RevegetationRevegetation DesignDesign andand Installation:Installation: HittingHitting thethe RightRight TargetTarget

October 20, 2005 Cougar Room, WSU Cooperative Extension Facility McCollum Park, Everett, WA Participant Background Assumptions

• You have solid knowledge about the ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest (or at least the ones your working with) • You have a solid grasp of the concepts and vocabulary of ecosystem restoration • You have a basic understanding of restoration design, installation, and maintenance

• You understand the difference between trying to make a site fit your goals and objectives regardless of landscape setting, and choosing a site that has the appropriate landscape setting to meet your goals and objectives. The Big Picture The Big Picture

Unlike Cinderella’s slipper: find the foot that fits or find a new prince.

Understand the landscape context of the site then design within those landscape parameters. Site Assessment Assessment of Existing Landscape Parameters

• Water • Aspect • Soils • Vegetation Existing Landscape Parameters Water

Sources of water to the site

‰ Precipitation ‰ Groundwater & Seeps ‰ Flood water ‰ Stormwater ‰ Surface flows P + SWI + GWI = ET + SWO + GWO + ¨S Existing Landscape Parameters Water can get to the site from one or several of the those sources. You need to be able to discern in existing conditions which sources are relevant, and the relative percent of each source (for dry or aquatic sites).

For aquatic systems the following may be potentially critical design parameters: ‰ where does the water comes from ‰ how does it gets to the site ‰ how long it is there ‰ how much is there ‰ where does it go when it leaves the site Be aware of potential changes in hydroperiod Existing Landscape Parameters Water Field Data Collection for Existing Conditions

Precipitation Use on-site or near-by gage (hourly calibration not necessary, but daily is); obtain as many years of data as possible (data should be organized around water-year: Oct. to Oct.). Make sure you make allowance for snow events and/or rain on snow events.

Groundwater Use piezometers (shallow groundwater wells) to determine depth and duration of groundwater. Frequency of data collection is determined by soil conditions, accuracy of data necessary, and budget. Piezometers can be used at springs to determine groundwater. Place piezos across the suspected hydrologic gradient. Ideally you’ll have more than one water year of baseline data. Data on depth below the surface and duration are key. Existing Landscape Parameters Water Field Data Collection for Existing Conditions

Flood water & Stormwater Modeled conditions are based on engineering calcs which should be calibrated with real data (e.g., measured precip patterns, flood flows & elevations, topography, soils, land-use cover). For wetland calculations use the ½ of 2-year storm calcs for design, not larger storm events. Qualitative information can be gathered from field observations.

Surface Flows Modeled conditions based on engineering calcs for the contributing basin. Need information on soils, vegetative cover, topography. Qualitative information can be gathered from field observations. Existing Landscape Parameters Aspect Aspect is the consideration of micro-habitat/micro-climate created on a site by topography, sun/shade, soil conditions, and the conditions of adjacent lands.

‰ Assess the topography and micro-topography of the site relative to water movement, sun/shade, temperature;

‰ Assess the conditions of adjacent property: are there large forests or buildings which cast shade/light/glare?

‰ Are there south or west facing slopes? North / east facing slopes?

‰ Areas with deeper/shallower soils? Existing Landscape Parameters Soils

Soils need to be assessed in existing conditions with an eye to future site conditions.

‰ Texture: gravel, sand, clay, loam, organics ‰ History: pastured, tilled, drain-tiled, septic field ‰ Filled, graded, compacted, toxics? ‰ Seed source for invasives? ‰ Depth of loam, organics, suitable soils ‰ Soil borings may be necessary for some projects ‰ Depth to remove unsuitable/veg & root mat Parent Soils

Existing Landscape Parameters Soils If future conditions require grading the site, the substrate left for vegetation establishment will be altered

• Can parent soils be stockpiled or salvaged? • Are parent soils a source of: seeds/roots for natives or non-native species? • Will soils be compacted by heavy equipment or grading? Consideration for treatment of graded/compacted soils. • Excavation into till sub-grade as a growth substrate? Soil amendments? • Construction access: driving, stockpiling material, vehicle movement Earthwork Changes Physical Soil Characteristics Existing Landscape Parameters Vegetation Vegetation in existing conditions can inform the design through understanding soils and hydrology, or by addressing a source of invasives or appropriate native volunteers

