Technician Report – Tuesday, December 14th
Aaron, Sam, and Zoe Removing Blackberry ~ By J. Lund
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!
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.
Related Posts
Eelgrass Transplant Tying at Ships Point
We’re looking for volunteers to help prepare eelgrass shoots for transplant as part of our upcoming restoration work near Ships Point.
Spring and Summer Forage Fish Sampling
Spring and summer forage fish sampling is starting back up again in May!
Forage Fish Symposium and CFFN AGM
The Coastal Forage Fish Network is hosting their Annual Spring symposium via zoom on April 23, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 pm. It will be followed by an AGM. This gathering brings together researchers, experts and community science volunteers to share forage fish research highlights and from across Vancouver Island and beyond.
Kus-kus-sum Feature – Spring 2025
As spring kicks off, the first buds are beginning to appear on the newly installed plants down at Kus-kus-sum! Thanks to the efforts of our volunteers this past fall and winter we’ve been able to expand the now thriving tidal marsh and riparian ecosystems to 80% complete.
Spring Invasives Removal at Kus-kus-sum
We are looking for volunteers to assist us with our first weeding event of the spring at Kus-kus-sum to keep the invasives at bay and help our native plants flourish!
How To Report Herring Spawn Sightings on iNaturalist
Want to contribute to community science while walking the beach? Simply snap a photo of Pacific herring eggs or milt (milky-white water) when you come across them and upload your observations to iNaturalist! Keep reading for instructions.