Mud Lake is one of the most ecologically important natural habitats in the urban part of Canada’s Capital Region. Found within the Lac Deschênes - Ottawa River Important Bird Area, Mud Lake is a habitat for a wide diversity of plant, mammalian, amphibian, reptilian and fish species. But several species of invasive non-native plants threaten the biodiversity of this habitat.

In fall 2015, the National Capital Commission (NCC) launched an invasive vegetation management project at Mud Lake. The project aims to preserve the ecological integrity of the natural environment. The control and eradication of invasive plant species at Mud Lake will also be contributing to the NCC’s Sustainable Development Strategy and the NCC’s Capital Urban Lands Plan by protecting biodiversity and safeguarding valued habitats that support the Capital Region’s ecological functions. 

The objectives of the project are as follows:

  •   To control the presence of invasive plant species in Mud Lake natural habitat

  •   To invite the public to take actions to remove and monitor invasive plant species

  •   To restore the vegetative cover with native species 

Targeted Species

Invasive non-native species are the second-largest threat to biodiversity after habitat loss (IUCN, 2016). Their ability to spread quickly and adapt to growing conditions allows them to displace and reduce native species, altering the dynamics of the ecosystem. The targeted invasive plant species to control on site are the following:

Mud Lake is identified as a provincially significant wetland and an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest by the Government of Ontario. 

Plants and wildlife 

This 60-hectare natural environment is a complex of wetlands along the Ottawa River, the majority of which is made up of deciduous swamp forest. The driest part, to the west, contains a mature forest stand which is made up predominantly of white, red and burr oak, as well as white pine

Mud Lake is a habitat for a wide diversity of animal species. Located within the Lac Deschênes–Ottawa River Important Bird Area and in a major migratory corridor, it serves as an important environment for bird conservation, and is recognized as one of the most popular urban sites for birdwatching in Canada. 

Species that can be found at Mud Lake:

    •    269 species of birds

    •    amphibian, reptile and fish species not commonly found in the region

    •    44 rare and 15 uncommon plant species

    •    wildlife species at risk 

Invasive non-native plant species 

Several species of invasive non-native plants threaten the biodiversity of the Mud Lake habitat. Eleven of these species have been recorded, covering about 29 percent of the total area of this natural habitat. The primary species of invasive non-native plants are the following:

    •    glossy buckthorn and common buckthorn (Frangula alnusandRhamnus cathartica)

    •    Norway maple (Acer platanoïdes)

    •    garlic mustard (Alliaria officinalis)

    •    honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)

    •    dog-strangling vine (Cynanchum rossicum) 

Please note that these invasive plants present no danger to public health.

For more information about these species, please visit the Invasive Species Centre website. 

Vegetation management project 

To protect Mud Lake’s natural habitat, the NCC has launched a vegetation management project. We are undertaking manual and mechanical work, which began in fall 2015 and is ongoing, to control invasive non-native plant species. This work will allow native plant species to become re-established, and will help preserve the ecological integrity of the natural environment.