‰ Site is dominated by invasive non-natives: future vegetation goals must reflect the presence of seed/root ‘contamination’ ‰ Site has NO invasive non-natives: maintenance considerations may be modified ‰ Site has appropriate early successional species (e.g., red alder) around the perimeter; save budget on seeding/live plants ‰ Site has a source of healthy material for making live stakes/viable woody debris ‰ Site has woody non-natives to be removed: a source for brush piles and LWD (with some precautions: white poplar, Lombardy poplar) ‰ Consider invasive seed sources from upstream/upwind Existing Landscape Parameters Human Uses Consider historic, ongoing, or future human uses of a site, upstream areas and adjacent sites in design considerations.

‰ Drain tiles, pasture, grazing, tilling

‰ Public access: passive or ‘formal’ education

‰ Disruption, vandalism, damage OverviewOverview ofof LandscapeLandscape ParametersParameters toto AssessAssess inin ExistingExisting ConditionsConditions

Hydroperiod: Water Sources Changes in Hydroperiod Aspect/Human History Vegetation Conditions Existing Vegetation Seed Sources Adjacent Land Uses Goals, Objectives and Performance Standards Goals and Objectives Goals: what you intend to accomplish Example 1: Increase nesting and refuge habitat for small passerines and native rodents

Example 2: Create breeding habitat for Pacific chorus frogs

Objectives: how you intend to achieve each goal Example 1: Salvage woody debris from site clearing and create brush piles in the buffers and large woody debris between the emergent and shrub zones of the wetland.

Example 2: Create shallowly inundated marsh habitat with stable water levels, vegetated with thin-stemmed vegetation.

Goals and Objectives have to reflect what is practical and realistic for your site, based on your site assessment of existing conditions. Performance Standards

Performance standards are the quantifiable (measurable) elements by which you can determine if you’ve met your goals. They are measurable and always linked to a time-frame.

Performance standards are DIRECTLY linked to each and every Goal and/or Objective. Performance Standards

Performance standards should be developed for hydroperiod, vegetation, grading/topography (potentially), wildlife use (related to features not presence/absence of evidence of use), and possibly functions. Performance Standards

Example: HYDROPERIOD 1. The emergent zones will be inundated to a depth of at least 12 inches until May 1 in years of normal precipitation.

NOTE: • Pertains only to the emergent zone • Gives a minimum depth, not maximum • Gives a duration of inundation seasonally • Links the parameter to ‘normal precip’ years Performance Standards

Example: HYDROPERIOD 2. The shrub zones will be saturated to within at least 12 inches of the surface from January until April 30, in years of normal precipitation.

NOTE: • Pertains only to the shrub zone • Gives a minimum depth, of saturation but does not preclude inundation • Gives a duration of saturation seasonally • Links the parameter to ‘normal precip’ years Performance Standards Example: VEGETATION 3. The shrub zones will have a minimum of 3 native species, none of which will constitute more than 50% of the total number of species/plot, by year three. Shrubs will be displaying signs of vigor and establishment through qualitative assessment. Appropriate native volunteers may be considered in this tally. NOTE: • Provides for both species richness and diversity • Provides for appropriate native volunteer species • Sets a time-frame for achieving the parameter • Identifies that plants must be well established and vigorous, though leaves that assessment as a qualitative measure Performance Standards

Example: VEGETATION 4. The sapling zone will have a minimum of 4 of the 6 planted native species, by year five. Saplings will be displaying signs of vigor through qualitative assessment. “Canopy” closure will be 40-50% by end of year 5 growing season. NOTE: • Provides for species richness and survival • Provides for aerial coverage in a range • Linked to time frame • Qualitative assessment of vigor • ID’s a ‘sapling’ zone at year 5, not ‘forest’ Performance Standards

Example: TOPOGRAPHY 5. Areas of Phalaris dominance will be graded to a minimum depth of 24 inches to remove root mass and seed source in all zones identified for emergent and shrub communities. Grading will be shown on the as- builts to be completed by Nov.1 of the first year of construction activity. NOTE: • Provides for depth of grading • Provides for location of grading within the site • Provides a time-frame and documentation of completion of the work (as-built drawings). Performance Standards

Suggestions 1. Do not provide a minimum percent presence of invasives such as reed canary grass, Himalayan blackberry, Japanese knotweed if the pre-existing site is ‘infested’ with any of these species.

