Invasive Species

According to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, invasive species pose the second most dangerous threat to biodiversity, trailing only habitat destruction in a list that includes pollution, overconsumption, climate change, and human population increase.

What are invasive plants?

Invasive plants are harmful non-native plants whose introduction or spread threatens the environment, the economy, or society.

Why are invasive plants a concern?

Spread rapidly and are very competitive
Crowd out existing native plants
Hybridize with native species, changing their genetic make-up Alter ecosystems
Reduce nesting and foraging opportunities for animals

What can your school do?

TDSB schools can play an important role in the fight to protect the biodiversity in Toronto’s ravines and natural areas by monitoring and removing invasive species on the school ground.

Learn to identify and manage invasive plant species on your school grounds
Develop a maintenance strategy
Properly dispose of garden waste
Plant only native and non-invasive species sourced from reputable nurseries
Integrate invasive plant identification and management into the curriculum

Invasive species may be your garden favourites! These popular garden plants are invasive!

Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria)
English ivy (Hedera helix)
Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Did you know?

There are about 500 invasive plants in Canada. Over 440 of these are in Southern Ontario. Source: OIPC (Ontario Invasive Plant Council)

CAUTION!!! POISON IVY Poison ivy is highly toxic.

Do not attempt to remove it yourself. Contact your TDSB Grounds Team Leader if you find poison ivy on your school ground.

Invasive species commonly found on TDSB school grounds

Dog-strangling vine (aka Swallowwort)—Cynanchumigrum European nightshade—Solanum dulcamara
Garlic mustard—Alliaria petiolata
Poison ivy—Rhus toxicondron
European buckthorn—Rhamnus cathartica Manitoba maple—Acer negundo
White mulberry—Morus alba
Norway maple—Acer platanoides
Siberian elm—Ulmus pumila
Tree of heaven—Ailanthus altissima

Teaching resources

Teaching students about the invasive species in a classroom setting helps students learn important skills and concepts while developing a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the environment.