A. Magnus Bein

Victoria

UVic Garry Oak Meadow Ecosystem Restoration Project

My final project involved the formation of a technical advisory, site research and planning, and public education and design workshop to move a restoration project from concept to design to implimentation in 2004. It is an innovative partnership between the University management and grounds workers, faculty, students, and community groups. It also emphasizes experimentation, adaptive management, and monitoring. The project has continued since 2004. Background and updates can be found at http://www.finearts.uvic.ca/~ambein/UVicGOMRP/.

ambein@uvic.ca

Since completing the Restoration Progam, I have worked and continued education, based on my specialization in ecological restoration. I have completed several contracts in local ecological-related government, including the Capital Regional District Harbours and Watersheds Program and the Islands Trust Fund. I have also remained active in contributing to environmental student and community initiatives.

For several years prior to entering the Restoration Program, I worked in the Volunteer Sector on stimulating green building and ecological sustainable communities, with local results visible in Southeast False Creek, Vancouver, and numerous spin-offs.

Now with a young daughter named Oluna, me and my partner Pamela, have our eyes set on gaining international experience that we can broaden our perspectives and experiences, to later bring back home, and contribute to the restoration of sustainable human systems and conservation of earth.

Robert (Bob) Bridgeman

Victoria

Safety/Environment Inspector

The Restoration of Douglas Creek: A Case Study in Urban Stream Restoration

The report discusses urban watersheds and urban streams in the context of impact and restoration. From general perspectives the report moves into the specifics, as they are known, of the Douglas Creek watershed and on into the ecology of the Creek itself.

The report outlines objectives of the restoration and the means and resources that have been engaged to realize them. A number of projects - completed and ongoing - their results, and linkages, are discussed - as are future plans.

The report is a good historical document that details aquatic restoration concepts, many of which have been employed in the Creek. Having said that the report is three years old and the restoration, which is ongoing, has changed direction in some respects; but in general it is moving along the same track: albeit in more detailed and complex projects.

rbridge@shaw.ca

This program was a challenge for me. My last academic studies were undertaken in 1973 before they resumed in 1997. When I started we didn’t have a computer in the house, I worked full time (still do), and also worked on the Creek – but I got through it and if I can anybody can: the key thing is never to give up.

There is lots of restoration work going on in Victoria. I highly recommend that students in the program get involved – academic studies are crucial to coming to some understanding of the mysteries of ecology but are functionally incomplete without visceral learning. This learning in the midst of smells, sounds, and the feelings on the skin is what restoration work in the community can provide; of course restoration projects also provide material for reports and projects.

Judith Carder

Victoria

Executive Administrative Assistant

Restoration of Garry Oak Ecosystems through Removal of Alien Invasives and Planting of Native Species in Chatterton Hill Park, Saanich Municipality, British Columbia

This study presents an assessment of ecological restoration activities undertaken during 2002-2005 at Chatterton Hill Park to allow an evaluation of activities to aid in the adaptive management of the site, as well as providing an example of the benefits of ecological restoration activities through comparison with a similar nearby site where no restoration activities have taken place (referred to as Broom Hill in this project). Surrounded by human development, Chatterton Hill Park is a vulnerable ecologically complex community of Garry oak-associated threatened species and fragile micro-ecosystems (e.g., rocky outcrop). It is being invaded by aggressive exotics which are suppressing the growth of natives as well as changing the edaphic nature of the soil thereby encouraging further invasion and success by exotics. The entire ecosystem is being altered and may have been lost - impoverishing the entire landscape, both natural and cultural. Chatterton Hill was identified as a Garry Oak Restoration Program (GORP) site with a site action plan to restore geobiological function and native species diversity while engaging and educating the public. Thus Chatterton Hill Park became a “public demonstration” site for ecological restoration within the Garry oak ecosystems of Saanich municipal district. Through this evaluation and comparison, qualitative and quantitative results suggest that biodiversity on the GORP site is increasing. The findings also suggest that restoration activities are successfully encouraging native species variety and abundance through the ongoing removal of exotic invasives and planting of native species. The tree layer is a healthy, open canopy dominated by Garry oak with an understory vegetation cover dominated by grasses, a native herb, camas, and to a lesser degree, a native shrub, snowberry. At Broom Hill, the tree layer was similar, but the understory vegetation cover was dominated by grasses and an invasive exotic, Scotch broom, which was suppressing native species. The public educational and engagement component of the restoration activities are shown to have positive effects with an increase in interest and care of the GORP site. The ecological restoration of Chatterton Hill benefits not only the biotic community it supports, but the surrounding community which sustains it.