2. Use a performance standard related to canopy closure over a longer time frame as an indicator of long-term likelihood of successfully controlling those invasives.

3. Use a maintenance cycle as a performance standard (e.g., mowing between spaced rows three times annually) as a measurable management standard. Morning Break? TheThe EcologyEcology ofof RestorationRestoration What do I do with all this information???

Landscape position

Hydrology

Soils

Vegetation Plant succession

• Plant communities can change over time • They can change when environmental conditions change (fire, erosion, windstorm, flooding, logging, clearing, etc.) • They can change as a result of interaction among the plants themselves, either competition or facilitation, (increasing shade, decreasing water or nutrients, seeds sprouting on nurse logs, etc.) • They can change as a result of pressure from animals other than humans (browse, trampling, digging, dam building, etc.) Influences on plant succession

Site specific factors can filter the cast of characters

• Presence or absence of seeds or propagules • Favorable environment for germination/initiation and establishment • Water availability (hydrology, soil, exposure, etc.) • Soil pH, salinity, nutrients, etc. • Disturbance regime (fire, flood, wind, etc.) • Herbivory (frequently selective, both fuzzy and buggy) Or, in our terms

• Can the propagule get to the site? (PLANTING) • Can it survive to establishment? (MAINTENANCE)

• Can the plant compete once it’s established? (DESIGN) • Can the plant cope with a changing world? (DESIGN and LUCK) Plant communities

Early successional – “pioneer” Late successional – “climax” • Prefers full sun • May prefer shade, especially • Germinates/grows in bare when young mineral soil • Needs well-developed soils • Can use large doses of with organic matter nitrogen early in growth • No adaptation to using large • Frequently annuals, grasses, doses of nitrogen at any stage herbaceous and/or nitrogen of growth fixing • Trees and shrubs • Low species diversity • High species diversity Weeds are pioneer species!

• Move into disturbed sites • Require or are tolerant of full sun • Require or tolerate bare mineral soils for germination/propagation • Some tolerate low nutrient conditions • Many can take advantage of flushes of nutrients, such as after flooding, fire or other disturbance • Very competitive, fast growing • Many are drought tolerant

Matching site conditions & plants

Human energy Low Moderate Very high input required

Environmental Pioneer Pioneer Climax conditions

Plant Pioneer Climax Climax community

Success rate High Very low Moderate Macro, Meso, and Microclimate

• Macroclimate – climate that extends over a relatively large area, defined by fairly uniform environmental conditions, determined largely by air masses modified by latitude, elevation, oceans, large lake systems, mountains, season of year, etc. • Mesoclimate – the weather of a city, neighborhood, valley, mountainside, etc., determined by local influences of terrain, large bodies of water, land cover, wind, cloud cover, etc. • Microclimate – the environmental conditions immediately surrounding a plant or group of plants, determined by sun, exposure, aspect, reflected heat, wind, etc. Aspect

• Slope •Sun • Shading • Drainage •Soils Climate

• Macroclimate – what we have in western Washington

• Mesoclimate – what you have in Seattle as opposed to Snoqualmie

• Microclimate – what you find in the little swale that faces north as opposed to the south facing side of the mound behind it

Reference site next door

• Doug-fir • Oceanspray • Indian plum • Bald-hip rose • Sword fern • Red huckleberry •Snowberry Reference site?

Unlogged site Logged site • Low sunlight • High sunlight • High humidity • Low humidity •Low wind •High wind • Intact soil structure • Disturbed soil structure – Duff and litter layer – No duff and litter layer – Topsoil – Topsoil trampled into – Healthy micro- and macro- subsoil or removed biological populations – Damaged soil biota • Good water holding capacity populations • Low erosion potential • Poor water holding capacity • High erosion potential = “climax” = pioneer Reference site? - plants

Dry soils, SUN Dry soils, SHADE • Doug-fir • Indian plum • Oceanspray • Bald-hip rose • Snowberry • Sword fern • Red huckleberry

What Parameter Drives Restoration?

