Swallowwort in Earl Bales Park

[Howieh]

I think I have strolled Earl Bales Park for the last time because I am sad to report that swallowwort (dog strangling vine) has completely taken over the lower park. If there is such a thing as a beaten looking plant then the few milkweeds I saw would certainly qualify, along with the one or two confused monarchs that couldn't find their food plants! Walter, if you read this please tell me the same thing hasn't happened in Rouge Park.

[Bluffs Birder]

Hey Howie,

I think it's pretty much everywhere now sadly.  I know that along the top of the Bluffs it's covered almost everything else and as for the Rouge, it has really become a big problem there as well.  I'm quite surprised at how much Poison Ivy is in Rouge Park as well.

Walter

[Howieh]

Hi Walter,

I would have replied sooner but we just returned from a Windsor Casino trip that included a day trip to Pelee Island. It was pretty hot and I didn't have much chance to explore (bus tour) but I did see my first pipevine swallowtail - an absolutely gorgeous male that wouldn't sit still and finally forced me to take videos because stills were next to impossible to get. I'm sorry to hear about Rouge Park but you're right - it's everywhere and there's even been some talk of spraying it on the spit! My wife visits Sunnybrook next week so, weather permitting, I'll finally get to Glendon Forest - hope the checkerspots are still around and I also hope to see fresh white admirals (I saw several there last year about this time). Anything new to report from Rosetta MG?

[Ron Luft]

Speaking from experience and having read some research; DSV- is a rapidly mounting problem that is gaining in interest both here and the US. DSV is capable of wiping out all competitors including trees and therefore is a huge problem for native insects, birds and wildlife. In High Pk. it is still chemically treated and is somewhat under control but it is a constant struggle to maintain. Eradication is a dream. Areas such as the Rouge that are environmentally significant should consider chemical applications as research into finding a natural control/preditor from 'across the pond' aren't encouraging. There are 2 varieties, 1 from eastern europe and 1 from asia and are beginning to be reckoned with economically for it's 'distructiveness' in the US.
For weekend warrior home gardeners; DO NOT PULL as leaving little root hairs in the ground only causes multple plants to replace the first. Cut off all the flower heads to not allow seed pod to fully develope. Not sure if the new breed of weed killers is effective or not. The city is lisensed to use more virolent chemicals as are professional lawn/garden companies.