In collaboration with the Invasive Species Research Institution at Algoma University (Canada), members of the circumnavigation will be on the lookout for a number of invasive species throughout the hike with GPS receivers. The locations, extents and types of the populations encountered will be entered into a geographic database for study; it is hoped that with the first survey of its kind covering the entire coastline of Lake Superior, researchers and managers on both sides of the border can use the information gathered to raise awareness of, contain, and mitigate the threats that invasive and noxious species face to local ecosystems and communities.
Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is an aggressive invasive noxious weed that can cause skin necrosis and blindness on contact. Finding out its extent of infestation around Lake Superior is essential to containing and managing the threat to native flora and fauna as well as to public safety.
Focal invasive species for shoreline hikers
- Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
- Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
- Spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe)
- Japanese knotweed (Spiraea japonica)
- Common reed (Phragmites australis)
- Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
Focal invasive species for the land SAG group
- Blueweed / Viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare)
- Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
- Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula)
- Dog-strangling vine / Pale swallowwort (Cynanchum rossicum)
- Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
The species surveyed were chosen by ISRI coordinators based on the following criteria:
- Known distribution & habitat
- Noxious Weed lists for provinces and states around Lake Superior
- Invasive Alien species lists for provinces and states around Lake Superior
Project Contacts:
- Kristen Berger - Invasive Species Awareness Coordinator, Invasive Species Research Institute
- Errol Caldwell - Research Director, Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
- Mike Link - Expedition Lead, Full Circle Superior
