Technician Report – Tuesday, December 14th

Happy Technician Tuesday! This will be our final tech post of the year. We’d like to reflect on the work we’ve done in 2021.

Our team removed invasive plant species from vulnerable ecosystems all season long. Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara), and reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) were the main plants targeted for removal. At Glen Urquhart stream, over 100 metres of stream bank was cleared of invasives after being surveyed. This area was then planted with native shrubs and trees such as thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus) and red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa).

In the height of the growing season, our team surveyed six transects throughout Hollyhock Flats to create a plant species catalogue. This data will be used to track how the Hollyhock marsh changes over time, be used for modelling salt marsh restoration projects, and provide a planting guide for Kus-kus-sum. Our team surveyed 1.18 kilometres of the marsh with 234 quadrats.

At Kus-kus-sum, we were able to assist with several projects. Before concrete removal began, we cut down all the Scotch broom plants on site. This was done while they were in bloom to decrease seeds in the soil and reduce the chance of broom plant growth in the future. While concrete removal was on going, we were sorting out metal and wood for recycling. We also helped with the removal of crush from the site and installation of sediment fencing to reduce erosion.

As the seasonal Technician team winds down and heads off on new adventures, we would like to thank you for following our work with Project Watershed. We wish you all a wonderful holiday and a happy new year!