OCIS organizes event to remove invasive plants from campus; donates them to feed rhinos at the Toronto Zoo
The Office of Campus Infrastructure and Sustainability (OCIS) recently hosted an event to remove invasive phragmites from campus that ended in a treat for the rhinos at the Toronto Zoo.
Invasive phragmites (European Common Reeds) damage Ontario’s biodiversity, wetlands and beaches. They outcompete native plants for water and nutrients and release toxins from their roots into the soil to hinder the growth of and kill surrounding plants. They also provide poor habitats and food supplies for wildlife (including several species at risk).
On June 20, 11 volunteers joined OCIS for the invasive phragmite-pull event near Polonsky Commons, collecting 13 bags of phragmites from rain gardens and near the storm pond.
The Toronto Zoo picked up the phragmites removed during the event and fed them to their rhinos.
