Invasive Species

A colourful, invasive pest might be closer to your neighbourhood than you think, posing a significant threat to Ontario's urban forests. Read on to learn how to identify the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), the impact it would have on our urban forest and what you can do to prevent it from spreading.

Oak trees fulfill significant ecological and cultural roles in our urban forest but in 2023, our mighty oaks came face-to-face with a new threat: oak wilt. Check out our top questions and answers about oak wilt and learn what you can do to help prevent the spread of this invasive pest.

Invasive species are no stranger to the urban forest. Dutch elm disease, emerald ash borer and spongy moth are a few of the destructive species we have become familiar with. The hemlock woolly adelgid is Ontario’s newest unwelcome pest but the good news is we can all take steps to help manage it.

Invasive plants are a special topic of concern in southern Ontario, especially in recent years, because of their growing threat to our native biodiversity. Unfortunately, these invasives are popping up everywhere, wreaking havoc in our natural areas. While this may be disheartening, there are many ways you can reduce invasive plants in your community and your own backyard!

Spongy moth has become an unwelcome guest throughout southern Ontario. Native to Europe and Asia, this invasive moth may be more recognizable by its former names, the gypsy moth or LDD (short for Lymantria dispar dispar). In 2021, we saw a spike in the spongy moth population and with it, extensive tree defoliation in certain areas. While this non-native pest may be here to stay, here’s how you can do your part to identify it and help reduce its impact.