Natural Heritage Information Centre

Projects

NHIC Botanical Inventory of the Niagara Glen

In the summer of 2006 the NHIC conducted an inventory of Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) properties in the Niagara Glen and adjacent areas along the Niagara River. The inventory project focuses on herbaceous Species At Risk (SAR) vascular plants and complements earlier work on SAR animals and woody plants. Better information and mapping of species of conservation concern in areas managed by NPC will help with the protection and recovery of these species. Funding for the project is from the federal government’s Habitat Stewardship Program. Results to date include the discovery of more than 500 vascular plant species in the study sites, including several not previously known from the area. During fieldwork more than 20 plant species of provincial conservation concern have been documented on NPC properties, 6 of which are federally or provincially listed SAR. Highlights include the rediscovery of Violet Bush-clover (Lespedeza violacea; S1), American Water-willow (Justicia americana; S2, Threatened), and Few-fruited Sedge (Carex oligocarpa; S2), and the discovery of new populations of Flat-stemmed Danthonia (Danthonia compressa; S2), Reflexed Sedge (Carex retroflexa, S1), and White Wood-aster (Eurybia divaricata; S2, Threatened). – Mike Oldham

New Invasive Weed Discovered in Niagara Region

While conducting inventory work on Species At Risk plants in Niagara Regional Municipality, biologists from the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) located a population of Jointed Goatgrass (Triticum cylindricum; =Aegilops cylindrica) near Port Colborne. This grass has not been previously found in Ontario and is a major problem weed causing significant economic losses in winter wheat growing areas across the continental United States. It is also considered an invasive species of natural areas in several states. Jointed Goatgrass is native to western Asia and eastern Europe. The discovery has been reported to Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food, and Rural Affairs. CFIA is currently preparing an invasive weed alert, a weed risk assessment report and evaluating the feasibility of eradicating the population before it can potentially spread elsewhere. – Mike Oldham

Great Lakes Conservation Blueprint for Biodiversity

The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Nature Conservancy of Canada have worked together to complete the Great Lakes Conservation Blueprint for Biodiversity, which identifies a portfolio of high quality natural sites that can guide conservation efforts to further sustain and enhance terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity in Ontario. Project reports are available to download. There are also instructions on how to access Conservation Blueprint digital data and information.

Big Picture 2002
     

This project, conducted in partnership between the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Nature Conservancy of Canada, uses GIS methodology to identify key natural areas and linkages in southern Ontario. Products include a PowerPoint presentation, poster, methodology, and GIS coverages.