Wetlands benefit the environment in many ways and perform numerous vital roles. Across southern Ontario these important areas have been significantly reduced and continue to be threatened by urban sprawl. More than 90 percent of Toronto's original wetlands have been drained and developed, initially for agriculture, then for industrial and residential uses. The effects of these losses have been significant. Small-scale restorations like the Beechwood Wetland project can help to demonstrate the enormous value of wetlands.
Around the Beechwood Wetland area, years of disturbance from the Don Valley Parkway, oil and gas pipelines, hydro corridors and industrial activities have allowed non-native invasive species to choke out most of the native plant populations. Examples of these invading species include Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), dog-strangling vine (Cynanchum rossicum), Manitoba maple (Acer negundo), and tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima).
Still, the site has its positive aspects. Several mature native trees including a 150 year old Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) and a grove of staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) provide shade for the site. Further, there is a steady flow of water from groundwater seepage and surficial runoff from the nearby streets. The site was identified as an ideal location for restoration due to the potential for significant improvement to both terrestrial and aquatic habitat quality.
Planning for the project began well in advance of implementation. Gregor Beck, Director of Conservation and Science for the Federation of Ontario Naturalists and member of the Task Force to Bring Back the Don, was the lead coordinator. Together with Keri McMahon of the City of Toronto, Parks and Recreation, Natural Environment and Horticulture Section, they brought together partners that included the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), EcoAction Community Grants Program, Unilever Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources. The McCutcheon Family Charitable Trust was an instrumental sponsor, without which the project would not have been possible.
Site preparation was extensive. During the winter of 2002, excavation equipment was used by the TRCA to remove about 50cm of topsoil from the site and also expand the swale to create embayments and more varied topography.
In the spring and fall of 2003, several volunteer planting events were held which involved planting of 6500 native trees, shrubs and herbaceous wetland plants.
Since the excavators could not remove top soil around the large native trees that were left on site, those areas where invasive plants remained (mostly Japanese knotweed) were treated with glyphosate. The cut stumps of non-native trees were also treated to prevent re-growth.
An essential part of the success of this site was the creation of a volunteer stewardship team to help control the remaining invasive plants and manage the newly planted material. About 10 volunteers maintained the site twice a week during the summer.
The site has had some immediate success at attracting wildlife. During the spring, killdeer nested amongst the newly planted trees. Deer tracks were noted on several occasions and many birds have been observed nearby. Indeed during the official opening in October 2003, a great blue heron swooped over the crowd and landed amongst the nearby cattails.
More pictures of plants and wildlife
Installed just before the opening was a cedar rail fence that distinctively marks the site. Users of the Lower Don trail that borders the new wetland can stop to read interpretive signs that talk about the history of the valley and the importance of woodlands and wetlands. Indeed, soon after the official opening, passersby were taking note of the signs and admiring the newly restored wetland.
Overall, the creation of the Beechwood Wetland has been an unqualified success. Planning, preparation, partnerships, funding and community involvement have all contributed to ensuring that this site will flourish for many years to come.
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