Students Take Action Against Invasive Species

Submitted by Jordan Ann Kevan de Haan, Environmental Technician Program Coordinator 

Environmental Technician students recently put theory into practice, taking part in a phragmites removal project at Rotary Creek in Lamoureux Park, Cornwall. The activity, part of their Environmental Issues and Solutions course, followed lessons on invasive species and their impacts on ecosystems. Working alongside professionals from the River Institute, students helped control one of Ontario’s most aggressive invaders, the European Common Reed (Phragmites australis).
 
This invasive grass forms dense mats that block sunlight, reduce biodiversity, and outcompete native shoreline plants.  Because Rotary Creek is an ecologically sensitive area, manual removal was essential. Students snipped and bagged seed heads to prevent spread, while others used shovels to dig out stalks by hand. 

“Today was really rewarding because you could actually see the difference our work made,” said Victoria Pfeiffer-Major, first-year student. “It looked overwhelming at first, but by the end, you could tell the effort paid off, especially seeing how much we accomplished together as a group.” 

Scientists and staff from the River Institute organized this event and provided guidance and context about local management efforts, emphasizing how community-based projects like this one can protect shoreline biodiversity and improve wetland habitat. 

Classmate Jackson Drain shared, “I really enjoyed working alongside my classmates while networking with River Institute staff and professionals, including two Environmental Technician alumni from St. Lawrence College.” 

By combining theory, hands-on work, and professional networking, students experienced key elements of the Environmental Technician program while enjoying a beautiful day outside together!