Hydrology Soils Vegetation ProblemProblem WetWet SitesSites Problem Areas: Wet Sites Flashy Hydroperiod

‰ Results when a system is designed to temporarily store large volumes of water, let it out rapidly through a constricted outlet, to ‘dry’ or low-pool condition ready to receive another large volume to detain with the next storm event. Stormwater ponds or WL’s used as water quality treatment ponds may have this characteristic.

‰ Causes the water level in a system to fluctuate up and down in response to a rain-fall event rather than just seasonally. The fluctuating water level (the ‘tidy-bowl effect”) creates growth conditions around the margins that few plants can endure. Newly installed, very shallow margins, low heterogeneity Give consideration to placement of wildlife structures and drawdown in fluctuating systems Stormwater pond after a rainfall event “AA well-designed pond integrates into its surroundings.” Getting Water from Stormwater Pond to WL Problem Areas: Wet Sites Flashy Hydroperiod

Design Considerations • Eliminate or reduce the constricted outlet (eliminates or reduces the retention/detention capacity of the system). Broad unconstricted outlets reduce or eliminate event-driven water level fluctuations. • Create more & smaller detention systems rather than fewer larger systems; minimizes the effect, does not eliminate it. • Create steep-sided pond margins to reduce the exposure of shallowly sloped bottoms. Retains more consistent deepwater conditions, but eliminates (reduces) a vegetated fringe Flashy Hydroperiod

Tolerant Species • Juncus effusis: smooth rush • Typha latifolia: common cattail • Scirpus acutus: tall bulrush (if it remains in a deep pool, not in a system that drains between storm events) • Spirea douglassii: Douglas sprirea Problem Areas: Wet Sites Annual Dry-down

‰ Results when a system fills up with winter precipitation and run-off and then dries up every summer due to lack of rainfall. Not a “problem area” in Puget Trough region, it’s the norm for many palustrine systems.

‰ May result in exposed ‘mud- flats’ in the mid-sections of wetlands that are inundated for such a long duration that seeds/clones cannot establish in the time period that soils are exposed annually (or seeds that established are drowned over the winter into late spring). Seasonal or Annual Drawdown Seasonal or Annual Drawdown Wet Sites Annual Dry-down

Design Considerations • Create/maintain margins of wetlands that have a variable slope. Shallowly sloped zones will be fully vegetated and may become fully exposed/dried out starting in late spring. Deep margins can maintain a wetted surface/edge interface even in late summer and increase edge diversity. • Systems with unconstricted outlets, thin-stemmed vegetation, and long-term inundation can provide excellent amphibian habitat • Systems less than 16-18” deep may establish a shrub/woody component over time (especially if sedimentation is an issue) • Exposed mud-flats in fall can be very beneficial to resident or migratory shorebirds (it’s a habitat that is severely lacking in freshwater ecosystems). Wet Sites Permanent Shallow-water Marshes & Ponds

System collects sufficient water throughout the year to maintain shallow to moderate water depth and does not dry out except in years of extreme drought. Provides habitat for aquatic invertebrates, amphibians, mammals, birds. Public concerns, real or perceived: mosquitoes/West Nile virus Canada geese safety/public nuisance Permanent Shallow-water Marshes & Ponds Permanent Shallow-water Marshes & Ponds Planting Specifications What’s Enough?

News Flash

Contractors DO NOT read “mitigation plans”

GET OVER IT and Plan Accordingly ! Specifications Contents

• PROJECT GOALS • CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE • PERFORMANCE STANDARDS • MONITORING • MAINTENANCE Mulching Watering Invasive Control Weed Whipping/Mowing schedules • PLANT SCHEDULE Lunch? ProblemProblem DryDry SitesSites

Plant adaptations to drought

• Avoid it – don’t grow when/where there isn’t enough water • Survive it – have adaptations to deal with low water levels Plant adaptations to drought

Avoid it Survive it • Only grow in wetlands or other • Have a deep root system to areas with plenty of water access soil water reserves • Only grow in mature soils with • Have a wide spreading root good water holding capacity system to capture lots of water • Finish growing and set seed when it does rain before the summer droughts • Be really good at extracting hit what soil water there is • Reduce water loss through leaves • Have high resistance to wilting and damage from lack of water Restorationist adaptations to drought

