The 2025 OIPC conference theme was The Leading Edge of Invasion. This year’s theme adressed how we could stay ahead of the “invasion curve”. It showcased new and upcoming invasive species, cutting-edge research to detect and mitigate their impacts, and emphasize the importance of adaptive management strategies. This event encouraged people to explore innovative strategies, programs and partnerships to address the future spread of invasive species through a “leading-edge” perspective.
Video Content
00:00 - OIPC Update
Speakers: Brandon Williamson, OIPC President and Vicki Simkovic, Program Coordinator, OIPC
17:15- Toronto's Prescribed Goat Grazing Pilot- A First for Urban Ecosystem Management
Speaker: Cheryl Post, Natural Environment Specialist, City of Toronto
Cheryl Post is a Natural Environment Specialist with the City of Toronto, Urban
Forestry. For over a decade she has specialized in natural environment infrastructure projects that protect and enhance Toronto’s urban ecology, such as wetlands, boardwalks, and sustainable trails. She recently spearheaded Toronto’s innovative Prescribed Grazing Project, the first to pilot this type of grazing for urban ecosystem management in Ontario.
Toronto's Prescribed Goat Grazing Pilot- A First for Urban Ecosystem Management
In 2024, the City of Toronto (Urban Forestry) piloted an exciting new approach to urban ecosystem management. The Prescribed Grazing Pilot Project brought over 60 goats to graze 3000m2 of meadow at Don Valley Brick Works Park, one of the City’s flagship natural environment parks. Prescribed grazing can address a variety of management concerns, including invasive species, woody vegetation encroachment, native plant regeneration, and soil improvement. It also provides ample opportunity for engagement and education. As the first municipality to pilot urban goat grazing in Ontario, the City of Toronto’s Prescribed Grazing Pilot Project represents an innovative approach to the protection and enhancement of urban ecosystems, and has been a significant success story.
27:40 - Keynote Address: Staying Ahead of the Curve on Invasive Species Detections and Control
Speaker: Dr. Joseph Bennett, Associate Professor, Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science and Department of Biology, Carleton University
Joseph Bennett is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Sciences and Department of Biology at Carleton University, and a co-director of the Geomatics and Landscape Ecology Laboratory. Research in his lab focuses on prioritizing conservation decisions, invasion ecology, optimal monitoring, biogeography and spatial statistics. He has a particular interest in applied research that helps protect threatened species, control invasive species, and create better environmental policies at the national level. He also designs optimization tools to help resource managers better achieve their conservation goals. His research is being used by numerous governments and non-governmental agencies in Canada and elsewhere, to help set their conservation priorities.
Staying Ahead of the Curve on Invasive Species Detections and Control
Despite many advances in invasive species research, the prevention and control of invasive species spread remains difficult. Trajectories of invasive species spread are hard to predict, and it can be challenging to determine which species may become invasive. Without improvements in proactive management, the already-massive impact of invasive species on ecosystems and economies could increase, due to shifting global trade patterns and accelerating climate change. Much research points to the importance of early detection and prevention. However, given the difficulties in detecting species movements, we will need a holistic approach to achieving proactive management. This includes the best survey and management practices informed by science, which incorporate innovative techniques to optimize detection and management. It also includes greater appreciation of the diversity of human perspectives and the importance of different knowledge systems. For many reasons, working in partnership with Indigenous rightsholders and knowledge holders needs special attention. All of this will be much easier if bold action is taken in legislation and policy, including consolidated legislation and agency structures to allow more unified responses to emerging threats.