Invasive species removal and grasslands restoration

McMaster University is restoring the former farmland property it owns off Lower Lions Club Rd. The plan is to restore the site to a natural area accessible to the local community for its enjoyment, while providing faculty and students a naturalized setting for teaching, learning and research.

The four-hectare site is covered with Buckthorn and Orchard Grass, an invasive weed that, left unchecked, will completely take over the property. As part of the site restoration, Susan Dudley and Chad Harvey of the Faculty of Science are overseeing the removal of this invasive species. Over the next year, the Buckthorn and Orchard Grass will be replaced by prairie grasses native to the area. Trail improvements will also be made. As a sign of things to come, a prairie garden will soon be planted at the entrance to the site.

Most of the invasive species removal will be done by hand. To prevent the regrowth of Buckthorn and Orchard Grass and to promote the growth of native species, a licensed contractor is spraying the site with Round Up – a safe treatment that has been approved by the City of Hamilton. Spraying is underway and will take place on at least two more occasions this year. The spray is safe for humans and animals and signs have been posted and the park entrances and around the neighbourhood to notify the public of this activity.