In November 2022 we planted over 250 plants from Streamside Native Plants over several days with the help of over 20 volunteers recruited through NALT, as well as a group of students from Ecole Hammond Bay.  In February 2023 a small group got the last few plants in the ground!

• Douglas Fir
• Grand Fir
• Big Leaf Maple
• Black Hawthorn
• Western Yew
• Red Osier Dogwood
• Salmonberry
• Oregon Grape
• Sword Fern
• Stink Currant
• Red Elderberry

This work was funded by a grant from the Pacific Salmon Foundation, and is carried out in partnership with the City of Nanaimo Partners in Parks, professional biologists, and the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

After a 2 year hiatus due to Covid restrictions, we again organized a work party in the park adjacent to École Hammond Bay.  This event started in 2017 and makes a tremendous positive impact on the biodiversity and ecological integrity of the park.  It gives graduating elementary school students an opportunity to give back to an area they enjoyed playing and learning in.

On June 21, 2022 a hard working group of grade 7 students and their families removed invasive plants in Morningside Park.  This year we were also joined by the school principal and other community volunteers.  We reflected on our commitment to understanding how human activities have impacted the stream ecosystem in the same way that settler activities have impacted indigenous communities.  Spending time tending and appreciating this place is an act of reconciliation as much as environmental healing.

We targeted blackberry bushes that are crowding out native plants in the riparian area, and Bur chervil that's growing along the gravel path to the tennis courts.  We also continue to carefully pull ivy and bag it for safe disposal.  We watch the maples grow taller and provide shade for native plants like Salal, Orgeon grape and ferns.  We continue to reflect on how we can educate the children who enjoy this space about how to prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing the animals that live in and around the creek.

Members of the Dover Bay High School Eco-club

Can you see how steep those banks are?  Plants have a hard time getting established here, and as a result rains cause erosion and sediment buildup in the creek.  Our 2019 attempt at steep slope stabilization used rebar and landscape ties to create "shelves" for planting.  This year we tried a new method based on suggestions from landscape designer Lindsay Haist of Alder Enviro - Restorative Landscaping.  We used rubber mallets to pound 1" x 1" wooden stakes into the ground, and placed logs above the stakes to create a shelf where ferns and Oregon grape could be planted. 

One of the greatest benefits of these projects is the inter-generational reciprocity.  Elders bring wisdom and guidance, youth bring energy and enthusiasm.  This project is a wonderful example of collaboration between our stewardship group, City staff, and community members.  

The Walley Creek Streamkeepers, in partnership with the City of Nanaimo, Snuneymuxw First Nation, and Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), are undertaking a restoration project this summer to make the creek healthier for the fish and other animals that live there.  Walley Creek has resident cutthroat trout, and has the possibility to support Coho salmon.  

In-stream work can only happen during the window of August 15 to September 15.  This is to prevent damage to sensitive fish habitat.  In-stream work requires a permit from the Provincial Government, and is done with the greatest amount of care possible, with the goal to leave the fish habitat better.  Outside of this time, nothing should ever enter or block the water – not humans, animals, or tree parts.  If branches and other “small woody debris” incidentally enter the water (through storms or getting flushed downstream) volunteers must remove blockages, with permission from DFO, the City and the Province. This work is supervised by Dave Clough, R.P.Bio.
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2021 planned in-stream work (summer):

• Improve fish access to the culvert under Morningside Drive.
• Remove branches and small woody debris.
• Place more boulders in the creek that will slow the flow of water during large rain (flushing) events.
• Remove sediment (road sand) from the creek with a vacuum truck. (DIDN'T DO)
• Add gravel to improve salmon spawning habitat. (DIDN'T DO)

A team of hard working volunteers worked to improve fish access to the culvert under Morningside Drive.  This work had been done in (year?) but time and heavy rains had washed it out.   Volunteers under the direction of Dave Clough carried boulders down to the stream and placed them in a gradual slop up to the culvert.  The project stood up to torrential rains that came in early October.

January 2020

June 2021

Again this year we deferred our annual invasive removal with Ecole Hammond Bay students, since the public health regulations aren't changing to allow large outdoor gatherings until after June 15. For now, we're working with our small group of volunteers to remove invasive plants in the riparian area between the gravel path and Walley Creek adjacent to Ecole Hammond Bay.

Last year we almost eradicated the thistle that had completely overtaken the area. That allowed other invasive plants to thrive, so this year we are tackling Himalayan blackberry, Daphne (Spurge-laurel), English Ivy, and Bur Chervil. (To identify invasive plants in your area check out the Invasive Species Council of BC website.). These plants are competing with native baby Fir, Cedar, Arbutus and Maple trees, and Salal, Oregon grape and Ocean Spray shrubs for space, light and nutrients.

Our hope is that this concerted effort will eventually allow the native plants to become established, creating a more biodiverse and healthy riparian ecosystem.

poster courtesy of Damaris Brisco, learn more

May 2021, nursery for long-toed salamanders

For the past year, we have worked with the City of Nanaimo to restore the riparian area in reach 2 (read more here).   Between the crushed gravel path and the creek there is a shallow pool with some water flowing through it.  With help from Elke Wind, herpetologist and wetland specialist, we investigated this area for potential wetland enhancement.  The City of Nanaimo generously supplied an excavator and operator (Ryan) to dig test pits so we could examine the underground soil structure and better understand how water moves through this area. 

​Ryan excavated 5 test pits so we could see if the water flowing through the wetland area is surface water or groundwater.  We determined that it is surface water, possibly flowing from the north (ie. Shores Drive access to Neck Point).   

The pits filled up with water, so after filling the holes back up they were very soft (like quicksand).  Ryan placed boulders and logs over top, and we flagged where the pits were.  We did not expect the sandy substrate underneath the shale rock on the surface!

As far as wetland enhancement - Elke suggested we could put in a pond liner with wetland plants around the periphery, or watch the existing surface water and plan to enhance what's there.  Elke's advice either way is to watch the water level and flow before making further plans.

The wetland area after our investigations.

Our annual invasive removal in Morningside Park looked a little different this year.  With schools closed and everyone practicing physical distancing, we relied on a small group of friends and family to tackle invasives in Morningside Park.  Thistle, Daphne, and Ivy out-compete native plants like Oregon grape, ocean spray, and tiny fir and Cedar for sunlight and nutrients.  By removing as many invasives as possible, we hope to encourage the diverse native plants to thrive. 

Illegal dumping of yard waste continues to be a problem in Morningside Park.  Year after year we discover leaves, grass clipping, and even Christmas trees dumped over people's fences into the sensitive riparian area.  Years ago someone broke up an old patio and threw the concrete chunks and fence post footings "away".  "Out of sight, out of mind" behaviour degrades the slope stability, causes erosion, smothers native plants that are stabilizing the bank and providing shade, and can crush/impede wildlife. Through talking to residents who back onto the creek, we know that most neighbors understand the importance of properly disposing of yard waste.  However, a part of restoration still includes removing materials that have been illegally dumped.  We're hoping our continued work and outreach eradicates this problem!