Study warns of environmental crisis in Hamilton

A new study indicates that wooded areas in Hamilton could turn into virtual deserts in the years ahead due to a sharp decline in the environment.

This stretch along Spencer Creek in Dundas was one of the urban natural areas surveyed for this report, which looked at eleven wooded areas in the city. A high percentage of non-native species were found.

The study discovered that non-native, invasive species have moved into many areas. The usual layer of ferns and grasses under the trees is gone, no longer there to support insects, birds, and other elements of the ecosystem. Wildflowers are also absent.

The report lists several factors contributing to these issues:

• Tree diseases
• Too many deer-eating plants
• Dumping by residents
• Invasive species
• Off-leash dogs that scare off birds
• Plant poaching and foraging by people
• Too much recreational use—too many people and not enough woodland

It paints a bleak picture of the future.

However, some people are working to reverse the damage. For example, McMaster students regularly cut back on invasive species. O’Hara says there are positive developments, but not enough. One key element is for the people and the city to bring back the species that once lived here.

This study aims to help the city develop plans to restore Hamilton’s natural environment.