Riparian Restoration Reflection
Hey Folks,
Thank you to those who attended our riparian restoration learning journey the past 2 weekends. It really put into perspective how much hard work is needed to keep, maintain and restore native habitats to a healthy level. Like usual I have several reflection prompts nd questions to get you thinking about what you experienced. As always the prompts are optional and if you want to write freely, you may do so. Again, the only two requirements are to write in full sentences and write a minimum of one paragraph. Happy reflecting!
- Why are riparian habitats so important to our aquatic ecosystems? What are their roles in facilitating healthy stream/creek habitats?
- Do you feel more comfortable identifying plants and trees now? Which invasive or native plant stuck out to you and why?
- Is wild life management a career that intrigues you after doing this learning journey? Do you see yourself doing this type of work?
- What were your thoughts and feelings about this overall experience? How did you feel after the experience? During? Are they positive or negative or mix of both (You can be honest)?
- Free prompt, write about whatever you feel like, any connections you made while on this learning journey.
6 Replies
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The reason why riparian habitats are so important to our aquatic ecosystems is that it maintains the balance of the biodiversity between streams and creek, showing the health of related natural habitats nearby. Riparian zones also affect salmon and their life cycle, providing natural habitats and foods for the returning salmons. I believe I could point out a few plants but I think Blackberries stood out the most in my eyes since they have thorns all over them and it's really troublesome when they clung onto your clothes or skin. Even though I don't see myself working in this wildlife industry, this type of work does look interesting since it requires patience and physical strength in taking care of these wildlife envrionments. I think this overall experience is really refreshing and satisfying because I enjoyed the process of removing those invasive plants in the park and it was fun working with other members. I've also learned the process of teamwork, and how important it was for all the members to work together.
Taking part in the riparian restoration was a super cool experience. I got to learn about the habitat around Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park, and contribute to making these spaces healthier for the native plants. I learned how the native berry plants bloom during different times/seasons which provides food for the animals for an extended period of time. Observing the leaves and features to identify the plants was another thing I learned today. When we started the restoration process, it was quite challenging to trim down the invasive blackberry branches-- there were so many thorns and sticks everywhere. Shovelling and digging out the roots was also very tough, and I was surprised to see that so many runners extended from each root bulb. The process was very long and tiring, however, in the end, I was proud to see what the group had accomplished. We managed to clear out the entire bush with only the short stems in the ground remaining. I'm glad the weather was dry (for the most part) because the experience would have been miserable if we were all getting muddy and wet. Overall, I had a great time and can't wait to see what the area will look like once the new trees are planted!
I found this experience really fascinating because it was something different and an uncommon activity for me to participate in. I think I felt both positive and negative feelings about this during the experience. In the beginning, I was discouraged that we could cut down and get rid of all of these blackberries because the stems were so tall and difficult to work with because of the thorns. However, when we took in a break in the middle we got to see our progress and where we worked looked amazing and almost clean! Towards the end, I got to dig out the roots of the blackberries which was a very good feeling of achievement when I got the bulb of the invasive species. By the end, the place looked totally different from when we came here and it was so cool how as a team we were evidently able to make an impact on the environment by getting rid of invasive species to make room for planting trees. I am not totally comfortable with identifying plants and trees now, but I do have some more knowledge on identifying blackberries by their leaves and stems.
Ecological restoration has been an interest of mine ever since I chose it to be the focus of my 9th grade science fair project. Everyone always discusses how to prevent disaster, but learning that we could actually reverse it--restoring our landscapes by removing invasive species and planting native ones--was groundbreaking for me. Pursuing careers in restoration and preservation, people are actively making a difference each and every day. Naturally, my interest in the topic prompted me to consider if I might follow a similar career path and throughout the past year I volunteered with the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver. The Riparian Restoration workshop facilitated by the YouthToSea program in partnership with the Stanley Park Ecological Center fell right in line with my interests. It was really interesting learning specifically about riparian restoration and its importance. I learned that riparian habitats improve water quality, mitigate flood events, and cycle nutrients--they’re critical to the survival of many species. We were also fortunate enough to see two salmon swimming upstream! I had an amazing time learning about restoration projects, observing salmon and other wildlife, and meeting new people. Can’t wait for the next workshop, YouthToSea!
This experience was not only incredibly educational but so much fun! YouthToSea seems to know how to combine those two factors every time.