Avoid it Survive it • Irrigate • Choose drought tolerant plants • Use small plants, they need less water to get established • Improve the soil to increase water absorption and holding capacity • Mulch the soil surface to decrease water evaporation • Shade the soil surface by planting fast growing trees and underplant less drought tolerant species later Choose drought tolerant plants

• Douglas-fir • Shore pine • Garry oak • Madrone • Serviceberry • Oceanspray •Salal • Tall Oregon grape • Red flowering currant •Snowberry •Etc. Choosing Species

Criteria for decision making • Goals and objectives • Site conditions • Project conditions • Reference site(s) • Availability • Budget Site Conditions

• Hydrology •Slope • Sun and shade •Elevation • Aspect • Surrounding land use •Soil type • Potential pest problems • Soil compaction • Soil preparation Plant preferences

• Sun or shade • Mineral soil or organic matter • Moisture level & season • Soil type – sandy, silty, clay • Soil compaction level Resources for learning about plants • Lots of time spent outdoors observing plants and making notes • www.soundnativeplants.com - plant descriptions and species selection guide especially • Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast – Jim Pojar & Andy MacKinnon, Lone Pine Press, 1994 • A Field Guide to Common Wetland Plants of Western WA and Northwestern OR – ed. Sarah Spear Cooke, Seattle Audubon Society, 1997 • Flora of the Pacific Northwest – C. Leo Hitchcock & Arthur Cronquist, UW Press, 1973 • Indicator Species of the Pacific Northwest, Klinka and Krajina, 1989 Container plants

Pros Cons • Better survival • More expensive to buy, ship, • Easier to plant correctly and plant • Planting season limited only by • Bulkier to handle, store, and water availability transport Bareroot

Pros Cons • Cheaper to buy, ship, and • Very limited planting season plant • Higher mortality • Cheaper to handle, store, and transport • Easier to use on sites with poor access Restorationist adaptations to drought

Avoid it Survive it • Irrigate • Choose drought tolerant plants • Use small plants, they need less water to get established • Improve the soil to increase water absorption and holding capacity • Mulch the soil surface to decrease water evaporation • Shade the soil surface by planting fast growing trees and underplant less drought tolerant species later Improve the soil

• Decompact (tilling, ripping) • Add organic matter Mulch

• Increases soil water absorption ability • Increases soil water holding capacity • Reduces soil water evaporation • Adds organic matter to soil as it breaks down • Improves soil tilth (texture, structure, friability) • Increases soil flora and fauna populations • Reduces weed growth • Moderates soil temperature • Adds nutrients in slow-release form • Encourages vegetative propagation • Reduces or halts erosion used with permission of the International Society of Arboriculture, from Principles and Practice of Planting Trees and Shrubs by Gary Watson & E.B. Himelick From Principles and Practice of Planting Trees and Shrubs by Gary W. Watson & E.B. Himelick, ©1997, International Society of Arboriculture Restorationist adaptations to drought

Avoid it Survive it • Irrigate • Choose drought tolerant plants • Use small plants, they need less water to get established • Improve the soil to increase water absorption and holding capacity • Mulch the soil surface to decrease water evaporation • Shade the soil surface by planting fast growing trees and underplant less drought tolerant species later

Temporary irrigation

• Useful (critical?) for the first one to three years after installation • Generally laid on the surface after plant installation, sometimes under and sometimes on top of the mulch • Amount of water needed depends on: – Amount of rainfall – Site hydrology – Soil type and condition – Plant species – Time of installation – Soil amendments and/or mulch Temporary irrigation for plant establishment

• Do you need it? • Do you have access to water? • Can you afford it? • Will it work on your site? • Who will design it, install it, run it, maintain it? • What will you do with it after the plants are established and it is no longer needed? • Is your site prone to vandalism? If so, can it be protected? Access to water

• Fire hydrant • Existing nearby irrigation line or ditch • Nearby stream, pond, lake (need a permit!) • Water truck • Temporary water tank or pillow tank up slope • Irrigation well • Cooperative neighbor Can you afford it?

