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Common Reed Control Practices at the Terra-Cotta Natural Park: Everything You Need to Know About Our Tarping Operation
The City of Pointe-Claire is committed to preserving biodiversity and the quality of our green spaces. With this in mind, an operation to control the spread of the common reed, an invasive plant, was launched in the Terra-Cotta Natural Park’s southern zone. Here’s everything you need to know about the procedure and the steps to follow.
What Is the Common Reed?
The common reed, also known as Phragmites australis, is an herbaceous plant which, although natural in Europe, is considered invasive in North America. It spreads rapidly and threatens local ecosystems by replacing native flora and reducing biodiversity. Its excessive growth also disrupts the natural habitats of many animal species.
Why Do We Strive to Control the Common Reed?
Common reed control is essential to protect and restore biodiversity in our park. By controlling its spread, we help preserve natural habitats, maintain the ecological balance and ensure the health of our green spaces for future generations.
What Is Tarping and How Does It Work?
Tarping is an ecological method of managing invasive plants. This technique involves covering common reed-infested areas with large black tarps, specially designed to be very thick and strong, to prevent the plant from breaking through. These tarps block light, depriving the common reed of the ability to photosynthesize and causing them to die. What’s more, the black colour of the tarps absorbs the sun’s heat, speeding up the process of root decomposition and helping to destroy the common reed’s seed bank.
This process is not only efficient, but also environmentally friendly, as no chemicals are used.
The tarps will remain in place for several years to ensure complete and lasting eradication of the common reed. It’s crucial that these tarps remain intact to guarantee the effectiveness of the operation. Interfering with or moving the tarps can compromise the operation and encourage regrowth. Your cooperation is essential to the success of this environmental initiative.
What Happens After the Tarps Are Removed?
Once the tarps have been removed, we will begin an ecological rehabilitation phase, introducing a variety of native plant species. These plants will be specifically chosen for their adaptability and positive contribution to the local ecosystem. By replanting these native species, we aim to strengthen the ecological resilience of the Terra-Cotta Natural Park and provide a richer habitat for our wildlife. This is part of our long-term vision for a balanced, dynamic natural environment that benefits the whole community.
We thank you for your understanding and cooperation in preserving the Terra-Cotta Natural Park.
Information
Public Works
tp@pointe-claire.ca
514-630-1230