McMaster University recognizes that the University and surrounding Hamilton area, including their nature spaces, are situated on traditional territories shared between the Haudenosaunee confederacy and Anishnaabe nations. These lands are protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum belt. The wampum uses the symbolism of a dish to represent the territory, and one spoon to represent that the people are to share the resources of the land and only take what they need.
Skip to McMaster Navigation Skip to Site Navigation Skip to main content
mcmaster university logo McMaster logo

Nature @ McMaster

Invasive Species Management

Invasive species dominate disturbed landscapes and outcompete native species. This lowers biodiversity and reduces ecosystem integrity. An area full of invasive species supports fewer overall species and is less resilient to changes in the environment. This is why removing invasive species and replacing them with native species is essential. Nature at McMaster works to manage invasive species and promote biodiversity on campus and across other McMaster lands.

Information Box Group

Removal & Replanting

The key invasive species management strategy employed by Nature at McMaster is removal and replanting. Removing invasive species is important to make room for native biodiversity. However, invasive species thrive in disturbed environments, and removing large areas of invasive species creates this kind of environment. Invasive species will readily retake these areas unless native species are re-introduced promptly. Nature at McMaster strives to reintroduce native species whenever possible to ensure the long-term success of invasive species management.

Stopping the Spread of Invasive Species Learn More about Invasive Species

Since invasive species rapidly become established and complete eradication is rarely possible after this point, prevention is essential to effective invasive species management. A key form of prevention that everyone can contribute to is avoiding introducing potential invasive species to new environments. Invasive species are sometimes introduced as garden plants, released pets, or biological pest control. Always avoid rapidly-spreading non-native plants in your garden, and use native plants whenever possible to promote biodiversity. Never release pets into the environment, and research biological pest control strategies to ensure you are not releasing invasive species into the environment.

Invasive species are sometimes spread unintentionally when people carry them on footwear, vehicles, or firewood. The best way to avoid this is by cleaning anything that may be carrying seeds, insects, or insect eggs before traveling to any natural areas.

Volunteer Efforts Volunteer With Us!

Nature at McMaster’s invasive species management efforts wouldn’t be possible without our amazing volunteers! Over the years, hundreds of volunteers from the McMaster community and beyond have made a real impact for local wildlife through invasive species removal and native species planting events. Volunteers have also joined invasive species survey efforts and helped track the spread of invasive forest pests. The passion and care our volunteers show for our local ecology is always and inspiration.