With the help of volunteers of all ages, along with Gibsons, Sechelt and Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) parks staff, the Sunshine Coast Wildlife Project has completed a marathon week of work parties to improve shoreline habitats at three community sites.
At Mission Point Park, the team worked to remove invasive plants and plant native shoreline vegetation during two events jointly organized by the District of Sechelt. Students from West Sechelt Elementary and Davis Bay Elementary NEST program were enthusiastic helpers.
At Coopers Green Park, together with volunteers from the Halfmoon Bay Citizens’ and Community Associations, the team removed gravel from an old trailer pad, added soil, and planted native trees and shrubs.
On the Town of Gibsons foreshore, the team spent four days installing live willow stakes to stabilize the steep slope using an environmentally-friendly technique. Mike Wood of Houston Landscapes generously donated his excavation services to prepare the site. Once the willows become established, additional native plants will be added.
These locations are three of eight shoreline naturalization sites the Wildlife Project is working on this year, with much appreciated funding support from Pacific Salmon Foundation, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fund, and Environment Canada, and assistance from Salish Soils and Sunshine Coast Nursery.
Please visit www.facebook.com/coastwildlife to view photos of shoreline habitat enhancement efforts.
