The Early Detection & Rapid Response (EDRR) Network of Ontario was a joint program developed by the Ontario Invasive Plant Council and the Invasive Species Centre in 2015. It has covered five different regions in Ontario, engaging over 16 000 people across Peel Region, Halton Region, Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay.

In 2020, the Ontario Trillium Foundation committed $258 500 which, over the next two years, helped to increase community participation in ecosystem conservation and restoration efforts. This funding helped engage communities in environmental protection who were a part of the Quinte, Kingston and Rideau regions of Eastern Ontario. With the help of the Eastern Ontario Model Forest, the expansion of the project to these specific regions helped to equip even more communities and groups with the knowledge to protect against and prevent invasive species.

The EDRR project aimed to train and equip volunteers with the skills and resources needed to better detect and reduce invasive species in Ontario. Participating volunteers gained valuable knowledge on invasive species and used their environmental passion to spread awareness to a wider audience who were impacted by the threat of invasive species. By working at the community level, the project strived to increase collaboration and community capacity on detecting and responding to threats posed by new invasive species.

Need to report an invasive plant? Click here for more info: https://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/invasive-plants/report-a-plant/.