Comprehensive Purple Loosestrife Awareness Program

Public awareness regarding the threat that Purple Loosestrife poses to native, natural wetlands was heightened in Kent County through Operation Loosestrife, a comprehensive Purple Loosestrife awareness program. This initiative motivated citizens to participate in ensuring that the spread of this invasive, exotic species is controlled. These actions contribute to the conservation of diverse wetland habitat by preventing decreased floral and faunal diversity in Rondeau's provincially significant marshes.

Seven local nurseries were contacted, educating owners and staff and promoting the voluntary withdrawal of Purple Loosestrife from sale. Four nurseries participated in a Purple Loosestrife garden exchange program, prompting gardeners to remove Purple Loosestrife from their garden, bring it to their local nursery for disposal and exchange it for discounted suitable horticultural alternatives. In total, 16 plants were exchanged by 6 gardeners.

Displays at local summer events and a vacant store front in downtown Chatham and presentations to community groups stressed identification of the plant, the danger it poses to our native wetlands, horticultural synonyms and suitable gardening alternatives. A regional media campaign delivered the Purple Loosestrife message and informed the public of project activities.

On August 10, 1996, a Purple Loosestrife "pull" was held. As most plants were well established, seeds were beginning to set and the size of the area to cover was large, seed heads were clipped and bagged then sun baked for a few days prior to burning. Overall, 75 bags of seed heads were disposed of.

Operation Loosestrife activities were successful in educating the public about concerns with regard to this exotic species and motivating them to be a part of the solution. Greater hands-on participation in future control measures is expected. These measures worked to ensure that the spread of this invasive, exotic species is controlled before it gains a strong foot hold in the area, preventing decreased floral and faunal diversity in Rondeau's provincially significant marshes. Such actions contribute to the conservation of diverse wetland habitats.

Thanks to the support and contributions of the following groups and organizations, Operation Loosestrife was a success.

Partners:

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Back to the Rondeau Bay Watershed Rehabilitation Program

More information on Bio-control of Purple Loosestrife

Another Web site on Purple Loosestrife

Purple Loosestrife InfoCentre