Invasive Phragmites Control Center (IPCC) will be on site at both the Daniel J. Patterson Campus and Welland Campus the week of August 5.
This effort is part of the College’s newly announced three-year plan to eradicate Phragmites, an invasive plant species, from both campuses. This proactive initiative aims to combat Phragmites, which are causing significant damage to ecological systems and infrastructure on campus and throughout the province. In the 2022-23 academic year, students from the Ecosystem Restoration (ER) graduate certificate program presented proposals to the College’s grounds management team, prompting the College to engage the IPCC to support the implementation of an eradication plan at both campuses this summer.
During the week of August 5, IPPC technicians will apply herbicide to areas of invasive Phragmites using backpack sprayers with telescopic wands. This method allows for precision application, reducing the volume of pesticide used, minimizing risk to non-target plants, and decreasing exposure to technicians and the public. To ensure complete eradication, treatment of any regrowth will be required for an additional two years. Four to six weeks after the initial application, IPCC will return to cut down the dead plant material.
There are small areas at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus where the IPCC will not be spraying, such as Turtle Beach and a small area adjacent to the Indigenous Garden, due to turtle nesting and other student-based monitoring projects. These areas will be left for students to manage as a learning opportunity. Additionally, there is an area along the south end of the Daniel J. Patterson Campus vineyard where an ongoing Eurasian moth test study is being conducted as part of the Ecosystem Restoration program.
Signage advising the public of the spraying will be posted 24 hours in advance and will remain in place for 48 hours afterward.
All IPCC technicians are licensed and trained in best practices for pesticide applications in sensitive, biodiverse habitats and public areas, such as walking trails.
Please note: The application will only take place if weather conditions are optimal for herbicide application. If there are windy, humid, or rainy conditions, the application will be postponed until a later date and further updates will be shared.
For additional information on IPCC and invasive Phragmites, visit www.phragcontrol.com. For campus-specific questions or concerns, please contact Gillian Shriner at [email protected].
