Over the past year, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) has made significant progress in advancing invasive species management across the Niagara Peninsula watershed, supported by strong partnerships, expanded capacity, and coordinated on-the-ground action.
Following a watershed-wide kickoff in spring 2025, NPCA worked closely with municipalities, conservation partners, academic institutions, and community groups to strengthen invasive species prevention, detection, and control efforts. These efforts are building momentum toward a comprehensive Invasive Species Strategy that will guide future management actions across the Niagara Peninsula watershed.
NPCA strengthened watershed-wide collaboration by:
- Working with municipalities, conservation partners, academic institutions, and community groups to advance invasive species prevention, detection, and control.
- Signing an agreement with the Invasive Species Centre to lead the Niagara Peninsula Phragmites Management Area (PMA), including collaborative mapping and analysis with Brock University.
- Partnering with Niagara College students to develop and pilot an Early Detection and Rapid Response program.
- Establishing two species-specific collaboratives—the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) Collaborative and the Niagara Peninsula PMA Collaborative—to support knowledge sharing, training, and coordinated action.
In 2025, these partnerships translated into measurable on-the-ground results, including:
- Treating 288 eastern hemlock trees affected by Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and expanding partner training and coordination.
- Completing targeted invasive species management at priority sites, including Japanese stiltgrass control and early detection efforts.
- Engaging volunteers in habitat restoration activities to support invasive species management outcomes.
- Hosting two invasive species workshops to strengthen regional preparedness and applied skills.
These achievements were made possible through the generous support of key funding partners. NPCA is especially grateful to the Invasive Species Action Fund (ISAF) for its $50,000 contribution, which enabled capacity building for the organization to treat 288 hemlock trees at St. Johns and Rockway Conservation Areas infested with HWA, purchase necessary equipment, and train staff for future treatments. NPCA also thanks the Town of Pelham for its $10,000 investment, which supported project implementation at the St. Johns Conservation Area and strengthened collaboration with municipal staff.
Additionally, NPCA coordinated a successful grant application that resulted in $128,600 from the Invasive Phragmites Action Fund being awarded to PMA partners including NPCA, the Town of Pelham, the City of Niagara Falls, and Niagara College to support important invasive Phragmites mapping and management efforts.
“Together with our partners, we have made meaningful progress in advancing collaboration in the Niagara Peninsula watershed as we work towards early detection, rapid response, and long-term management of invasive species,” said Kerry Royer, NPCA Specialist, Conservation Area and Land Planning. “These efforts lay a strong foundation for a comprehensive Invasive Species Strategy that will guide coordinated, effective action for years to come.”
For more information about NPCA’s invasive species initiatives, visit www.npca.ca.
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About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority:
As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all. NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement, and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.
NPCA is the caretaker of 43 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
Media inquiries to be directed to:
Jennifer McQuillan
Communications & Marketing Specialist
Mobile: 905.933.0532
jmcquillan@npca.ca