Judeathome@shaw.ca

This is an excellent program for mature students and an excellent way for grads who received their degrees years ago to re-enter acadamia. The mix of undergrads and mature students is very stimulating.

There are so many restoration activities going on in Victoria that I encourage students to get involved, volunteering to get practical experience. As a site steward for the Garry Oak Restoration Program with Saanich Municpality, I have the privilege to be involved with one site on a long-term basis. After all, the process of restoration is an evolving, long-term commitment, so being able to observe particular ecosystems, as well as doing hands-on activities such as removal of invasivies and planting of natives, allows a true sense of ecological restoration. In the process, we ourselves are restored to wholeness!

Matt Cardin (1976–2003)

Restoring Off-Channel Salmon Habitats Using Available Ground Water Resources, Goldstream, BC

The project contributed to efforts to enhance the salmon stocks in the Goldstream River watershed through designing a restoration project that used available groundwater to enhance off-channel salmonid habitat. After Matt’s death, Goldstream Hatchery volunteers took on the project to make Matt’s dream a reality. For more information go to http://members.shaw.ca/goldstreamhatchery/mainfram.htm and click on Matthew’s dream.

Laura Duncan

Kimberley

Watershed Coordinator

Backyard Restoration

The project explored the use of native plants for landscaping purposes in two settings. One setting was used as a demonstration site at a native plant nursery, one at a personal residence. The plants used were transplanted with permission from the land attached to the nursery. Seeds from a variety of the plant species used were collected and trials of germination success were carried out. Because many native plant seeds require specific conditions or treatments befoer germinating, the trails were used to determine a number of species which could be easily germinated by the homeowner wishing to grow native plants for their use.

lduncan@telus.net

Since compoleting the RNS program, the opportunity has arisen to work withan organization focussed on stream restoration and education. I have been able to be part of a team working on restoring a stream in an urban setting. Working in an urban setting adds a number of complicating factors to the restoration process, including working with city councils and staff and the perceptions of the citizenry. Education/outreach is a huge component of urban restoration and plans for an education component of a program should be developed concurrently with the restoration prescription.

Chris Ferguson

Toronto

Design Manager

Retsoration of Haliburton Community Farm

A restoration plan for the control of invasive exotic species and introduction of beneficial natives on a community learning farm. Project interest came from my experiences organic farming and propogating Garry Oak ecosystem species.

christopherferg@gmail.com

RNS challenges you to develop strategies that address a variety of complex variables- ecological, social, legal, financial, etc... The skills and perspectives you develop are beneficial even if you work outside the field of restoration.

The profs are practical and they ground theory with real world experience and field study. The program is perfect for learners who enjoy a challenge, want an opportunity to put their ideals into action and who are passionate about ecosystem restoration.

Moss Giasson

Calgary Alberta

Environmnetal Coordinator

Restoration of Whitebark Pine Ecosystems in Harop Proctor Comminty Forest

Conducted site assessment, field sampling and prescription development for the active management of an alpine ecosystem in the Harrop Proctor Community Forest Program.

moss.giasson@shell.com

I am currently working in Calgary for a large oil and gas company in the Ecosystem Management Group. My current roles are managing Environmental Assessment and Development Impacts, cummulative effects assessments, heritgate assessment, and stakeholder engagment for all of this companies BC developments.