Steep sites

• Safety first • Plan work carefully to minimize traffic on slope • Use small plants and disturb soil as little as possible in planting. Consider live stakes if slope damp enough. • Pay attention to trapping water for plants: –Mulch – Watering wells if slope is dry • Hand applied mulch ok on 2:1 slope or less, blown-on mulch can go even steeper • Consider irrigation, allow time for water to sink into soil Soil bio-engineering techniques

•Mulching • Silt fence • Erosion control fabric • Live stakes • Fascines • Straw wattles • Live cribwalls • Vegetated geogrids

Compaction Compaction Prevention Conserving Existing Soils

• Stay off it • Minimize traffic – have defined routes that equipment is limited to • Cushion traffic with hog fuel, plywood, rubber mats, steel plates, contractors know about these techniques • Limit what machinery may be used – tracked is better than wheeled, the smaller and lighter the better Compaction reduction Salvaging Topsoil

Factors to consider •Quality • Quantity (after site clearing) • Contamination? • Storage

• Then, decompact if possible after putting back onto site Decompaction

Biological Mechanical • Mulch with organic matter, • The same construction control weeds, and wait for machinery that created the nature to take its course compaction can help decompact it – Backhoe – Bobcat or tractor with ripping teeth – Tractor with tiller (if compaction shallow or not too severe – Cultivator, disk harrow, or other agricultural machinery Decompaction

• How deep? 10” to 12” or more • Loose soil makes nice seed germination medium so control weeds • If protecting roots of existing plants, dig around to find balance between where compacted soils are and where plant roots are • Plan work carefully so you work your way backwards out of site, don’t allow any machinery on a site that has just been decompacted • Soil that is wet will compact more easily, soil that is very dry will crumble into dust, losing structure. Work soils when moist, in between. Ask a farmer (or NRCS). Importing Topsoil

• It’s created, generally has sand, organics (biosolids, compost, sawdust, peat, etc.) and “loam” which is probably the topsoil scraped off the last site they cleared • Don’t buy it without seeing it, not always worth the money • Probably more cost effective to buy compost and amend or mulch with it Fertilizer

• Not an amendment • Research shows plants can’t use till they are established, putting it on at planting may be waste of money • Broadcast fertilizer encourages weed growth Soil Amendments

• Anything that is tilled into the soil, as opposed to mulch, which is anything that is placed on top of the soil surface. • Typical ones include compost, topsoil, sawdust (reduces nitrogen), manure (tends to have weed seeds or be hot) • If you are going to use amendments, amend whole site, not planting holes The Mechanics of Restoration It’s time to start…but wait. Overview of the next steps (and of this presentation)

• The design is complete • Project sponsors locate an installation team • Sponsors and installers review the design in the field • Phasing and sequencing are clarified • Expectations are clarified • Materials are ordered • Work commences • And eventually…stewardship begins. Design: The view from the Field Reading the design in the field

• “It is helpful to either have the installer on board as early as possible or to plan and design carefully in strict accordance with accepted logistical doctrines (ſ).” -the words of a wise old installer.

• If the design does not specify, the Project Manager with the installer should think through site logistics: site access; material staging; invasive removal techniques, timing, removal routes, and staging; and mulching logistics. This can act as a check on the design specifics.

• A good design will allow for the best logistical approaches to be chosen. More views from the field

• A designer at her/his best, knows the installer’s capabilities and can thus offer an appropriate level of guidance without negating too many logistical options.

• Plant layout: Typicals v. locating. General locating (with numbers of plants) is useful on large sites with thousands of plants. Typicals (a small diagram) are adequate for smaller sites.

• It can help if the designer is accessible. Are they budgeted to stay on in an advisory role? Even on a contingency basis? The Walk-Through So you’re handed a well-planned design… Now what? The importance of the site walk-through cannot be underestimated. – Have one - with all of the involved and interested parties: project manager, community group members, installer, machine operator, and the designer. – It is the best way to get everyone on the same page. Topics to discuss at the walk-through can include: invasive removal technique, material disposal, site access, staging location(s), safety issues, possible material availability issues/concerns, project phasing, and of course, the long-term objectives. The Walk-Through (cont.)

• Make sure that everyone knows not only their roles, but their resources: – Every members strengths, – Who has decision making power (and who would like to?)

• It is also an important time to initiate (or better yet, re- visit) the expectations about task phasing and sequencing. Project Phasing: 3 inspirations Design inspired phasing: • Planting timing may be determined by plant material: Bare-root stock in mid-winter, potted plants from October- February, and most emergents in the spring. • Permit timing.

