Working with the K’ómoks Nation towards Q’waq’wala7owkw on their unceded territory.

Working with the K’ómoks Nation towards Q’waq’wala7owkw on their unceded territory.

Technician Report – Tuesday, Sept 14

Hollyhock plant survey ~ By Jamie Lund

In July, our technician team ventured into Hollyhock Flats to conduct a plant survey. The goal was to understand the current plant community structures throughout the saltmarsh. This data can be used for restoration efforts at Kus-kus-sum. We also learned about invasive plant presence and range within Hollyhock for future removal efforts.

The survey was prepared by laying out transects in Avenza maps. Following these lines the technician team placed quadrats every 5 meters. Plant species and their percent cover were recorded within the 1 meter squared quadrats. We were able to see the transition from upland plants, to saltmarsh, to intertidal plant communities. 

 Salt marsh plant communities are unique ecosystems with culturally significant species. Small camas and rice root were found within Hollyhock Flats. Historically, these plants were utilized by coastal First Nations and often cultivated in estuary gardens. Invasive species like reed canary grass spread quickly and can reduce the distribution of these important plants.

With the help of the Healthy Watersheds Initiative funding Project Watershed has hired environmental technicians to assist with our projects over the summer and early fall. The Healthy Watersheds Initiative is delivered by the Real Estate Foundation of BC and Watersheds BC, with financial support from the Province of British Columbia as part of its $10-billion COVID-19 response. Jamie Lund, one of these technicians, will be posting a brief report every Tuesday to update the Project Watershed community on what they have been up to.  

Layne and Brenda of 40 KNOTS with Caitlin Pierzchalski ~ L.Stewart