Phil Goodwin extended a warm welcome to Brian, longstanding leader with Trout Unlimited TU) in Niagara, & Tessa, a recent Niagara College grad & the project lead for TU’s Twelve Mile Creek Aliens Are Invading program.
Brian began by explaining that Trout Unlimited Canada is a chapter-based registered charity with the MISSION…
To protect and restore Canada’s freshwater ecosystems and their coldwater resources for current and future generations. TU’s work is guided by science and research and fueled by the unending passion of our volunteers and professional staff.
Each chapter is responsible for a specific watershed. For the Niagara Chapter, it is Upper Twelve Mile Creek.
In its stewardship of the creek, TU’s challenges are temperature, erosion & sediment. The water temperature must be <20 degrees Celsius to preserve the habitat for brook trout - the best indicator of a healthy cold water stream. While TU Niagara has many creek restoration initiatives in place, Aliens Are Invading, is critical in educating landowners adjacent to the creek and the public of the invasive species that have spread outside of their natural range to areas along the Twelve Mile Creek watershed, and are putting native fish, plants, animals and their habitats at risk.
Tessa followed Brian with a comprehensive overview of the Aliens Are Invading program, which is outlined in an attractive booklet she distributed to all in attendance. She explained that invasive species can cause irreparable damage by overtaking an area and push out the plants and animals that benefit us. The active participation of property owners, gardeners, and recreationalists is vital to prevent the spread of invasive species for the benefit of the ecosystems of tomorrow and our continued enjoyment of our natural resources.