Although species of plants or animals can be found globally, many are unique and different depending on their geographic location. Once a species from a different area has entered a region where it is non-native, it competes with native species for resources. Often, non-native species can not only adapt but thrive. Once these species become established, they may begin to take over as they do not have any predators and then out-compete local species.

An invasive species is a living plant or animal that gets introduced to a new place where it does not belong and causes harm.

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In 2018, the Huron Stewardship Council launched a Phragmites mapping and removal project. Call us at 519-524-8394 ext. 3286 if you live in Huron County and have Phragmites on your property.

The emergence of an invasive species generally means the decline of native populations. Invasive species impact the local ecosystem by decreasing biodiversity. Lower biodiversity leads to upsetting the equilibrium of an ecosystem. Invasive species can even become dominant in an ecosystem, altering its composition and driving other species to extinction. Having less biodiversity in an area can make it easier for diseases to spread. This process can happen anywhere in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.