Environmentally inspired phasing: • Plan calls for wetland planting: Often, this should be done in late spring or early summer.

Natural process inspired phasing: • The site is covered in H. Blackberry in September, planting should not take place in October. Phasing Chart

Phasing of Project Tasks October February June September Potted plants In-stream restoration Bare-root Emergents Ivy removal Irrigation needed Blackberry removal Large budgets volunteer Events expire Restoration sites need maintenance Wetland invasive removal Invasive Removal and Designs Most designs do not call for invasive removal techniques.

Wholesale or Minor: Chances are the site will need some invasive clearing.

Removal technique, timing and follow up should be decided no later than the walk through and preferably during the design process. Invasive Removal and Designs

The nature of the site and the invasive species will dictate the best approach

Designers may choose to spec these out on their own or consult with other experts.

Project managers may choose to approach invasive removal outside of the design scope and have a machine crew, a hand crew, or volunteers do the work. Invasive Removal and Designs

The most effective technique and its success can: • Slow the project down (ecological sequencing)

• Frustrate those who want “results” faster

• Expose new physical challenges ie. unexpected soils, buried objects, micro-topography, etc.

It will help then to have a knowledgeable installer, or a solid design spec And the expectation set that the best control process may take time. CrewCrew managementmanagement Crew Management Keys to happiness Keys to dissatisfaction

•Training • Untrained crew • A thoughtful site-specific • No introduction introduction yields interest and concern for the site • Wrong tools • Proper tools and equipment • No supervision • Some level of supervision • No goals • Setting goals, daily, weekly, • No feedback sometimes even hourly • Debrief/trouble-shoot regularly and often.

Theory: A happy crew will make a sponsor satisfied. So to a dissatisfied crew will door poor work. Volunteer Management • Know the group – 6 year olds are different than 25 year olds

• Choose tasks appropriately – Planting and mulching are better than blackberry removal which is better than LWD placement

• Preach the big picture and thank them

• Set goals and motivate! Volunteer Management cont.

• Consider having “team” and/or “task” leaders – They can get comfortable with the task and lead more effectively, and you can send them off with a group to help control the masses.

• Assign staff to do QC early and to spread the word. Tools for Volunteer Events •Gloves •Shovels •Buckets •Tarps •Rakes •Loppers •Pitchforks •A table •Sharps box •Directional signs •Refreshments •Project info •Team •Sign-in sheets •Rain Gear? •First-aid kit(s) Other typical tool lists

Steep slope planting – Planting shovel – Post-hole digger – Ropes and harness?

Compact soil planting – Planting shovel – Gas auger – Pick-maddox Other typical tool lists

Wetland planting Erosion control • Wooden planks • Single jack • Wheelbarrow • Staples or stakes •Shovel • Erosion control fabric • Hori hori/ hand trowel • Straw wattles •Pitchfork •Pitchfork • Rubber mallet • Mulch blower • Chipper • Wheelbarrow Other typical tool lists Invasive removal Invasive control • Brush cutter (The same as “removal” • Lopper plus…) • Hand pruner • Single jack • Weed wrench • Wood stakes • Hand tiller • Black landscape fabric •Shovel •Cord • Scythe •Staples • Pruning saw • Tarps •Buckets • Disc tiller •Pitchfork Now:Now: IntoInto thethe dirtdirt The Plant are Here! Inspect.

This is normally done in the fall and winter so what follows is a cold season approach: • Outside the pot: – Plants should look vigorous and healthy and woody stems should be in good shape. – Examine the bark: Is it free of damage and soft spots? – Evergreen needles and leaves should not be pale or spotted, nor should the plant be infested with bugs. • Inside the pot: – Roots should have pale tips, should not be too root bound, nor should the soil be too loose. Planting 101

• Dig a whole 2x the diameter of the pot, and as deep. • Segregate your removed soil from other materials. • Remove the the plant from the pot with appropriate force - from wrestling to cradling. • With most plants, don’t be shy about disturbing the root ball, especially with root bound plants. • When back-filling, pay close attention to the vertical positioning. The root collar should be set flush to the adjacent soil level. • If more soil is needed - borrow it. • Air pockets can kill - back-fill firmly and give it a friendly tug. Installation: Steep sites

One of the major concerns is how to minimize both erosion and damage to the soil structure while planting:

• Dig planting holes carefully, try using a post-hole digger or narrow bladed shovels.

