What invasive species have been introduced to the park and how did they arrive?
There are approximately 28 introduced species in Thetis Lake Park. A few cause considerable ecological damage by adversely affecting habitat and native species; these species are considered invasive. Many invasive plant species have escaped from gardens or were intentionally spread for a variety of reasons. For example, Scotch Broom was frequently planted in gardens as an ornamental shrub, and planted along highways as a soil binder. Scotch Broom tolerates a wide range of soils and produces long-lasting seeds that spread far in a number of ways, including being spread along trails by people. The American bullfrog was apparently introduced to Vancouver Island when a farmed frogs’ leg business failed. The bullfrog is a voracious predator of smaller animals including native frogs, salamanders, fish, birds and small mammals. The American bullfrog has had considerable impact on biodiversity. The expansion of the American bullfrog’s range in British Columbia is primarily due to uninformed pe
