impact on ecosystems and species. Invasive species, including plants and other organisms, are the second most significant cause of
Invasive plants are plant species that are introduced to places outside their natural range, where they establish and disperse and have a negative impact on ecosystems and species. Invasive species, including plants and other organisms, are the second most significant cause of extinction worldwide, after habitat loss.
Controlling invasive plants is essential to maintaining a healthy and flourishing ecosystem. Invasive plants can move into an ecosystem and begin to dominate and outcompete the native plants in the ecosystem. This results in reduced quality of habitat for wildlife, reduced economic value of crops, and can even cause health issues such as allergies.
Some invasive plants commonly encountered by EALT: Common Tansy, Canada Thistle, White Cockle, and Orange Hawkweed.
The Edmonton and Area Land Trust monitors and controls invasive plants on our conservation lands. The Alberta Weed Control Act requires landowners to protect their land from weeds by monitoring and controlling them.
Monitoring our conservation lands is crucial for early detection of invasive plants, and a rapid response to control them. EALT controls weeds in a variety of ways through a science-based Integrated Pest Management approach. Methods for controlling plants depend on the ecological factors of each species, such as type of root system and timing of flowering, and environmental factors such as proximity to wetlands or creeks.
EALT volunteers are critical to our success in controlling invasive plants at our conservation lands. For more information about volunteering to help control invasive plants with us, visit our Volunteer webpage.
For more information about invasive plants in Alberta, including how to control them, visit the Alberta Invasive Species Council website.