The Council accepted an update on the vegetation management plan activities that were presented at the recent public works committee meeting by Climate Environmental Coordinator Elizabeth Gallant.

Gallant indicated since the program began in 2016, the amount of spot spraying for wild parsnip has dropped dramatically and there has been no boom spraying since 2019, while hand removal of the noxious wide has increased significantly. Six summer students and one temporary, full-time staff person will be pulling wild parsnip. Some areas will require targeted spot spraying of heavy wild parsnip patches.

Control of phragmites consists of monitoring and mowing with a remote-control mower, two to four times per year in wet areas to prevent spread and seed production. 

Pollinator habitat restoration has consisted of passive restoration, such as reducing mowing along roadsides to allow for naturalization while removing invasive plants in order to open up space for native species. 

Active restoration includes seeding following the wild parsnip removal, hydroseeding at construction projects, planting, and working in conjunction with the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) on a Monarch Habitat Restoration Project. Other activities have included workshops, education and awareness, tours and training, and participating in the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge through the National Wildlife Federation. Four different locations along County Road 1 (Rideau Ferry Road) have been tilled and seeded with native wildflower mix and mycorrhizae (fungi) to improve native plant growth. A new pollinator patch is being created on County Road 6 in partnership with CWF. 

F or more information, contact Elizabeth Gallant, Climate Environmental Coordinator, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 3114.