At Ducks Unlimited Canada, we’re using our expertise and experience in wetland habitat and restoration to protect these vital ecosystems from the threats posed by invasive species.
What is an invasive species?
Invasive aquatic species are plants or animals that were transported to a new region, often in the ballast of a ship or sold as decorative plants. In the new environment, they find a way to survive and may not have any natural pests or predators to slow them down.
Many of our conservation projects are complicated by the need to remove invasive species, which can devastate aquatic habitats. The good news is that wetlands are resilient and rebound swiftly once the invasive species is removed.
But the better news is you can help by choosing one change in your outdoor life that can make all the difference.
Help us keep habitat healthy for native plants, birds and animals.
How do invasive species spread to wetlands?
Wind and waterways
Transportation corridors
Agricultural drainage ditches
Equipment moving from site to site
Protecting wetlands from invasive species in Canada
We use innovation and experience to understand and manage the invasive species that are most destructive to aquatic ecosystems. Here are a few of the ways our programs and experts are protecting wetlands across the country.
One change makes all the difference
Help reduce the spread of invasive species from site to site, trail to trail, river to river—and wetland to wetland—with one change that helps keep wetlands free from invasive species.
Clean your gear
Be sure to clean your boots, bikes and equipment after you’ve been hiking, boating, fishing or trail riding, so you don’t accidentally take invasive seeds or plants to the next adventure.
Plant a wetland-friendly garden
Become an informed gardener by researching and planting non-invasive native plants to support local ecosystems with food sources for birds, insects and other wildlife while safeguarding wetlands.
Power-wash big equipment
Take time to clean heavy equipment, tractors and all-terrain vehicles, so you don’t move invasive seeds or plants between fields, ponds, streams and bush lots.
Report sightings from your smartphone
Try to notice invasive plant groupings on shorelines, wetlands and shallow bays. Be a citizen scientist by using a smartphone to record and report sightings to Canada’s Invasive Species Centre.
Your donation is an investment in the future
Be part of the race against invasive species and save wetlands.
DUC’s European Water Chestnut Eradication Program in Ontario
Control and monitoring disrupt the seed cycle in Eastern Lake Ontario and the Rideau River.
DUC’s phragmites mitigation program in Ontario
Co-ordinated action to protect ecosystem health.
Invasive cattail removal on the Fraser River Delta is a cut above
Promising signs from Invasive species cattail management experiment underway at Frenchies Island in the Fraser River Delta of B.C.