Project Watershed Continues Restoration Work Along Mallard Creek

Back in February, Project Watershed and volunteers from Aecon Water Infrastructure Inc. planted over 100 native species along a section of Mallard Creek. The area has been infested with invasive reed canary grass, and Project Watershed has been working hard to restore the areaand improve the habitat for fish and wildlife. Reed Canary Grass (RCG) out-competes other native vegetation due to its effective dispersal mechanisms and ability to shade out slower growing native species. Since 2004, it is estimated that the amount of RCG in the K’ómoks Estuary has tripled. RCG provides little value for native wildlife and insects, few species will eat it, and it grows too thickly for mammals or waterfowl to use for cover/nesting. Foraging juvenile salmon and trout have feeding opportunities reduced in areas dominated by RCG, and it constricts waterways thus preventing salmon from reaching spawning habitats. Planting native species provides the opportunity to shade out the RCG and prevent it from growing. The shade also helps keep stream water temperatures cool, which is beneficial to species that utilize the stream habitat.