Restoring the past

Project in Garry oak meadow strives to bring back native plant species

by Lynda Hills

Bein with restoration of natural systems student Pauline Hubregtse.

Students from the restoration of natural systems program are getting down to earth in the Garry oak meadow.

In a fenced area at the corner of Henderson and Cedar Hill Cross roads, students and staff are working on a project called Quercus, aimed at reclaiming meadows connected to Garry oak ecosystems. Because many of these types of meadows have been taken over by invasive species, the project is seeking the most effective way to restore native plants. Quercus comes from the Latin name for oak.

Currently, the project is in the stage of soil preparation. Students are experimenting with nine different types of treatments such as mulching, rototilling and solarization. Using a grid pattern, where each grid section indicates a different treatment, squares are tagged and catalogued according to preparation. Afterward, each grid is monitored and re-assessed. Planting is scheduled for this winter.

"The experiment aims to see which kind of treatment works best for re-establishing native plant species," says Sara Webb, UVic's sustainability co-ordinator.
Quercus is part of the wider five-year Garry oak restoration project undertaken by UVic facilities management and the restoration of natural systems program in the school of environmental studies.

Lisa Heinbuch, a former restoration student, formulated the original field trials as part of her studies. Then, through a process called a design charette—a symposium of professionals, students, faculty and people from the community—an experimental plan was formalized and the project begun. At present, biology student Magnus Bein oversees the endeavour. Bein, who also has a diploma in the restoration of natural systems, hopes to foster greater awareness of the need to conserve biodiversity.

"Restoration projects are a testament to the irreplaceability and value of ecosystems," he says. "They're impossible to replace and we shouldn't fool ourselves into believing we can reconstruct ecosystems of the same quality of those that are lost."

A public event, designed to involve the community, is being organized for late fall. "We're hoping to attract people of all backgrounds to learn about restoration," says Webb.

It's hoped the Quercus project results will help inform other Garry oak projects in the community. "Quercus is a great example of a partnership between an academic unit and an operational side of campus," says Webb. "It also contributes to the overall ecosystem health of campus."