Ontario’s wetlands

This learning activity highlights people, places, or innovations that relate directly to the province of Ontario. Enjoy the exploration!

Wetlands are an important part of Ontario’s ecosystems. There are four types of wetlands in Ontario: marshes, swamps, fens, and bogs. Generally, wetlands are lands that are saturated with water long enough that it causes the soil to become waterlogged. This allows water-loving plants and animals to grow and an ecosystem to thrive.

Wetlands provide food and shelter for a wide variety of plants, mammals, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and fish. Wetlands also help with flood control, water quality, and recreation like hunting, fishing, and birding.

Invasive species

Being able to travel by plane, ship, and train all over the world has allowed people to visit other countries and habitats. One of the consequences of international travel and trade is that plants and wildlife have been transported from their native habitats to parts of the world where they are not naturally found and can cause damage.

Meet the phragmites

An example of a non-native plant species that is invading Ontario is the phragmites. Not all invasive species can harm an ecosystem. However, the phragmites, which originated in Asia, are causing severe damage to wetlands and beaches.

Phragmites are an aggressive plant that spreads rapidly, robbing native species of needed nutrients and water. Consequently, the phragmites survive and plants native to Ontario die off.

How do we stop the spread of invasive species?

Examine the following video, entitled “Fish Talk with Leo: Impede the Reed”, to learn how Parks Canada is working to stop the spread of phragmites and restore wetlands to their original state.

Explore the following maps to discover where in Ontario the Georgian Bay Islands National Park is located.

Check your learning!

Complete the Video Follow-up Questions in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.

Knowing that invasive species can be so harmful to a habitat, it’s important that Ontarians be aware of them and learn how to deal with them.

Let’s raise awareness

One way to raise awareness is to create an “Unwanted” poster, video, or Public Service announcement (PSA) describing species that are invading Ontario’s wetlands. Your poster, video, or PSA should include a description or pictures of the species, and why they are harmful to the environment.

Before beginning your research, explore the following video that explains the scientific research process. This will help guide you as you work your way through this activity.

Check out the following videos for information about other invasive species to help you with your awareness campaigns.

Use the following checklist to check your work.

Unwanted species

Controlling or eliminating invasive species in Ontario will help protect native plants and animals, ensuring their survival. If the phragmites or other invasive species continue to invade, local ecosystems will become unbalanced.

Reflection

As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.