Funding and volunteers included the Grand River Conservation Authority, City of Cambridge, the Rotary Club, and Borealis Restaurant. The planting took place at an environmentally significant creek site that has undergone major restoration over the last 15-20 years. The area was originally a dammed mill pond circa 1800's but over a decade ago the dam was decommissioned, and all that remained was a meandering creek bed.
Taken from the GRCA website:
"When Fisher Mills dam began to weaken, extensive consultation with the community enabled the GRCA and partner agencies to develop an innovative plan to remove the dam and rehabilitate the site. The plan dramatically improves the water quality of Chilligo Creek, encourages the natural development of wildlife habitat and provides recreational opportunities for the community. Whether through fishing, photography, bird-watching or other pursuits, it is an outstanding place to experience the beauty of nature. Most important, it is a better place for fish, birds, animals and insects to live."
This year the GRCA is trying to further restore the site with native species for habitat, and to stabilize the creek bank. It was a beautiful day for a tree planting!
after the heavy work of bringing in the supplies and the 240 trees and shrubs from the road 500m to the planting site... the volunteers assemble to take direction from the GRCA Forestry staff...
the volunteers busy like beavers... digging and a planting...
further along the creek, a special site was chosen for the seasoned veterans...
once under water, this particular site has been repeatedly "marked" by a nearby resident as he mows this 1-2 acre section right up to the creek... in a show of defiance, the GRCA has planed to fill in this area at a later date without volunteers to alleviate any concerns with possible confrontations with the nearby resident...
sandbar willows (Salix exigua) were chosen to plant along the creek to help stabilize the banks... silver maples (Acer saccharinum) and burr oaks (Quercus macrocarpa) were planted along the creek as well to deter the nearby resident from mowing the new shrubs...
this area of the creek was slated for erosion control today but due to spawning fish populations this has been postponed until the fall... bridges, hockey nets, benches and fire pits litter the area as nearby residents try to "mark" their territory...
the last red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) is planted, and there was much rejoicing, yaaayyy!
creek bank erosion stabilization, phase one...
the main planting site... a new forest in 30 years!
the last of the hardcore planters ramble on home... possible site for future planting... several sections here were also mowed and "marked" by nearby residents...
all in a days work... Go team!
Species planted:
downy serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)
red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa)
silver maple (Acer saccharinum)
burr oak (Quercus macrocarpa)
sandbar willow (Salix exigua)
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