The program through UVic has given me an appreciation for restoration and site remediation which in turn has proven in-valuable to my career and professional development. Focus on ecological restoration and species recovery plans after my graduation and working with non-government organizations coupled with my current opportunities in the energy sector have proven to be a great combination. the program has been a great asset in providing a larger understanding of environmental impacts as well as recovery strategies and impact assessment, which will no doubt prove to be as valuable to others leaving the program and looking to develop their careers in the environmental sector.

Simon Grant

Victoria

Scientific Assistant

Ecological Factors Contributing to the Growth of Reed Canarygrass at Swan Lake/Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, Saanich British Columbia

The subject of this final project is Phalaris arundinacea, Reed canary grass,(Rcg) which belongs to the Poaceae family. Rcg comes in three varieties: native, non native and a hybrid. The native species, already rare in wetland ecosystems of North America prior to European settlement, was burned by Native Americans throughout the Pacific Northwest’s Puget Sound area. This practice was done to promote growth of emergent herbaceous habitat (Antieau, 1999).

The non native specie (of Eurasian-origin) has become an aggressive invader of aquatic ecosystems, although at the time of its introduction through European settlement, was regarded as a fast-growing crop for livestock. As well, in more recent times, Rcg has been seen as beneficial in early restoration projects and for bank stabilization and nutrient uptake around constructed wetlands.

The implications of non native Rcg on Swan Lake includes restoration recommendations. Field studies have been conducted for one year. In-depth research in the form of archival, geological, hydrological, land surveys and personal interviews took place with individuals who have a vested interest in the subject. The findings suggest the following restoration strategies:
1) Do nothing. Allow “nature” to take its course, 2) Do something: burn, cover, replant with native species, flood the area, harvest the offending grass, starve it, mulch it, mow it, graze it, disk it, apply herbicide, and, lastly, 3) a combination of 1 and 2.

simongra@uvic.ca

The program was excellent and the instructors were extremely helpful.

Pierre Iachetti

Victoria

Director of Conservation Planning

Restoration of a Garry Oak Ecosystem in North Saanich, BC

Restoration of a small patch of garry oak habitat at Ardmore golfcourse in North Saanich, BC. Final project required liason with golf course, site inventory, native plant propogation and planting, and a management plan for the site. Results demonstrated: the need to visit a site at different times of the year during different conditions before conducting restoration; techniques for propagating native plants; and balancing the needs of the client with restoration.

pierre.iachetti@natureconservancy.ca

Sol Kinnis

Victoria

Resource Person and Research Assistant

Permaculture in the City: Creating an Urban Food Park in Victoria , BC

My final project was part of a larger community effort to transform a gravel lot into a community greenspace in an urban neighbourhood in Victoria . The vision of what the greenspace would look like had transformed over the years since project began in 1995. Originally, the design of the greenspace was for a low maintenance, waterwise garden using mostly herbs and ornamental plants. Later the efforts of many community volunteers had begun to build on the original waterwise concept, but transform the space into a 'edible' community park, with the goal of demonstrating permaculture techniques and supplying fresh, nutritious, organically grown fruit, vegetables and herbs to people living on a marginal income in the neighbourhood.

My role was as a volunteer in the project and to document the efforts as part of my final project. In the report, I attempted to make the case for community gardens to be considered as a form of urban ecological restoration that deserve protection as permanent greenspaces in the city.

blackberrysol@yahoo.com

Following my graduation from the RNS program, I was given the opportunity to do an internship in Havana , Cuba where I worked with a local environmental organization that was carrying out research and training in permaculture in the city. My family committments over the past 4 years have taken my work in a different direction, but I hope to find a way to use the knowledge and expertise I gained through the RNS program more directly at some point in the near future. I believe that restoration of natural systems needs to be an integral part of developing long term sustainability and my advice to students is that whether or not you find paid work directly in this field, use the lessons from the program in whatever you do to work towards a just and sustainable future.

