Invasive Species Centre
Canadian Institute of Forestry
Teachers’ Tour
August 5, 2015
Invasive Species
Plants, animals, fish, insects, fungi or
microorganisms that are introduced to Canada.
Cause disruption to the natural ecosystem by
competing with native plants and animals for
light, water, food, space and altering habitats.
Depletion, and over time possible extinction, of
native plants and animals, reduce biodiversity
and permanently alter the landscape.
Economic and Ecological Impacts
Total impact of Zebra Mussels in Ontario estimated to be
between $75–91M per year (Marbek, 2010); responsible for
endangering/threatening eight freshwater mussel species in
Ontario (OMNRF).
Emerald Ash Borer has killed over one million trees in Ontario;
estimated $37 million/5 years to cut and replace city owned
trees (City of Toronto); Canadian Food Inspection Agency has
spent over $30 million and cut over 130,000 trees (CFIA).
Permanent solution for Asian Carp could cost up to US$25B;
US$99M already spent on electric barrier in Chicago Sanitary
Canal (US Corps) and $17.5M in Canada on prevention.
Invasive Species Centre
Connects:
• Stakeholders
• Knowledge
• Technology
to prevent and reduce the
spread of invasive species
that harm Canada’s
environment, economy and
society.
Build networks
of experts and
stakeholders to
identify and act
on priority
invasive
species.
Media
Provincial
Government
Federal
Government
Industry
Invasive
Species
Centre
Academia
Municipal
Governments
NGOs
Teachers
and
Educators
Provide funding,
coordinate and
lead projects in
natural and
applied science,
technology
transfer, outreach
and education.
Consolidate and
disseminate
information to
raise awareness,
leading to
preventing the
introduction and
spread of
harmful invasive
species.
Where are Invasive Species listed
in the Ontario Provincial Curriculum?
The topic of invasive species is
listed as an Ontario Provincial
curriculum requirement in the
Grade 6 Environmental Education
Scope and Sequence of
Expectations under the Science
and Technology section.
Invasive species are also
mentioned as examples of topics
which could fulfill certain curricular
requirements for grades 4, 7, 9, 11
and 12
How to teach about Invasive Species
One of the best ways
students learn is through
experiential (hands-on)
learning
Teachers can involve
students in Community based
action projects such as weed
pulls, Citizen Science
investigations, boat washes
etc.
How to teach about Invasive Species
Lessons about invasive species can
also be developed using established
lesson plans.
Some plans include experiential
learning projects that can be
conducted around the
neighbourhood or school ground.
When preparation time is limited or
weather conditions do not cooperate, in class learning about
invasive species can involve crafts,
music, written and oral reports,
games, online interactive activities,
videos, science experiments etc.
Where to find resources about
Invasive Species?
Links and descriptions of lesson plans which deal with
invasive species are available through a sortable table of
resources under “Learn about Invasive Species – Outreach
and Education” on the Invasive Species Centre website.
Where to find resources about
Invasive Species?
Will also find a list of invasive species related Ontario postsecondary programs and career options
Information about specific Invasive Species?
Visit our family of websites
invasivespeciescentre.ca – “Learn about Invasive Species”
forestinvasives.ca – “Meet the Species”
asiancarp.ca – “Asian Carps”
@forestinvasives
FOREST INVASIVES CANADA
Online portal for information about the invasive species
that threaten Canada’s forests and biodiversity.
insects | plants | pathogens
WWW.FORESTINVASIVES.CA
14
INFORMATION & RESOURCES
•
•
WEBINAR SERIES
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS
Background information on
high priority forest pests
Detection, control, and
management strategies
•
•
How-to videos on invasive
species management (EAB
detection)
Invasive species identification
DISCUSSION FORUM
•
•
Post an invasive species
related question
Engage in discussions
FOR KEY
INVASIVE
SPECIES
LIKE:
WWW.FORESTINVASIVES.CA
15
ASIAN CARP CANADA
Your resource for information on prevention, early warning measures,
response and the threat of Asian carps to the Great Lakes and beyond.
WWW.ASIANCARP.CA
Asian Carp Canada Website
Resources of
interest for teachers
and students:
•
•
•
•
Webinars
Fact sheets
FAQ’s
Spot the
Difference game
Our Goal: Create, train and equip Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR)
networks to provide eyes on the ground to detect, respond to, and control invasive
species in four pilot areas in Northern and Southern Ontario
Free training workshops for volunteers to learn invasive
plant identification, forest pest monitoring, reporting tools
& more!
Project website (www.edrrontario.ca) that houses invasive
species resources such as best management practices and
factsheets
Development of educational resources to assist educators
in teaching about invasive species, and providing
opportunities for action and environmental stewardship
Contact: Taylor Wright, Project Coordinator
twright@invasivespeciescentre.ca; (705) 541-5748
Environmental Stewardship
This project supports local groups, volunteers and
students to step up their efforts and contribute to invasive
species management in a meaningful and practical way.
Together, we will:
Increase the awareness and collective knowledge of
invasive species among citizens
Develop a stronger environmental ethic at the community level
Support and complete hands-on work to more rapidly detect and
reduce invasive species
Engage youth & students to foster environmental responsibility for
future generations
Restore and maintain our local habitats and recreational areas to
preserve their natural beauty
Thank You!