A Guide to Restoring Biodiversity in the Upper Twelve Mile Creek Watershed
Twelve Mile Creek is being invaded by aliens, but not by the type you see in science fiction movies.
What are invasive species?
Invasive species are alien invaders that have spread outside of their natural range to areas like the Twelve Mile Creek, either on purpose or by accident. This puts our native fish, plants, animals, and their habitats at risk.
Why are they of concern?
Alien species that have spread to new environments often lack predators and other natural controls needed to maintain a healthy, balanced ecosystem. These invasive plants, insects and fish have the ability to quickly overtake an area. This can cause irreparable damage to important habitats and ecosystems. When invasives move in, the plants and animals that benefit us get crowded out.
How can you help?
Support the health of the Upper Twelve Mile Creek with these simple steps
IDENTIFY
Identify alien species on your property or on your nature walks
REMOVE
Remove the alien species using the proper method
REPLANT
Replant the area with native species
Top 8 Plants
The most prominent invasive species found in the Upper Twelve Mile Creek
These are the top 8 most commonly reported invasive species in the Upper Twelve Mile Creek watershed. They are also included here because they can be removed without the use of herbicides.
English Ivy
Identify: Notice creeping, climbing vines with dark green leaves.
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Remove: Cut the vines at the base of the plant and gently remove them from trees or structures.
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Replant: Solomon’s Seal
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Garlic Mustard
Identify: Look for heart-shaped leaves with toothed edges and a distinct garlic odor when crushed.
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Remove: Pull out the entire plant, including the root, before it goes to seed.
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Replant: Wild Ginger​
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Purple Loosestrife
Identify: Notice tall spikes of purple flowers and pointed leaves with a smooth texture.
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Remove: Cut stems near the base before seed production and remove entire plant.
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Replant: Marsh Marigold or Swamp Milkweek​
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Autumn Olive
Identify: Look for pointed leaves that are shiny on one side, and small yellow flowers or speckled red berries.
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Remove: Cut the shrub at the base and remove roots to prevent reestablishment.
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Replant: Serviceberry or Spicebush​
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Common Periwinkle
Identify: Observe trailing stems with dark green glossy leaves and purple flowers.
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Remove: Pull the plant from the ground, including root system, to prevent regrowth.
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Replant: Wild Ginger or Wild Geranium​
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Black Adler
Identify: Look for trees or large shrubs with cone-like fruits and leathery leaves that have toothed-edges and an indented tip.
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Remove: Cut the tree close to the ground and remove the stump to prevent resprouting.
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Replant: Red Osier Dogwood​
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Buckthorn (common & european)
Identify: Look for dark bark, oval leaves with distinct veins, thorny twig tips, and black berries.
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Remove: Cut the trunk close to the ground, and dig out the root system to eradicate the plant.​
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Replant: American Hazelnut​
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Multiflora Rose
Identify: Look for arching stems with curbed thorns and clusters of white or pink flowers.
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Remove: Cut the stems close to the ground, and dig out the root system to prevent regrowth.
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Replant: Red Oiser Dogwood or New Jersey Tea
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Other Alien Species
Goldfish
Hundreds of Invasive pet goldfish and baitfish are dumped into Twelve Mile Creek or nearby ponds, storm sewers and streams each year. These aliens can grow to be the size of a football by out-competing with native fish for their natural habitats.
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If you can no longer care for your goldfish, consider donating it to a garden nursery, local school, or contact the place where you purchased the fish and ask if you can return it.
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid
These tiny alien insects weaken and kill Eastern Hemlock trees, leading to less shade, weak streambanks, and water temperatures too high for native fish to survive. Look for tiny white masses at the base of hemlock needles.
If you have confirmed that one or more of your hemlock trees is infested with HWA, consider treating them with a systemic insecticide.
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Help Us Locate Invading Aliens!
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Download The App
Invasive species are invading our watershed, but if we don’t know where they are, it’s tough to stop their spread. Early detection of these aliens is essential to controlling their spread.
By reporting alien sightings, you will help create a living map of these invaders that will inform future removal projects. EDDMapS is a fast and easy way to map invasive species without any technical expertise. Simply download the app, take a picture with your device, note any important details, and submit!
Resources
Invasive Species
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Searchable species database: EDDMapS Species Information
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Identification guides: Quick Reference Guides - Ontario Invasive Plant Council
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Factsheets:
Best Management Practices
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Searchable species database: EDDMapS Species Information
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Identification guides: Quick Reference Guides - Ontario Invasive Plant Council
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Factsheets:
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General: Digital Resources | Ontario's Invading Species Awareness Program
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*Highlight* Goldfish: Digital Resources – Invasive Fish | Ontario's Invading Species Awareness Program
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Don't Let it Loose!
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Additional Misc. Fact Sheets & Postcards - Ontario Invasive Plant Council
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Native Plant Alternatives
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Grow Me Instead - Ontario Invasive Plant Council
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NPCA Native Selection Plant Guide A GUIDE TO CELEBRATE NIAGARA PENINSULA’S NATIVE PLANTS
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Native Plant Suppliers for the Niagara Area, Ontario
Other Resources
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A Landowner's Guide to Managing and Controlling Invasive Plants in Ontario
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Twelve Mile Creek Landowner Stewardship Guide
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Regional herbicide practitioners
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Link to EDDMapS with blurb from copy text
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Watershed map