Slicing through blackberries was rough, slow, painful, tiring, and I would 100% do it again. I've been trying to volunteer with the Stanely Park Ecological Center for years without any luck, but today I finally experienced it! I have also been a regular identifier and researcher of invasive species (a hobby I picked up from my dad). Stanely Park is a nostalgic space for me, so to give back to this land was therapeutic while remaining interesting and satisfying.
I'm so grateful that I can show my appreciation for the park while learning and being around like-minded people. I will definitely be returning to re-plant trees!
I can honestly say, going into the riparian zone restoration, I had no idea what to expect. I had never heard of a riparian zone beforehand and knew little of the work a community member, such as myself, could do to help out. Now, after completing the experience, I am excited to say that this trip was not only enjoyable, but incredibly eyeopening. I feel so blessed to have been exposed to all this new knowledge first hand.
Although I could talk for days about the entire event, If I had to pick my two favourite moments they would be learning about the riparian zone and all the species that reside their, as well as exploring the wildlife museum located nearby. Ever since I was a young girl, picking blackberries has always been one of my favourite parts of summer. I always thought it was so fantastic that their where tons of blackberry plants all over Vancouver. The more blackberries the better! However, after this trip, I realised that blackberries are actually an invasive species that are taking life away from our native plants, such as salmon berries. Imagine how great it would be if their were just as much native berries as blackberries. Not only would we get to eat a variety of fruit on our day to day walks, but their would also be more food and habitat options for native wild life!
On another note, I just wanted to mention how much fun I had exploring the little wildlife museum located along the lagoon. Inside, I was able to learn about all the animals found in the area, including an owl that was the size of a baby bird. I had no idea an owl that small even existed! Thanks YouthToSea for this incredible experience. Cant wait for what's next!
Being able to be involved in this restoration work was really fun to do with youth to sea! We learned how important the streams that were near the area are because of the salmon making their way up to lay their eggs. They are a keystone species and so they're really important, dead or alive. Something that I have been learning multiple times through YtS event and personal events was how the salmons body provides nutrients to the environment surrounding it which has been pretty interesting to notice. As I was removing invasive species, I had the chance to see really cool looking spiders that I have never seen before. The people there were really amazing and had great stories to tell about their own restoration experience and facts on the environments around us. I had no idea how important these locations were before this event. This is something I'm interested in doing again with friends at Youth to Sea! Thank you so much for this opportunity!
Going out with YouthToSea and the Stanley Park Ecology Society to remove invasive blackberries left me with sore arms and scratches, but I also left with such a bright smile and a wonderful experience I'll never forget.
It was really interesting learning about the native species of berries, like salmonberry, salal, and Oregon grape, present in the park and how they support the environment and people better because of their blooming seasons, yet are being overtaken by invasive blackberry. Being able to poke around the Nature House while prepping equipment was also very fun! All the people I met from the Ecology Society were so passionate and knowledgable about the nature of Stanley Park.
I'm definitely intrigued in volunteering more in wildlife management roles after this experience. It was so fulfilling and amazing to see the work our group accomplished over a couple hours, especially since it was very tiring and difficult sometimes. Seeing the before and after photos of the area we cleared was such an incredible feeling!
Overall, I loved having the opportunity to restore a riparian zone in Stanley Park, and am so grateful to Michelle, Britt, Ethan, the wonderful people at the Stanley Park Ecology Society and everyone else who worked to make this day possible.
The riparian habitats are vital, and their health is essential for the health of aquatic ecosystems. The riparian zones are not only a significant food source to these aquatic ecosystems, but they also do things like regulating the temperature around them. I learned so much about invasive species that now, I get mad every time I see English Ivy. I had a lot of fun pulling the invasive plants out. It was a very hands-on job that made me feel great while doing it and afterwards. The most rewarding part was looking at the giant English Ivy pile after we were done because it showed us that our hard work paid off. I also loved learning about estuaries and their importance for salmon. It was interesting to see how nature quickly reclaims things even when we mess things up. It was fantastic to learn about the wetland and how it healed itself even after all the pollution from the factories drained into it. We also learned a lot about plants and how they relate to invasive species. I feel a little more comfortable identifying plants and trees, but I still need to learn a lot. I had a lot of fun during this event, so I’m definitely considering wildlife management as a career.
Ethan
Sep 11, 2021 at 11:53 PM