PHRAGMITES WORKING GROUP - LAKE BERNARD

The NEAR NORTH ENVIRO EDUCATION CENTRE has partnered with the Phragmites Working Group: Lake Bernard who has taken the lead in the quest to eradicate Lake Bernard of Phragmites. The Goal has been set to rid the lake of this invasive species by 2033.

2026 Phrag Fighting Season Information

Cutting events will be scheduled twice weekly, Tuesdays and Friday mornings, throughout the summer and into September. We are assisting with management of Japanese knotweed on some sites as well. Please see the Japanese Knotweed Control Plan for the area below. July 15 is the start date for in water phragmites removal.

The team from the Invasive Phragmites Control Centre (IPCC) will be on site at one of our events in late July or early August 2026. The team with also be spraying Japanese Knotweed with herbicide during this visit.

Volunteers will be needed for all events: There is a job for anyone wishing to help.

See below the 2025 season end report, and the Invading Species Awareness Program (ISAP) student from the Federation of Angler and Hunters 2025 report outlining the work students do with our group.

Thank you to all who helped in any way to restore the health of our lake and wetlands and protect our shoreline, aquatic animals and native plants.

If you are interested in joining the Phrag Fighters please contact Marilee - Marilee Koenderink <marilee.koenderink@gmail.com>

The Phragmites Working Group provides all the equipment required to assist in the effort - all you need is a great attitude and energy!

Phragmites now pose a threat to Lake Bernard. The purpose of this project is to organize a collaborative response with an expert plan for the removal of Phragmites from Lake Bernard.

*See Ontario.ca for more information on Phragmites and Japanese Knotweed

Phragmites are considered to be a threat to many wetlands including Lake Bernard for many reasons

Decreased plant biodiversity
Poor habitats and food supplies for wildlife including species at risk
Lowered water levels resulting in drying of wetlands
Loss of hydrological functions such as water retention and filtering
High proportion of dead stems that slow the release of nutrients back into the ecosystem
Negative affects agriculture, lower property values, and impact recreational activities such as swimming and boating

Japanese Knotweed is an aggressive semi-woody perennial plant considered to be a threat to many properties and shorelines for many reasons:

Decreased flora and fauna biodiversity
Damage infrastructure by growing through cracks in concrete, asphalt, and foundations, which lowers property values
Cause erosion and bank instability
Can alter soil chemistry, impacting the growth of native plant species

The NEAR NORTH ENVIRO EDUCATION CENTRE provides support and pledges to assist with the work plan including assistance with submissions of applications for funding. The Phragmites working group developed a work plan and summarizes learning from cutting events.

Looking to Get Involved?

Have you assessed your property for the presence of invasive Phragmites ?

Having difficulty deciding if it is Phragmites?

Do you require help removing it from your property?

Have you helped or would you be willing to help your neighbor remove Phragmites from their property?

If you would like more information or to be added to the Phragmites Fighters Lake Bernard email list for updates regarding education events or to volunteer, please email: marilee.koenderink@gmail.com