Upcoming Events

Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)

Invasive plants are harmful non-native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants that are introduced (whether purposely or accidentally) into an ecosystem in which they did not evolve naturally, negatively affecting local habitats. In the Greater Toronto Area, many introduced species—including garlic mustard, European Buckthorn, Norway maple and dog-strangling vine—have disrupted native habitats that are critical for local wildlife and the health of our natural systems. 

Understanding landscape and biodiversity are key to building a sustainable built environment, and requirements on plant selections are increasingly common requirements in municipal sustainability strategies including the Toronto Green Standards. 

Join us for this one-hour introductory lecture as Jim Dougan, senior ecologist and Director with  Dougan & Associates, Ecological Consulting and Design, introduces us to the issue of invasive plant species, recounting how we have come full circle with invasive plant issues in our landscape and some current initiatives for control or management. Through a number of case studies, attendees will gain an understanding of the difference between native, non-native and invasive species and current strategies for the control and management of invasive species.

Helpful Resources

• Ontario Invasive Plant Council
• Invasive Species Centre 
• Invasive Plants in High Park (packed with additional resources) 
• Evergreen’s Pocket Guide to Invasive Plants in the GTA

About the Speaker

Jim Dougan, BSc, MSc, OALA (Hon) is a senior ecologist and Director with Dougan & Associates, Ecological Consulting and Design. Jim has a practical understanding of natural heritage in urbanizing systems based on over 30 years of development-related experience in southern Ontario settings. He has direct involvement in more than 1000 projects including municipal natural heritage and master planning studies, assessment of natural heritage features, identification of constraints and opportunities, and development of practical strategies to preserve and enhance natural functions in urban landscapes.

His earliest encounters with invasive plants came in 1972 when he began graduate studies at  the University of Guelph Department of Environmental Biology, focused on the ecology and control of St. Johns-wort (Hypericum perforatum) in southern Ontario. This introduced herbaceous species (originating from NE Europe) causes photosensitization of livestock and has been the target of biological control measures in North America, Africa and Australia since the 1930’s. Since completing his MSc in 1975, Jim has engaged in a wide range of ecological studies from site to watershed scales. In most settings, invasive plants have been an issue, and Jim has promoted strategies to better manage ecosystems to reduce the impacts of invasive plants. 

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TSA MEMBERS: This event is free for TSA members using the discount code found in our April 19 e-bulletin! Not a member yet? Membership is open to everyone and you can join here (student memberships are free!).

OAA MEMBERS: When registering, please include your full name as registered with the OAA to ensure your certificate of participation is credited properly. Please also include an email address you check frequently to ensure you receive our certificate in a timely manner.

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This technical lecture forms part of our Fundamental Series, a new series of TSA lectures exploring some of the fundamental topics of architectural practice.