The study conducted at Wye Marsh focused on addressing the challenges posed by the invasive European Common Reed, commonly known as Phragmites. This plant species has been identified as a significant threat to the health of the marsh ecosystem, as it degrades habitat and outcompetes natural food sources. The marsh is particularly crucial for SAR, such as the Blanding’s turtle and Eastern musk turtle.

To counter the adverse effects of phragmites, the secured funding was used to facilitate prevention, detection, and management efforts in the marsh. The approach involved various stages, including the identification and mapping of phragmite populations, assessments to determine changes in size and location of these populations, and the manual removal and management of phragmites across nine different sites with the help of volunteers, the South Georgian Bay Conservation Authority (SSEA), and Friends of Wye Marsh (FOWM) support.

The results of post-treatment assessments between 2021 and 2022 indicated a noticeable decrease in phragmite density. These assessments will continue annually to gauge the effectiveness of the management activities. Community engagement played a crucial role, with outreach training and technical support provided to raise awareness on how to identify, manage, and dispose of phragmites. Field sheets were also employed to record findings of ground truthing and phragmites regrowth.

Certain fen sites within the marsh, particularly one proving challenging to assess due to its unique characteristics, were identified. These permanently saturated areas of the wetland are critical habitats for SAR and various other plants and animals. A land-specific management plan is underway for this particular site, with a focus on building upon it in the coming years.

Additionally, remediation efforts were conducted at Cygnet Point, a site showing over 50% biomass reduction due to phragmites growth. Remediation efforts involved planting native shrubs capable of competing with phragmites regrowth. Ongoing maintenance and monitoring will be crucial to ensure the sustained success of these remediation efforts in combating the invasive species.