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Biological Integrity Case Study: ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

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Biological Integrity Case Study: ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS Biological Integrity Case Study: ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS Patrick Colgan presented by John Hall 1 Restoring the Biological Integrity of Cootes Paradise and Grindstone Creek Marshes ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS www.rbg.ca 2 Mission Royal Botanical Gardens’ mission is to be a living museum which serves local, regional and global communities while developing and promoting public understanding of the relationship between the plant world, humanity and the rest of nature. 3 Horticulture Education Science and Conservation 4 Hamilton Ontario Canada World Royal Botanical Gardens Lake Ontario 5 Conservation and Ecological Stewardship at Royal Botanical Gardens 6 Project Paradise The restoration of Cootes Paradise marsh and Grindstone Creek marsh. An element of the Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan. 7 Cootes Paradise Watershed N 6 5 QEW Burlington 403 8 Lake Ont ario Borer’s Hamilt on Cr. GrindstoneHa Cr. r b ou r Spencer Cr. 5 H amilton QEW 403 8 Chedoke Cr. 2 Redhill Cr. 53 20 53 2 6 km 1 05 km 8 Rationale for Multi-Year Restoration • Loss of fish and wildlife habitat • Degraded fish and wildlife populations • Degradation of benthos (lake bed organisms) • Loss of natural filtration 9 Relevant Delisting Criteria for Areas of Concern • Phosphorus • Chlorophyll • Water clarity • Dissolved oxygen •Plant area • Suspended solids • Bacteria 10 Key Project Paradise Recommendations • Water Quality • Fish and Wildlife Habitat • Public Access and Aesthetics • Education and Public Involvement • Research and Monitoring 11 Project Paradise Deliverables • Carp removal from Cootes Paradise through the Fishway (99.9% removed), and from Grindstone Creek marshes using Christmas tree exclosures • Recreate marsh and riparian habitat in Cootes Paradise and Grindstone Creek marshes • Monitor wildlife restoration using GIS • Present field research to public and st akeholders • Publications, Web site, educational programs, tours 12 Methods Employed • Limit invasive species, particularly carp access • Wetland replanting • Stream channel rehabilitation • Monitoring • Support of watershed stewardship programs • Education 13 14 Christmas tree carp barrier installation Jump to first page six months later 15 Results • Water quality improvement • Natural flora regeneration • Fish and wildlife species improving • Community diversity improving 16 Submergent Plants Hendrie Ponds Plant Abundance 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 Percent cover 20 10 0 Pond 2-4 (Pre Efforts) Pond 2-4 - 2001 17 Fall Migrants—Individuals Fall Waterbird Count 25704 21237 14108 Number Pre Fishway (90-94) Post Fishway (97-00) 20 01 18 August Young of the Year Fish YOY Abundance in Cootes Paradise 100 80 60 40 Number/ 50m transect 50m Number/ 20 0 Pre Restoration (9 4-9 6) Since Intitated (97-00) 200 1 19 Biodiversity of Cootes Paradise Restoration initiatives, specific ally the elimination of carp, have contributed to the overall increase in species biodiversity in Cootes Paradise. Breeding Marsh Birds Amphibians 6 4 5 3 4 3 2 2 1 1 Spec ies / Vis it Species / Visit Species 0 0 P re Fishway (95-9 6) P ost Fishwa y (97-01) P re Fishway (94- 96) P ost Fishwa y (97-01) 20 Rare species at RBG Red mulberry (Morus rubra) RBG supports what is likely Canada's largest population of this nationally endangered tree, and is extensively involved in its study and conservation. 21 22 Benefits • Enhanced biodiversity • Greater productivity for outdoor recreation • Public education on environmental restoration Rehabilitation of Hendrie Valley Ponds has contributed to the production of 20 million young fish per year. 23 Thanks to our financial supporters DOFASCO ANGLERS 24 ...and our non-financial supporters 25.
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