Coastal Plant Monitoring

Times and Locations

Kus-kus-sum
         Fridays – 6: 00 pm to 8:30 pm
         June 14, 28 & July 5

Description

This is a new community science monitoring program we’re implementing at Kus-kus-sum and Dyke Road Park. It will help us assess and track the growth and development of plant communities at these two sites. We’re looking for committed volunteers to join us for vegetation field surveys.  

Through this program, you’ll learn how to: 

• Identify native plants found in tidal marshes of the K’ómoks estuary. 
• Carry out ecological field monitoring techniques such as quadrats and species cover estimates to assess plant diversity. 
• Collect detailed vegetation data to assess plant community health. 

We ask that volunteers: 

• *Commit to all three dates at at least one of the sites. During the first session at either site we will show you the methodolgy that you will follow. On the next two sessions you will do the monitoring. You can sign up for one location or both.
• Are eager to learn native plant identification (previous knowledge is an asset but not required). 
• Are 16+ years old (10+ if accompanied by an adult). 
• Have the physical ability and appropriate footwear to navigate uneven terrain. 
• (Optional) join with a friend to support learning and complete surveys together. 

Please don’t hesitate to connect with us if you are excited to participate but face barriers to meeting these requirements.  

Training materials and monitoring equipment will be provided. Jay Baker-French and Marika Ai-Li will be leading this program. 

*Vegetation monitoring requires specialized training and must happen during the season of peak plant growth. Given this, we ask volunteers to commit to all dates in the site series.