by Cole Delisle, Environmental Projects CoordinatorTerrestrial Habitats
Kahanwà:ke has two species of buckthorn which are considered invasive Common and glossy buckthorn. They are small trees which are highly competitive and hardy. They can grow in shady wet forests or in well-drained direct sunlight fields which is part of the reason they pop up just about everywhere in the community. Their berries stay on the tree most of the winter providing birds with a low nutritional value food source, which helps it spread to new areas
KEPO launched a buckthorn management project last year which has been mapping areas with buckthorn in Big Fence and testing control methods. The first method has been cutting the trees down to the stump and then placing a thick plastic “buckthorn baggie” over it This prevents the tree from resprouting, something they’re very good at. The second method has been critical timing cutting. By cutting the tree higher up on the trunk during it’s critical growth period in the spring we can reduce the energy it has to compete with other species and eventually kill it off.
This year, KEPO will be replanting areas of removed buckthorn with a variety of native species. The native species will compete with buckthorn seedlings that may be present Sprouts from buckthorn could keep coming up from seeds in the ground for three years so ongoing maintenance is required.
KEPO Event
2025 Tree Giveaway
The 2025 Tree Giveaway will be held Friday, May 9th from 10am - 3pm (or while supplies last) at KEPO grounds, located between the Kahnawake Sports Complex and the Peacekeepers Station.
Approximately 1500 trees will be available to community members with a limit of 5 trees per household. The Waste Management Unit will also be on site to provide tree compost and mulch Trees are provided by the Ministry of Forests, Fauna and Parks and are distributed by the 4-H Clubs of Quebec.
This year we will have the following trees:
Onehtó:ia - Red Pine
Wáhta - Sugar Maple
Ohnehta’kó:wa - White Pine
Tsohtsó:ron - Yellow Birch
O’só:ra - White Spruce
Buckthron control method
White Spruce
Project Update
Bat Protection Efforts
by Kahionhanó:ron Canadian - Environmental Technologist
The Kahnawà:ke Environment Protection Office is continuing its efforts to help the local bat populations by making repairs to several bat houses that have been placed throughout the community in suitable roosting areas. This is a continuation of the previous efforts to provide shelter for bats, notably the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) and other species which have become listed as endangered primarily because of White Nose Syndrome.
White Nose Syndrome is a fungal infection that causes discomfort to the bats during their hibernation period, forcing them awake and draining their energy reserves needed to survive the winter. It is estimated that 94% of the little brown bat in eastern Canada have died because of White Nose Syndrome.
In the past, data loggers donated to KEPO from the Canadian Wildlife Federation were placed inside KEPO bat houses to measure temperature throughout the year This data was used to judge the suitability of the design and placement of the bat houses The data returned indicated that overall, the houses were suitable, but improvements can be made to their positioning in relation to the sun during the day No bats have been confirmed to be using the houses installed by KEPO, but this could be due to the overall abundance of suitable roosting areas already available. Seven of eight bat species found in Quebec were identified in a recent survey in Kahnawà:ke
KEPO has acquired several acoustic monitoring devices and hopes to host nighttime “bat walks” for anyone interested in learning more about these fascinating creatures. If you would like to install a bat house on your property, please contact KEPO at 450-635-0600 for more information on best practices related to the construction and placement of artificial bat habitats.
Little brown bat with White Nose Syndrome symptoms Photo by Steve Taylor
Contact KEPO for more information on best practices related to the construction and placement of artificial bat habitats
Project Update
Western Chorus Frog Monitoring
by Cole Delisle, Environmental Projects Coordinator - Terrestrial Habitats
Western chorus frogs are one of the first frogs to start singing in the Spring and are important environmental indicators Unfortunately, chorus frogs are a threatened species due to habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, and water pollution.
Chorus frogs breed in small temporary wetlands that dry up by the summer. These ephemeral temporary pools are free from predators like fish, keeping them safe Old farm fields, ditches, or open patches of forest which flood in the spring are ideal habitat. Habitats like these are often dismissed as not being “true” wetlands but they provide sanctuary for species like the Chorus Frog and salamanders
KEPO has been conducting spring surveys for the frogs for several years but hasn’t had a detection yet. However, historically there have been detections of chorus frog in Big Fence. Kahnawà:ke is covered in wetlands which could support a population of the declining species but that could change depending on land use in the future You can help KEPO detect chorus frogs by listening in your backyard! Follow the training material on Blazing Star Environmental’s website and listen for any detections. If you hear one record it and send it to us!
Western chorus frog Spring peeper
Wood Frog
Northern leopard frog Green frog American bullfrog
Listen to the frog calls from Blazing Star Environmental
Photos by Blazing Star Environmental and Canadian Herpetological Society
Community Science Pollinator Gardening
by Julie Teio’keráthe Delisle, Environmental Projects Coordinator - Education and Outreach
Planting a pollinator garden can support bees, butterflies, and other vital pollinators while adding beauty to your space. Start by choosing a sunny location, as most pollinators prefer areas that receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. Next, plant your garden with a variety of native flowering plants that bloom at different times throughout the growing season. This ensures a continuous food source for pollinators.
Include a mix of flower shapes, colours, and heights to attract diverse pollinators Popular native choices include milkweed, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and goldenrod. Avoid pesticides and herbicides. Provide water sources such as dishes with stones for landing. Leave patches of bare soil or create small brush piles to offer nesting spots for native bees. Maintenance is simple remove invasive weeds, deadhead flowers to extend blooming, and avoid over-mulching.
A pollinator garden doesn’t need to be large to make an impact and provide much needed habitat for pollinators in our community. Be on the lookout for upcoming planting workshops from KEPO!
