RVCA hosting free community workshop on invasive species

In the war on invasive species, knowledge is the most potent weapon – and a free community workshop aims to arm the public with as much invasive species information as possible.

Focusing on identification and how to reduce their spread, the workshop on Saturday, July 29 will feature staff presentations as well as hands-on displays of invasive plants and animals.

“We’re hoping more members of the public will become familiar with these species and their impacts,” said Amanda Lange, RVCA’s Aquatic Habitat Monitoring Co-ordinator. “The more people know about invasive species, the more we can collectively work to curb their spread. And by reducing the spread, we can give our native species a fighting chance and promote a more balanced and diverse local ecosystem.”

Invasive plants like Himalayan Balsam, garlic mustard, Japanese knotweed and dog-strangling vine can spread rapidly, pushing out native species and leaving gaps in the area’s biodiversity. This can reduce food supplies and resources for other species who rely on the missing native plants. Invasive plants are also often poor substitutes when it comes to erosion and flood mitiga- tion, as their roots generally aren’t as deep or strong.

In the water, invasive aquatic species can have dramatic ecosystem impacts while also measurably changing water quality and characteristics. For example, invasive zebra mussels filter suspended particulates so effectively they can cause distinctly weedier lakes, since sunlight can reach further into the water column.

“We’re excited to welcome the public to learn what they can do in their own backyards to make a difference,” Lange said. “It’s a group effort to keep our local environment as natural and functional as possible for everyone’s benefit.”

The workshop will be held at the RVCA’s headquarters in Manotick from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 29. All are welcome, including community associations, environmental groups, property owners, students, gardeners and anyone with an interest in learning about invasive species.

Light refreshments will be served. Advance registration is required. Visit rvca. ca.

Police seeking witnesses to fatal collision at Roger Stevens and Dwyer Hill Road

The Ottawa Police Service Fatal Collision Investigation Unit is seeking witnesses to a collision Friday evening, July 14.

At approximately 5:20 pm, officers were called to the intersection of Roger Stevens Dr and Dwyer Hill Rd in response to a collision in- volving two vehicles. One driver suffered life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition.

Investigators would like to speak with anyone who witnessed the collision or may have dashcam footage of this incident and have not yet spoken to police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Fatal Collision Investigation Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 2345.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.

The sun was shining and a strong turnout was on hand for the Kars Family Fun Day event Sat., July 15. The event kicked off with a well-attended pancake breakfast inside the RA Centre, while outside there was a vendor’s market (above) as well as a softball game, a bouncy castle, a classic car show, a medieval combat demonstration and other activities.

“Thank