News Release
For Immediate Release
Funding to Tackle Invasive Species at Lake Margaret
St. Thomas – Kettle Creek Conservation Authority received $23,512.11 in funding from the Great Lakes Local Action Fund to manage invasive species around Lake Margaret in St. Thomas.
“Invasive trees, shrubs, and plants pose a serious threat to natural areas in the Great Lakes region, out-competing native plants and damaging wildlife habitat,” explained Betsy McClure, KCCA’s Stewardship Program Supervisor. “This project will provide a wonderful opportunity to engage our local community in the management of invasive species such as European Buckthorn, Autumn Olive and Garlic Mustard.”
As part of the project, plantings of native trees, shrubs and wildflowers will occur along the shoreline of Lake Margaret and in areas where invasive species management was completed. These plantings will help to provide more vegetative cover for the Lake benefiting the aquatic ecosystem and will provide food and shelter for wildlife, including pollinators.
Lake Margaret is a destination for St. Thomas residents with a network of paths surrounding the lake and the adjacent woodlot and its proximity to Pinafore Park. “We are thrilled to tackle this problem so the invasive species don’t restrict outdoor recreation opportunities around Lake Margaret by growing over trails and access points,” says Adrienne Griffin, Supervisor of Parks and Forestry for the City of St. Thomas.
The Ontario government selected 38 projects to receive 1.9 million in funding through the Great Lakes Local Action Fund. This fund supports local projects led by community-based organizations that focus on protecting and restoring coastal, shoreline and nearshore areas of the Great Lakes and its connecting rivers and streams.
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For more information:
Betsy McClure
Stewardship Program Supervisor
Kettle Creek Conservation Authority
519-631-1270 ext.229
betsy@kettlecreekconservation.on.ca