NEWS RELEASE
NOTTAWASAGA VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
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UTOPIA - Phragmites, an invasive plant, is spreading along Collingwood’s shoreline. With its tall, dense stands, Phragmites is destroying wildlife habitat, ruining scenic views of the bay, and limiting opportunities for swimming, fishing and boating.
Volunteers are needed to help “Fight the Phrag” on Aug. 18 in Collingwood near Hen and Chicken Island. Now in its fourth year, this annual event brings the community together to stand up against the unwelcome invader.
Two work parties are planned, one starting at 8 a.m. and one starting at 1 p.m. A free BBQ lunch will be provided to all volunteers.
No experience is necessary to volunteer, and training and tools will be provided. Volunteers should expect to spend the day outside and in the water, and should bring sunscreen, a hat, drinking water, clothes that can get wet, and sturdy footwear. This event is eligible for high school volunteer hours.
To register or find out more information, visit fight-the-phrag-2018.eventbrite.com or contact Vicky Boyd, NVCA’s Phragmites Removal Coordinator, 705-424-1479 ext. 246, [email protected].
This event is part of the efforts of NVCA, Georgian Bay Forever, Blue Mountain Watershed Trust Foundation, the Town of Collingwood, local condominium associations, and concerned residents to monitor and control Phragmites. Over the past four years, volunteer cuttings have slowed the spread of Phragmites along the shoreline, helping to protect the rare Great Lakes coastal marshes found in Collingwood.
Funding for this project is provided by the Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund, WWF Loblaw Water Fund, Environment and Climate Change Canada EcoAction program, Georgian Bay Forever, and others.
More information on Phragmites can be found on the NVCA website (www.nvca.on.ca). To report a sighting of Phragmites, contact the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or use your smartphone to report at www.eddmaps.org/ontario/.
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