In September 2021, we held another bio-engineering workshop led by bio-engineering specialist Dave Polster. Despite challenges with the COVID-19 situation, we were able to successfully run the workshop.

In collaboration with Trout Unlimited several restoration sites were prepared so that attendees of the two-day workshop were able to put the restoation techniques they learned about during th eclassroom session to work in the field, restoring critical fish habitat along a tributary to Waiparous Creek in the Ghost Watershed.

The Waiparous Creek sub-basin of the Ghost Watershed is home to some of the few remaining pure Westslope Cutthroat Trout populations in Alberta. These fish thrive in cold and clean water and they are sensitive to sediment being washed into streams. 

A big Thank You to all the volunteers who came out on a beautiful Saturday to plant the willows! We got so many willows planted that day and are looking forward to seeing them grow next year.

Many thanks also to the Alberta Conservation Assocaition, Trout Unlimited Canada and Cows and Fish for their support of this workshop and the continued monitoring of the site.  

Photo credits: K. Hull, B. Miller, M. Krainer

Bio-engineering workshop 2021

Copyright Ghost Watershed Alliance Society 2024.

Site visit September 2023: We found that despite drought conditons and the site being rather dry to start with many of the willows grew! We also found other native plants moving into the site. Please see the photos below.