Invasive Species Threatening the York Regional Forest
An exploration of the non-native invasive plants, trees, and pests that are disrupting the region.
The Story of the York Regional Forest
Explore the York Regional Forest, past and present, to learn how healthy forest species thrive, the species that threaten forests, and how we can all take action to protect local forest health for the future. Scroll down to start your journey!
Past to Present
What did European settlement look like 150 years ago in York Region?
150 Years ago
The area was primarily hardwood dominant, older climax forest. The land is located on the traditional territories of the Wendat, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe peoples, whose presence in York Region continues to this day. Try the interactive historical mapping tool to learn What York Region Looked Like in 1860 .
Early settlers
Settlers clearcut forests for farming.
Soils couldn't support intensive agriculture
The intact forests were key to soil stabilization, therefore, soils could not support intensive agriculture, and at the time there was no soil testing. The root systems of trees had kept the soils in place. With deforestation, the soils were no longer stable which resulted in wind erosion, also referred to as the Blow Sands Era.
1920's to 1960's reforestation
Rows of pine trees (red and white) were planted to stabilize the soils. These pine species are tolerant of nutrient-poor soils and act as nurse trees to kick-start the nutrient cycle.
Slow regrowth
With monoculture plantations, the nurse tree system has been slowly adding nutrients back to the soil, adding shade and creating microcosms that help other species grow; therefore, the forests are able to support more diverse species.
The York Regional Forest
The York Regional Forest was established in 1924 by the Province of Ontario but was originally called the York County Forest. In 1941, the province handed over the ownership and management of the Forest to York County, now called York Region.
The York Regional Forest continues to grow today
As time has passed, natural forest succession has taken place. Many areas of the York Regional Forest are starting to represent the forests that once existed prior to settlement. The forest now supports greater biodiversity and benefits both ecological and human health. Explore trails for all interests and abilities with the Recreation and Culture map .
Current threat: invasive species
The Forest faces threats from invasive non-native species such as the dog-strangling vine, a plant originally from Eastern Europe. To learn more about this destructive species, scroll further down below.
A hopeful future
Each year more forest visitors are contributing to environmental monitoring efforts in their community: flagging and preventing the spread of invasive species, tracking biodiversity, and celebrating healthy forests for all. Learn how you can help out further down below.
Slide between the photos to compare the York Regional Forest view from circa 1960, a period of extensive agriculture, to present day reforestation.
Slide between the photos to see the how the forest looked in the 1960s, to now!
Slide between the photos to compare a healthier, more diverse forest (left) compared to a monoculture of the dog-strangling vine (right). Dog-strangling vine happens to flourish in pine plantations as the tree canopy lets in the perfect amount of light.
Healthy forests support clean air and water, help protect our communities from climate change, and host a wide range of species throughout all seasons of the year.
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
A Closer Look at Invasives
Invasive Species are defined as harmful alien species whose introduction or spread threatens the environment, the economy, or society, including human health. (Government of Canada, 2004).
Ontario's definition of an invasive species may include species native to Ontario, that have been introduced to a new geographic region due to human activity. Species may be considered invasive if their introduction or spread can be linked to our changing climate. (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, July 2012. Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan)
Take a closer look at invasive species in York Region and scroll through to learn more about the invasive species threatening the Forest and species that can potentially threaten the York Regional Forest in the future.
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Success Stories
Take a tour of sustainability success in action! In Fall 2020, a team of Environmental Technology students from Fleming College worked with EcoSpark to assess both aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity in the York Regional Forest Tracts. Their data is shared with York Region staff and the public via databases including the Ontario Benthic Biomonitoring Network, iNaturalist, and EDDMapS. In addition to students from Fleming College, students from York Region District School Board have also worked with EcoSpark to share their findings via School Watch programs.
Report Sightings
You can help by spreading awareness instead of invasives.
If you encounter an invasive species, make sure to report it!
Handy tools such as the iNaturalist app provides useful information about all plants and wildlife species on the go. By using these free resources while exploring nature, you can learn which species are native and which may be causing harm. Your photos of nature can help the entire community enjoy and protect local biodiversity!
EDDMapS Ontario is a platform used for tracking invasive species in the province. The data they collect helps to detect and identify invasive species early, and better understand their distribution.
Photo(s) courtesy of: York Region and Aileen Barclay
Now you're the scientist!
By reporting the invasive species you encounter when visiting the York Regional Forest or from any other green spaces in your community, you help EddMapS with the tracking and identification of forest invaders.
Nature observations shared with the EcoSpark iNaturalist Project Page are crucial for learning about and promoting local biodiversity!
