Stewardship Series 2026; Caring for our restoration sites 

Work doesn’t end when restoration planting is done. Ongoing care helps native plants become established and gives restored ecosystems the best chance to thrive. This spring and summer, a dedicated group of volunteers has been helping make that happen. 

What is the Stewardship Series?

Since late April, Project Watershed’s Estuary Working Group has been meeting almost every Thursday morning to care for local restoration sites. The program builds on the former Airpark Working Group, which spent several years transforming the Courtenay Airpark Lagoon from a tangle of invasive species into thriving riparian habitat. 

This year, the group has expanded its focus to include the Airpark Lagoon, Kus-kus-sum, and sites along Glen Urquhart and Mallard Creeks. Sites rotate throughout the season, with activities tailored to the needs of each location. By controlling invasive species, supporting native plant growth, and maintaining restored areas, volunteers are helping protect the investment made in restoration while creating healthier habitat, supporting biodiversity, and strengthening the resilience of local ecosystems.  

What have we been up to recently?

Since April, 38 volunteers have spent over 310 hours tackling a range of invasive species and maintenance tasks. Spring efforts focused on Scotch broom and reed canary grass, while summer work has included Himalayan blackberry, flat-pea, tansy, and white sweetclover. 

At Glen Urquhart Creek, volunteers cleared an extensive patch of mature Scotch broom and have been pushing back Himalayan blackberry that was beginning to engulf native plantings. At Kus-kus-sum, the team has been managing the spread of reed canary grass, blackberry, and white sweetclover. The team has also been spreading mulch to improve soil quality and help retain moisture through the dry summer months. 

We’re grateful to everyone who has contributed their time and energy to these important tasks, with a special thank you to Steve Latta for going above and beyond in his efforts to care for and steward the Glen Urquhart site. 

What’s happening next?

The Stewardship Series will continue into the fall, with a few more opportunities to get involved before the season wraps up. Upcoming work will continue to respond to the needs of each site and may include invasive species removal, mulching, and other restoration maintenance. 

Every hour spent caring for these sites helps ensure that the restoration work we’ve invested in can continue to grow and thrive. 

Want to lend a hand? Join us for a Thursday morning stewardship session. Activities vary from week to week, and new opportunities are added regularly so check our Volunteer Events Calendar for activities that work for you.