Buckthorn removed at Massassauga Point

Quinte Conservation staff will be removing invasive European Buckthorn from the Massassauga Point Conservation Area Tuesday and Wednesday.

“Over the years we have tried several strategies such as spraying and burning to remove invasive European Buckthorn from Massassauga Point,” said Terry Murphy, general manager. “Nothing has worked. This year we will be removing it mechanically by cutting down the shrubs.”

People walking the trails at Massassauga Point may notice the remnants of the shrubs.

“We are leaving those on the ground to act as mulch and help control regrowth of the Buckthorn. Massassauga Point contains a rare alvar environment that we are working hard to protect.”

Massassauga Point Conservation Area contains a globally rare Bur Oak Savannah and an important Alvar which contains prairie species, such as Prairie Smoke and Early Buttercup.

“European Buckthorn is a non-native shrub that can take over an area, crowding out native plants. The goal of removal is to provide a window of opportunity for native plants to return to an area.”

More information about Quinte Conservation is available at www.quinteconservation.ca.