Wendy Kotilla

Courtenay, BC

Youth and Ecological Restoration Project Coordinator

Carnation Creek Community History Project

Carnation Creek Community History Project presents the social and ecological history of a small watershed located in Barkley Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Carnation Creek is within the traditional territory of Huu-ay-aht First Nation (HFN), who have known it for thousands of years as Cha Chah tsi as. The HFN fundamental belief involves nurturing an essential human and nature balance based on understanding the hereditary chief’s responsibility for their traditional territories. In 1970, the scientific community initiated a study of forest harvest impacts on fish and their habitat, and began referring to the watershed as Carnation Creek Experimental Watershed Project. The scientific research conducted at Carnation Creek has increased our understanding of ecosystem processes, and contributed to developing and improving forest practices in British Columbia. Bridging the scientific and traditional communities at Carnation Creek involves acknowledging their different worldviews and recognizing the landscape as common ground for sharing a collective future vision.

wkotilla@mars.ark.com

Nick May

Victoria, BC

Snr. Manager Properties and First Nations Policy

Environmental Restoration Program at Bush Creek Bridge, Trans Canada Highway, Oyster Bay I.R. #12, Vancouver Island, B.C. - March 30, 1999

The Ministry of Transportation upgraded and widened the existing bridge at Bush Creek, adjacent to and on Oyster Bay Indian Reserve #12 north of Ladysmith, BC, as part of the Vancouver Island Highway Project. That resulted in the loss of a small area of the creek's riparian habitat. The reserve land is held by the Chemainus First Nation and Bush Creek is to them a highly regarded resource for spiritual and cultural purposes, as productive habitat for species of salmon and trout, and as an area with wildlife and biodiversity value. This report presents the environmental restoration program developed to mitigate the loss of creek habitat by creating a series of deep, off-channel fish rearing ponds and using native, traditional use and medicinal plants of significance to the Chemainus First Nation to revegetate the fringes of the constructed fish ponds. The approach taken for the restoration was new for the Ministry, working outside of its more established approach to environmental mitigation work in highway construction. It was also new for the Ministry to be doing environmental restoration work in partnership with a First Nation on reserve land.

nick.may@gov.bc.ca

I thoroughly enjoyed the program - its courses, lecturers and especially the final project - where you got to test all the things you learned in the program on an actual restoration project. My advice to new students is come with an open mind, listen and learn carefully and remember the famous Hebda motto "boots not suits"!.

Thomas Munson

Victoria

Archaeological Assistant

St. Mary's Reserve Ecosystem Restoration Planning - Cranbrook, BC

A Restoration Plan was completed for the Racetrack Block, a 58ha. management unit located on the St. Mary's Indian Reserve near Cranbrook, BC. The Racetrack Block consists of open forest and grassland in the Ponderosa Pine (PPdh2) Biogeoclimatic Zone of southeastern BC. Fieldwork included a reconnaissance of the management unit on the ground; an Archaeological Overview Assessment; completion of Ground Inspection Forms and Site Series identification; Terrain Ecosystem mapping of ecological polygons; photopoint monitoring plots; wildlife and danger tree assessment, marking and mapping. Local restoration experts were consulted regarding restoration planning objectives for the management unit. Restoration recommendations for silviculture include: retaining large diameter veteran trees where possible; thinning to re-establish lower tree density of younger trees; removing conifer trees encroaching on open grassland and ingrown conifers from wooded areas; maintaining existing levels of coarse woody debris; retaining larger wildlife and dead-standing trees. Prescribed burning is recommended following silviculture treatments, to enhance ungulate winter range and grassland potential.

loscinco@telus.net

The Restoration Program is a great introduction to the emerging field of ecological restoration. Students however should be aware that in this province (and in Canada as a whole), ecological restoration work is difficult to find, and not yet well paying. We are still at least a decade or more behind the USA in terms of ecological restoration being accepted as a necessary part of natural resource management planning and activities.

