5.4 Restoration

Goal: Reintroduce native species to management areas following invasive species removal.

Purpose: Restore native vegetation to the Natural Heritage System.

Removing invasive plants can result in the loss of all vegetative cover, creating an ideal condition for new invasive plants to move in. In some areas, native plants will return naturally after treatment. In these cases, there are enough native plants to re-vegetate newly cleared areas through seed germination or plant spread. However, other areas may require restoration through selective planting and/or other methods to reduce the risk of soil erosion and re-invasion by non-native plants. Suggested restoration methods include:

• Natural colonization or succession

• Seeding with native grasses/herbaceous species

• Planting appropriate native trees and shrubs

• Planting live cuttings

• Use of landscape cloth or heavy mulching

Native seeding should also be used in areas where new naturalization plantings occur to reduce the risk of invasive plant establishment on newly disturbed soils. Seed mixes and procedures shall follow the updated City of London’s Construction Specification for Seeding and Cover protocol (2015). The use of native, pollinator-friendly seed mixes is required.

Current BMPs for select invasive plant species have been identified and outlined on the OIPC website and associated publically available documents. These BMPs will be the reference for mechanical, chemical, and biological control measures when managing invasive plant species using an integrated pest management approach.