Arborist Consulting & Permits
Ecological Restoration on the Saanich Peninsula and in the Cowichan Valley
Ecological restoration returns degraded land to healthy native habitat. Oakstead Tree & Property Care plans and supervises restoration on the Saanich Peninsula and in the Cowichan Valley and prepares Garry oak restoration plans. The hands-on work, such as removing invasive plants, planting and seeding native species, planting willow whips (cut willow stems that take root) along riparian (streamside) areas and stream bank habitat work, is referred to partners.
In plain words
Ecological restoration brings damaged land back to healthy native habitat. Oakstead plans the work and checks that it is done well. Partners remove invasive plants, plant native ones and plant willow stems that root and hold stream banks. We also prepare Garry oak restoration plans.
Oakstead prepares the restoration plan and supervises the project. The planting, invasive plant removal and stream bank work is referred to partners.
In 2019, restoration projects that Oakstead planned and led on the Saanich Peninsula and in the Cowichan Valley removed about 5 tons of invasive plants (broom, thistles, ivy, blackberry, and hawthorn). Oakstead-planned projects have also mulched a further 50 acres of Himalayan blackberry. Also in 2019, those projects planted a total of 1200 potted native plants and trees and seeded native plants over approximately 2 acres, and Oakstead prepared a Garry Oak Restoration Plan. Over the years, projects planned by Oakstead have planted miles of willow whips along riparian areas, and Jon has assisted in several projects involving the placement of logs and root wads along stream banks for erosion reduction and creation of habitat.
Ecological Restoration: frequently asked questions
What does an ecological restoration project involve?
It usually starts with removing invasive plants such as broom, thistle, ivy, blackberry and hawthorn, then planting and seeding native plants and trees. Along streams it can include planting willow whips and placing logs and root wads to reduce erosion and create habitat. Oakstead prepares the plan and supervises, and the planting, invasive plant removal and stream bank work is referred to partners.
Does Oakstead prepare Garry oak restoration plans?
Yes. Oakstead prepared a Garry Oak Restoration Plan in 2019, for a project that also included invasive plant removal and native planting on the Saanich Peninsula and in the Cowichan Valley. A plan sets out how to remove invaders and re-establish native species. Oakstead prepares the plan, and partners do the planting and invasive plant removal.
How much restoration work has Oakstead planned?
In 2019, restoration projects that Oakstead planned and led removed about 5 tons of invasive plants and planted 1200 potted native plants and trees, seeding native plants over roughly 2 acres on the Saanich Peninsula and in the Cowichan Valley. Oakstead-planned projects have also mulched a further 50 acres of Himalayan blackberry.
Can stream bank erosion be reduced with planting?
Often, yes. Planting willow whips along riparian areas helps hold banks together as roots grow, and placing logs and root wads along stream banks reduces erosion and creates habitat. Projects planned by Oakstead have planted miles of willow whips, and Jon has assisted with several such projects. Oakstead plans the work, and partners do the planting.
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