Joe Percival

Victoria, BC

Mental Health Worker

Riddin’ the Midden of an Unbidden: A Thymelaeaceous Threat, Cultural History and Ecorestoration in a Regional Park

In follow-up to an initial proposal for control and eradication of Daphne laureola (an exotic Eurasian shrub) at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park, Metchosin, B.C., a hands-on winter program of both uprooting and deflowering was undertaken in 1999. Project planning followed a 5-stage process of site analysis, development of objectives, design development, implementation/scheduling, and monitoring (as per Nuzzo and Howell, 1990). Based on the original site analysis and updated concerns, site-specific objectives were determined, aimed at control and eradication of Daphne on a locally well known midden site (Special Conservation Zone-Archaeological) and its immediate buffer zones, as well as complementary public education initiatives. A monitoring/control program, based on a volunteer restoration team approach, was set in motion and, as well, a cottage industry component (papermaking) demonstrating a positive use for uprooted plants was woven into the project. Through such a multi-level design, an effort of maximum practicality, efficiency and ecocultural integrity was initiated, hopefully leading to the eventual expulsion of Daphne laureola from this park, thereby protecting regionally significant ecological and cultural values.

joepercival@hotmail.com

I work in a mental health centre with folks who live with a variety of psychiatric challenges. As part of a program of supported volunteer involvement for my clients I established a Restoration Team ten years ago and we have worked ever since for two days a week in the Garry Oak Woodlands at Government House. The benefits to my clients have proven enormous and our earth-healing endeavors have brought us all deep satisfaction as we have witnessed a major transformation on the hillside where we toil. Thanks to the thorough grounding in ecological restoration theories and techniques that I received in the RNS program, I’ve been able to introduce my team to a whole new way to relate to the natural world around them through what I refer to as ecorestorative therapy. I am also a longtime naturalist/park warden for Capital Regional District Parks and the RNS program led me to my final project at Wittty’s Lagoon Park where I had volunteered for Parks for a long while. My restoration work there opened me to a much deeper relationship with this area of ancient Coast Salish territory. This project also led to my receipt of the 2000 Friends of the Earth award from the District of Metchosin as well as the 2001 EcoStar Award for Natural Area Restoration. For these community recognitions I am most grateful and I thank the RNS program for leading me into such unexpected directions in my life. For any prospective or new students I just wish to say that ecorestoration is a truly transformative journey, both for the individual and for the very planet we all call home. It is soul gratifying work. Pursue it in your life. Be creative and weave ecorestoration efforts into your lives in whatever ways possible. There are so many diverse ways to assist in the healing that must be done!

Geri Poisson

Barrie, ON

Terrestrial Ecologist

Garry oak and Mycorrhizae

Planted 200 Garry Oak seedlings in three Victoria locations that were innoculated with mycorrhizal fungi using local soil transfers. Seedlings with soil transfers all had increased mycorrhizal colonization, and increased growth compared to controls. However the difference was not statistically significant.

geripoisson@yahoo.ca

Jeff Ralph

Victoria

Graduate Student

Southeast Woods Ecological Restoration Project

The Southeast Woods Ecological Restoration Project (SWERP) is a remedy to restore a natural system in an urban public park. The Society for Ecological Restoration defines restoration as “the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed”.In the Southeast Woods - Beacon Hill Park, the native ecosystem has been altered, is degraded and is well on its way to being destroyed. SWERP is also an attempt to educate and raise awareness about restoration and the importance of maintaining biodiversity by encouraging members of the community to actively participate in restoration activities and “help the land heal”.

