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Invasive Alien Plants in the Annapolis Valley
Background

Reduced native biodiversity can be a result of a number of factors, including habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, pollution, over-exploitation, and others. It is widely accepted that the second greatest threat facing native biodiversity globally is the invasion of alien species (habitat loss is the first).

Impacts on human and natural environments resulting from invasive alien plants is one CARP's research areas. Our invasive plant work has largely occurred in the Annapolis watershed and includes extensive outreach and engagement activities, as well as monitoring and management research.

Problematic invasive terrestrial plant species in the Annapolis Valley


Oriental/Asiatic bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)
(photo: Heather Stewart, AGRG)
1. Glossy & common buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula & R. cathartica)
2. Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)
3. Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
4. Common reed (Phragmites australis)
5. Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
6. Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius)
7. Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora)
8. Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense)
9. Oriental/Asiatic bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)

Many invasive plants do not spread beyond disturbed landscapes, and do not pose a real threat to native ecosystems. Those identified as high priority are the species that have the potential to negatively impact the natural environments of the Annapolis Valley. Click here for a complete list of invasive alien plants in Nova Scotia.

In order to identify priority invasive alien plants for the Annapolis Valley, CARP set out to develop a working list. A survey was created, based on existing lists and studies, and sent out to botanists, vegetation managers, naturalists, ecologists, and ecosystem scientists who have a knowledge of the flora of Kings, Annapolis, and Digby counties. The survey responses, in conjunction with relevant literature, discussions with experts, and lists from adjacent geographic areas were used to create a list of priority invasive plants in the Valley. It is important to remember that this list is not concrete. New introductions continue to occur, and we should always remain on the lookout for new occurrences of invasive plants, and for invasive qualities exhibited by the species in our own back yards.

Invasive Plant Mapping

Plant Patrol NS is a web-mapping database and includes sampling protocols that can be used to input spatial data regarding the locations of invasive alien plants in Nova Scotia. CARP, in partnership with the Applied Geomatics Research Group (AGRG) of the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), developed this to create a comprehensive data and information resource. Plant Patrol NS uses a standardized reporting method and is a provincial host for invasive species information. This makes obtaining and using data easier and user-friendlier. If you would like to know more about volunteer monitoring for invasive plants, or want to "Report an Alien", please visit the Plant Patrol NS website. Many invasive plants remain weeds of disturbed landscapes, and do not pose a real threat to native ecosystems. Those identified as high priority are the plants that have the potential to negatively impact the natural environments of the Annapolis Valley.


Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
(photo: Marika Goodwin, CARP)
Invasive Plant Management - Tackling garlic mustard in Grand Pré

Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is an invasive alien herb, known to succeed in woodland sites at the expense of native flora (including woody species). It's invasive potential is high, and it may pose a threat to the integrity of Nova Scotia's unique Acadian Forest Ecosystem type.

The only documented population of garlic mustard in Nova Scotia occurs in Grand Pré. Plants have established themselves on federal, provincial, and private property. The origin of the population is unknown but botanists have been recording the spread. Despite the potential threat posed to Acadian Forests, no management action had been taken to prevent further spread.

Following a 2007 meeting of managers from key agencies, Parks Canada, the NS Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, and CARP made a commitment to work with each other and the local community to develop an action plan for managing the population of garlic mustard at Grand Pré, beginning in the Spring of 2008.

After developing a garlic mustard action plan in 2007, Parks Canada, NS Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal and CARP launched the plan in spring 2008. In June six outlying populations were mapped and targeted for control. Adult plants were counted and hand pulled. These sites were surveyed from July to September for new plants or shoots from damaged plants, none of which were found.

Additional Information

Check out CARP's invasive plant mapping project, Plant Patrol NS - (http://www.plantpatrolns.ca)

Checklist of Invasive Alien Plants for Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley (including problematic garden plants)

Spreading the Word About Weeds: Community Action on Invasive Alien Plants in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley (2007)

Invasive Alien Plants and You: Better Management Practices (BMP) and Control Methods for Priority Invasive Plants in the Annapolis Valley (2007)

Volunteer Monitoring Protocol for Invasive Alien Plants (2008)

Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) Management Plan for Village of Grand Pré and Surrounding Area Nova Scotia, Canada (2008)


CARP's invasive alien plant work has been funded by the Shell Environmental Fund and the Invasive Alien Species Partnership Program (IASPP), a Government of Canada Initiative.
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