Wild parsnip control to begin in Little River Corridor and Ojibway Prairie Complex

The City of Windsor is taking steps to control a noxious weed in two areas of the city.

The city has hired a contractor for the application of herbicide to control wild parsnip.

Officials say this is in accordance with Ontario’s “public health and safety exception” to the cosmetic pesticide ban that affects the Parks Department.

Weather permitting, the work will begin on May 19 and will end by May 29.

Application is planned along the Ganatchio Trail system in the Little River Corridor as well as the Spring Garden Natural Area and Titcombe Trail in the Ojibway Prairie Complex.

The contractor will use the following pesticide registered under the Pest Control Products Act (Canada): Navius Flex Pest Control Product (PCP) #30922, containing the active ingredient aminocyclopyrachlor.

Wild parsnip stems, leaves, and flowers contain chemicals that can cause painful blisters, burns, and dermatitis when skin comes into contact with the plant sap followed by sun exposure. Wild parsnip is also an invasive species that can reduce local biodiversity and the quality of habitat available for native plants and wildlife.

For more information, contact the City Naturalist at the Ojibway Nature Centre at [e-mail] by email.