We started the year off with a maintenance field day at sites we had worked on in previous years. We pulled some weeds and spread locally gathered leaf litter and seeds. We worked on the 2019 and 2022 restoration sites. Both are doing really well, but some maintenace will help improve the regeneration process.


Following an online session on bio-engineering techniques, we undertook field work at two sites:

- next to a bridge on a designated 4x4 trail (Lost Knife Trail), and

- next to an OHV bridge near the Waiparous Creek Staging Area.


While our volunteer numbers were lower this year, those present made up for it with their enthusiasm and dedication! Many thanks to all our wonderful volunteers for their hard work!


Thank you also to the Alberta Conservation Association, Trout Unlimited Canada and Cows and Fish as well as Alberta Forestry and Parks for their support of this project.


Photo credits: M. Krainer and J. Berlie

Bio-engineering 2023

Oxeye daisies - an invasive weed
Oxeye daisies - an invasive weed
An overview of the 2019 site.
An overview of the 2019 site.
Pulling and collecting weeds.
Pulling and collecting weeds.
The weeds were likely brought in by people from other areas.
The weeds were likely brought in by people from other areas.
A successful day!
A successful day!
Collecting seeds from the local area.
Collecting seeds from the local area.
Spreading local seeds and woody debris at the 2022 site.
Spreading local seeds and woody debris at the 2022 site.

Copyright Ghost Watershed Alliance Society 2024.

Planting fresh willow stakes
Planting fresh willow
stakes
Excavator making the site rough and loose
Excavator making the site rough and loose
Planting in the rough and loose
Planting in the rough and loose
Installing brush layers with the help of an excavator
Installing brush layers with the help of an excavator
Rough and loose complete
Rough and loose complete
A happy bio-engineering specialist!
A happy bio-engineering specialist!
Tired, but happy volunteers
Tired, but happy volunteers

Maintenance field days - Spring 2023

Lost Knife Trail site - October 2023

Fresh OHV tracks in the streambed of Waiparous Creek.
Fresh OHV tracks in the streambed of Waiparous Creek.
Rough and loose site preparation of stream-bank.
Rough and loose site preparation of stream-bank.
Planting willow and poplar stakes
Planting willow and poplar stakes
Volunteers planted hundreds of stakes
Volunteers planted hundreds of stakes
Work on other side of bridge
Work on other side of bridge
The rough and loose will capture run-off from the trail
The rough and loose will capture run-off from the trail
Staking with willows and poplars will stabilize the site over time.
Staking with willows and poplars will stabilize the site over time.
Large woody debris adds diversity and habitat...
Large woody debris adds diversity and habitat...
as well as shelter for planted stakes.
as well as shelter for planted stakes.
First bird taking advantage of the large woody debris!
First bird taking advantage of the large woody debris!
Staking will start the process of natural restoration
Staking will start the process of natural restoration
Planting the last few stakes at the end of the work day
Planting the last few stakes at the end of the work day
Happy volunteers!
Happy volunteers!

Waiparous Staging Area bridge site - October 2023