16 Apr Expansion of Bioswale at Duck Bay Wetland Restoration Project
Year two of Duck Bay…
On Saturday, April 13th, 2019 our FOKL team began our second year of planting at our Duck Bay Wetland Restoration Project at Lakeside Park in Nelson, BC. With the guidance of Gregoire Lamoureux of Slocan River Streamkeepers, we planted locally grown native species in our new extension of an existing bioswale. Bioswales are vegetated areas that are planted near impervious surfaces such as parking lots and roads. They are designed to act as a drainage course with gently sloping sides that divert and store stormwater. Soil medium and plants (flood and drought tolerant species) work to hold and filter the heavy metals and other nutrients found in the run-off, and this cleaner water is eventually dispersed back into the environment. To learn more about bioswales follow the link
We would like to send a big thank you to Gregoire for all his work in this project. Gregoire offered his knowledge of wetland restoration design and helped us create a functional and beautiful bioswale.
We would also like to thank the City of Nelson Parks Department who donated their time and equipment to help us excavate and infill this wetland site, saving this project both money and time. Thank you so much for your support for this project and Friends of Kootenay Lake!
Shoreline Restoration Initiative…
The Duck Bay Wetland Restoration Project was chosen by Friends of Kootenay Lake because this is a popular inlet in our community. It is bordered between Save-On-Foods and the soccer fields at Lakeside Park and is a great place to sit and enjoy the lake while watching the many birds that flock to this area. Although, because of it’s proximity to a busy shopping center and the soccer fields, Duck Bay is impacted by contaminants such as litter, run-off, and chemicals such as fertilizer. There is also a large culvert that diverts stormwater into the lake at Duck Bay.
These impacts are why we have chosen Duck Bay as our latest Shoreline Restoration initiative. This project will be working to improve the ecosystem function of riparian areas around Kootenay Lake, which is achieved by planting locally grown native species. As these plants mature and grow their roots stabilize and anchor the bank while also filtering out harmful chemicals that could end up in the lake. They also offer habitat to wetland species such as birds, reptiles, and amphibians who nest and feed in these sites. Last year we began this project with the help of Selkirk College students and local restoration experts, to learn more about last years work visit this link.
Anyone who has visited a wetland knows how much biodiversity they support, and the beauty they bring to public spaces. This is why we are so excited about the continued growth of this wetland project because it not only will improve the health of our lake but will also add to the natural beauty of Lakeside Park.
If you have any questions about this or other projects we have on the go, email us at info@friendsofkootenaylake.ca