RUTHVEN PARK DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
by Melissa Larion, Contract Staff,
Watershed Stewardship Program (WSP)

It has been an eventful season for staff of the WSP, as we have embarked on an extensive ecological restoration project at Ruthven Park. Although challenging and, at times, even backbreaking, our labours have proven effective. More than 4,000 seedlings were planted this spring, and further seed planting activities this fall. Recent field investigations have revealed that in spite of the drought-like conditions we have experienced this past summer, the seedlings are doing well and have adapted quite admirably to the ever-menacing Haldimand Clay Plain soil.

Volunteer Support at Ruthven Park Ecological Demonstration Project

In addition to tree planting, the WSP begun a seed collection and propagation program. Last fall, seeds and acorns from local and indigenous seed sources were collected by staff and volunteers. Upon collection, the seeds and acorns were separated from their outer shells, placed in water to determine their viability and then set in a moisture-retaining medium of peat moss. They were stored over winter and then planted this spring at our various restoration sites throughout the Ruthven Park. We have learned over the past year that seed collection can be a cost-effective way to restore large tracts of land in a minimal amount of time. It is also an excellent way for children to get involved in ecological restoration. Equipped with a stick, a metal tent peg or rod, just about anyone can plant seeds!

In the late summer months, our focus was set on monitoring our restoration sites. Perhaps the most important component of any ecological restoration project, monitoring tells us what we are doing right and in some cases, what areas of the project we could improve upon. In the case of the Ruthven Park Demonstration Project, data collected from monitoring has led to an adaptive management approach, wherein we have recognized and addressed problems associated with non-native, invasive species competition and predation of seedlings by rodents and deer.

The true successes of ecological restoration are not seen immediately. It takes many years for a disturbed ecosystem to recover and become a fully functional, self-sustaining entity. It is important to remember, however, that the most enjoyable part of ecological restoration can be the process itself. As the WSP staff and volunteers work in the field monitoring and maintaining the restoration sites, we consider this perspective.

We hope that the Ruthven Park Demonstration Project will provide members of our community and surrounding areas a chance to see this and share with the Lower Grand River Land Trust Inc., in our successes and failures.

We would like to thank our volunteers for their efforts and enthusiasm over the past year, particularly those who braved the less-than-inviting weather in May. As always, we invite anyone who is interested in our Project, to contact us at the Brantford Office. A number of volunteer days are planned for the spring. For updates and information on these events, please continue to visit our website.