Waiparous Creek - willow harvest/planting (April 14-15)

Join Freshwater Conservation Canada to harvest willow and poplar stakes, and rehabilitate degraded creeks!

WHY?

The Waiparous Creek watershed is critical habitat for Bull Trout and Westslope Cutthroat Trout - and both of these populations are listed as "threatened" under the federal Species at Risk Act. As part of Freshwater Conservation Canada's ongoing efforts to recover these fishes, we are working towards habitat improvements in the Waiparous Creek watershed. These efforts are aimed at decreasing sedimentation (muddy run-off from trails and bare ground), improving riparian (shoreline) health, and improving connectivity between habitats. Volunteers will contribute to the project by helping with direct on-the-ground improvements.

WHEN?

The volunteer event will take place on April 14th and 15th, from 9:30am to 3:30pm. Volunteers are welcome to leave earlier if needed.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING

Volunteers will harvest willow and poplar stakes from the area, which will later be planted on nearby streambanks. We will also be reparing and enhancing previously built beaver dam analogs (BDAs)in the creek. These bioengineering efforts will help stabilize streambanks and vegetate restoration areas, and improve habitat for native species.

Take a photo beside your willow stakes, and come back next year to see how they've grown!

WHERE?

Volunteers will meet at the South Ghost Provincial Recreation Area (27230 Forestry Trunk Rd, Waiparous Village, AB T0L 2H0). Volunteers and staff will then convoy together to the site.

Please note that there is no service (cell phones) in this area. Please have the locations saved to your device before departing. Staff will have inReach devices on site in case of emergencies.

Unserviced outhouses will be available at the start of the day at the staging area, but not in the afternoon. Volunteers are welcome to drive to the nearest outhouse (~5 mins) anytime if needed.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

All tools and equipment will be provided by Freshwater Conservation Canada. Please dress appropriately for field work and the weather. Gloves will be provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own. In addition, please bring:

• Appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear that will likely get wet and dirty (to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, boots or waders should be CLEAN before arriving on site)

• Clothing and extra layers and socks in case of cold or wet conditions (recommended)

• Water

• Lunch and snacks

DO I HAVE TO BRING MY PRINTED TICKET TO THE EVENT?

No.

WHO CAN I ASK IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?

Please call Deanna del Valle, Conservation Project Coordinator at 368-338-2542 with any questions or concerns. Note there is no cell reception at the meeting place or worksite.

Note: All workdays are subject to cancellations. Please be sure to check your email for any updates!