OFAH Insider: 2025 ISAP Hit Squad efforts wind down

The Invading Species Awareness Program (ISAP) recently wrapped up its 17th year of the Invading Species Hit Squad. With more than $315,000 in funding provided by Canada Summer Jobs, the Green Shovels Collaborative, Great Lake Local Action Fund, Invasive Species Action Fund, and partner organizations, 27 youths were hired across 18 partner organizations to deliver on-the-ground, community-based invasive species education and management throughout Ontario.

Partner organizations include conservation authorities, stewardship councils, and other non-governmental organizations that have ongoing invasive species projects.

“In total, over 6,200 hectares of both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species were monitored and over 5,600 waste bags were removed,” ISAP Coordinator Alison Morris said. “Hit Squad staff engaged with more than 13,000 people, educating and providing resources on the impacts of invasive species and how they can help prevent the spread.”

The Hit Squad program provides partner organizations with support to tackle invasive species projects within their community and provides staff, often students and recent graduates, with meaningful experience in the environmental sector. Notable projects this season include water soldier monitoring on Lake Simcoe in partnership with the Chippewas of Georgina Island and phragmites removal with Manitoulin Streams. Collaborating with partners provides ISAP with the opportunity to assist in invasive species management across Ontario.

Originally published in the Nov.-Dec. 2025 issue of Ontario Out of Doors

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