Yellow Flag Iris Removal
Every year, rare takes on ecological restoration initiatives to enhance and rehabilitate the unique native habitats of this urban land trust. Join us and help conserve native biodiversity through the removal of invasive species! Volunteers can expect to learn invasive plant identification as well as proper removal techniques. This is a great opportunity for those looking to gain in field experience with ecological restoration and become more familiar with the flora of southern Ontario.
*Due to COVID-19, the 2021 field season may look a little different. Land Management events are subject to change or cancellation.
Yellow Iris, or Yellow Flag Iris, is a perennial aquatic plant introduced from Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa for use as an ornamental plant in ponds and water gardens. It has since spread to waterways and found its way to wetlands, floodplains, riverbanks, and lake edges. It not only spreads by seed but also by underground stems (rhizomes) which can develop thick mats containing several hundred plants. A single piece of a broken off rhizome can grow a new plant and start a new infestation. These dense mats displace native vegetation, alter wildlife habitat, can lower water levels in wetlands, and can block the flow in irrigation and flood control ditches. Volunteers will help remove this highly invasive plant from Bauman Creek as part of an ongoing restoration of one of three cold water streams on the reserve.
Recommended attire:
- Long pants
- Long sleeved shirt
- Suitable foot wear (sturdy, closed-toed shoes or boots)
- Rubber boots or hip waders if working in or around a creek or wetland
- Hat
- Work or gardening gloves
Additional items to bring:
- Refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen and Insect repellent
- Snacks and/or bag lunch (if participating for full day)
Each volunteer day will have a morning (9:30AM-12:30PM) and an afternoon (1:30PM-4:30PM) session. Volunteers are welcome to sign up for one or both sessions. For more information, contact rare’s Conservation Technician at 519-650-9336 x114 or alissa.fraser@raresites.org
