Invasive Phragmites Control Center (IPCC) will be on site at both the Daniel J. Patterson Campus and Welland Campus the week of August 11.
This initiative is part of the College’s ongoing three-year plan to manage and remove phragmites, an invasive plant species, from both campuses to preview further damage to campus ecological systems and infrastructure.
In the summer of 2024, IPCC treated and removed phragmites from both the Welland and Daniel J. Patterson Campuses; however, a small percentage of regrowth, which is expected, has sprouted. During the week of August 11, IPCC technicians will re-apply herbicide to previously treated 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.
There are small areas at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus where IPCC technicians 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 continue to 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].