jralph@uvic.ca

Ecological restoration is potentially the most useful eco-revolutionary movement of our time. Good restoration practitioners "talk the talk and walk the walk". Anyone who has experienced restoration knows that restorations are labors of love. (We sure don't do it for the money) I believe the greatest goal of an ecorestorationist is to put him/herself out of work. It is my hope that by encouraging others to live in a way that prevents suffering to sentient beings will ultimately eliminate the need for restoration. Restoration is about responsibility and change. We as humans are responsible for this suffering, and it is us who must be responsible in helping alleviate this suffering. By practicing restoration we are changing the future of damaged, degraded and destroyed ecosystems. We are also creating the awareness that restoration is necessary and that good restoration leads to positive change by challenging our current connection with the natural world. Restoration offers this promise. Our future and the future of non-humans will depend on the connections and actions we make with world that surrounds us now. It is time to join the movement and walk the walk.

Krista Roessingh

Pondicherry, India

student

Klaskish Inlet Heritage Restoration Project, Quatsino First Nation Territory, Northwest Vancouver Island

The Klaskish Inlet, on the north side of the Brooks Peninsula, is one of the few viewscapes on the west coast of Vancouver Island where the original ancient forest remains intact. The East Creek and Klaskish rivers drain into the inlet forming large estuaries, but neither of their watersheds are protected, and clearcut logging is fragmenting the upper watersheds. This project grew from the discovery of Culturally Modified Trees and ancient footpaths in the coastal forests connecting to an old village site on the north Brooks Peninsula. Through archaeological field investigation, research and communications, my report laid out the groundwork for a proposal to restore the trails. The goals of the proposed project are 1) to provide cultural, recreational, educational, and meaningful economic opportunities, under the stewardship of the Quatsino First Nation, (2) to demonstrates use and occupancy of Quatsino territory by Quatsino people, (3) to provide a viable and exclusive economic and cultural alternative to more intrusive resource development projects, (4) to create a land (footpath only) access to the area.

wolfwillow@gmail.com

The RNS program is particularly wonderful because it attracts such a diverse group of participants with all kinds of practical experience and ideas. It also provides a good combination of the theory and practice of restoration, including ethical, social, legal, technical, and ecological aspects.

Caroline Rutledge

Comox, BC

Environmental Consultant

Firehall Creek: A Community Involvement Restoration Project to Improve Water and Habitat Quality for Cutthroat Trout

To restore a 300m. section of channelized creek (Firehall Creek, Langford, BC) and bank with volunteer assistance, donated trees, bioengineering techniques for the purpose of enhancing the creek for cutthroat trout and the upper bank for visitors to the site. A permanent study site has been set up, monitoring the level of success/failure with regard to a variety of plant combinations and use of mid-seral stage soil (to incorporate m. fungi) under a variety of conditions.

crutledge@telus.net

My work as a consultant involves working with developers in the Comox Valley to create more environmentally-friendly projects. The promotion of increasing biodiversity into an urban landscape rather than decreasing it is my primary area of concentration. I am also in the process of completing my degree in biology through distance directed studies. Continued education, whether through courses or self-education, is vital in our rapidly changing field of work.

Graham Watt-Gremm

Victoria

Digital Support Specialist

Trail realignment for stream restoration in Mystic Vale: preliminary design and analysis

This project assisted in restoring riparian areas of Mystic Vale, UVic Campus, by providing a preliminary design for the re-routing of the trail system away from the floodplain of Hobbs Creek. Design gave consideration to construction and surfacing, public communication and education, and how trail construction and maintenance could complement the ongoing restoration.

sunyata@uvic.ca

I'm currently writing a thesis at UVic on post-fire successional dynamics in a subalpine landscape of Waterton Lakes National Park, using dendroecology and interpretation of historical survey photographs. The RNS program gave me a practical grounding in ecological fieldwork and planning and design issues, and prepared my eyes for "reading" landscapes. Since my time in RNS, I've expanded my interests in ecological restoration, planning and design to include GIS and information/knowledge management.