Ecological Restoration

Restore function into the landscape.

 

We specialize in Pacific Northwest native plants and intimately understand their role in ecological restoration. We are experts in developing restoration plans and planting designs, coordinating planting installation and providing maintenance services.

 

We have extensive experience planning and implementing restoration projects in riparian areas, wetlands, forests and Garry Oak meadows. We partner with local governments, private property owners and local non-profit organizations develop successful outcomes.

Recent projects include:
  • French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve – Ecosystem Enhancement Opportunities Report (Regional District of Nanaimo, Save Estuary Land Society, BC Parks, 2023/2024)
  • Walley Creek Restoration Plan (Nanaimo and Area Land Trust, Frank Ney Elementary School, 2023)
  • Long Lake Riparian Restoration Plan (City of Nanaimo, Private Property Owners, 2022)
  • Chase River Riparian Restoration & Slope Stabilization (City of Nanaimo, Nanaimo and Area Land Trust, Pacific Gardens Co-housing, 2019/2020)
  • Property Management Plan for Ecological Values of Martha’s Place, Qualicum Beach – co-author Kelsey Kramer (Nanaimo and Area Land Trust, 2020)
  • Lower Knarston Creek Riparian Restoration (Pacific Salmon Foundation, Regional District of Nanaimo, Nanaimo and Area Land Trust, 2019)
  • Holden Creek Riparian Restoration (Pacific Salmon Foundation, Regional District of Nanaimo, Nanaimo and Area Land Trust, 2019)
  • Knarston Creek Riparian Restoration (Regional District of Nanaimo, Nanaimo and Area Land Trust, 2018)
  • Chase River Riparian Restoration (Regional District of Nanaimo, Nanaimo and Area Land Trust, 2018)
  • Plum Creek Wetland Restoration (Regional District of Nanaimo, Cedar Wetland Stewards, Nanaimo and Area Land Trust, 2016-2018)

Waterways

Forests

Wetlands

Meadows

Our Process

Site Survey and Evaluation

A site survey gives us a detailed overview of the ecological assets and challenges at your site. From here we can develop a restoration plan that provides you with long-term ecological health. The site survey and evaluation stage may include the following:

  • A survey of baseline conditions

  • A vegetation inventory

  • Environmental monitoring (water, vegetation, and/or soil sampling)

  • Background research on the history of the site, ecosystem and land use

Wetland inventory survey diagram

Planning and Installation

Once we complete the site survey and evaluation, we will work with you to prioritize your goals into a restoration plan. This stage may include:

  • Planning and design (including costing)

  • Site preparation (clearing and grading, which may include soil de-compaction, scarification, pit and mound creation, and soil amending)

  • Invasive species management

  • Seeding, planting and desired landscaping services

  • Development of monitoring strategy

Restoration along Knarston Creek in Lantzville with sedges and dogwood staking.

Environmental Monitoring

Once the initial restoration is complete, monitoring provides feedback and allows us to track changes. We use parameters such as water quality, indicator species and biodiversity to measure the impact of restoration treatments.

Unsure how your existing restoration project is performing?
We can provide you with recommendations on how to improve the outcome
of your project.

Plot laid out to conduct a vegetation inventory on ecosystem restoration site.

Public Education & Stakeholder Engagement

Many restoration projects require cooperation with neighbours, community organizations and other interest groups to achieve successful outcomes. We will work with you to develop a communications strategy that fits your project. Examples of education and engagement services that we provide include:

  • Developing education materials for use on social media

  • Creating content related to the project for use on your website

  • Assisting with organizing public outreach events including open house meetings and site tours

Group of volunteers helping to restore the bank along the Chase River