• Use climbing ropes and harnesses to better stabilize the planter

• Develop a system to get plants to the planter so traveling on the slope is minimized. You’ll need two extra hands. Steep slopes cont.

• Another concern is plant survival as water will tend to migrate down the slope instead of down to the roots. – Form “plant wells” as plants go into the ground. – Mulch with fines which tend to stick to slopes better.

• Also consider installing coir fabric, straw wattles, and or a silt fence. These should usually be installed prior to planting Installation: Dry Sites

Dry sites in western Washington? Must be soil compaction or well-draining soils: In dry, compacted soils: • Try using an auger to help dig holes • Resist the temptation to add a soil amendment to the holes. Instead spread compost across the entire site, or at least on the surface surrounding the plant, and cover it in mulch. • Create planting wells

In well drained soils, assuming the plants are appropriate: • Apply 2-4 inches of mulch to help retain water during the establishment phase. Installation: Wet sites

Choose an appropriate time of year to plant. A draw-down period is best, usually in late spring. Planting in too much water will drown the plantings.

Other options: • Approach the site on planks. These are good for wheelbarrows and walking. Attach cross-members for stability. • Plant in mounds, slightly raised mounds of soil. • Install planting hummocks: Artificially raised beds made of coir logs tied together in a circle or triangle, then filled with soil and topped with mulch Planting Hummock Installing in Heavily Mulched Sites

Sometimes you are asked to plant into an already mulched site and sometimes it is very mulched. – Mulch is not soil, so be sure to dig until you find the soil, then dig the planting hole. – Keep mulch out of the hole. Mulch may have to pulled back from a relatively large area in order to guard against it falling back the hole. – The goal is to back-fill with native soil. Try using a bucket, the pot, or a piece of tarp to keep it separate. – Be sure not to bury the plant or it’s stem in mulch. – This might be a good place to flag new plants. Irrigation

Option Pros Cons

Hand watering Each plant gets watered Most expensive On site inspection Run-off potential Can adjust to weather Water source?

Drip irrigation: Does not encourage Must install before planting individual weed growth between Difficult to adjust for plants plants microtopography Water efficient Simple plant layout can help with maintenance Drip irrigation: Can install after planting Encourages weed growth entire site Plant placement is between plantings independent Irrigation

Water source: • If none on site truck it in to a temporary holding or hand water Schedule • Infrequent, deep watering encourages natives. • 2-3x in summer months • Plant in fall Mulch!

Know your site. Each system has its place. Think about microtopogaphy, slope, water source, canopy, site size, weed control capacity. Herbivory Protection

Tree Tubes • Helps to limit browsing • Inexpensive • nHeat (+/-)

• Solid type can nCO2 and moisture and diameter is adjustable • Encourages plants to grow up more than out • Should use a stake • Secure to the ground Herbivory Protection

Bird-exclusion systems • Metal posts/cable wire design is less costly to maintain but needs to be tightened at least annually. Usually designed for larger birds

• Plastic based systems difficult to maintain but control for smaller birds Herbivory Protection

Other herbivory ideas • Plant densely assuming some loss

• Plant live-stakes in bundles

• Chemical control

• Emergents: Plant seed instead of stock. Planting to make maintaining easier

Plant layout can have a significant affect on your maintenance options. Here are some examples: • Row Cropping – Plant in long rows: The aesthetic fear may may disappear. Diversity happens. (larger sites) • Large shrub clusters or, “muffin caps” – Clusters larger than 8(?) create their own microclimates, compete better against weeds and can be browse protectors • Pole-stand exclusion – The Mega-cluster: fast growing, provides shade for weed control and the planting phase • Plant dense. Long term-site stewardship: Weed control and plant care

•Who? – Neighbor volunteer: eg. SPU’s Creek Steward program. • Pros: – Inexpensive. May need require only some coordination and a few loaned tools. – A site neighbor has more direct and frequent contact with the site – Might take one person 5 hours per month or… • Con: It might be to big of a site and require… – Scheduled Crew: • Pros: Predictable, can handle a large site, can bring in outside water, tools and expertise. • Con: Can be expensive. Are we done yet?

If the goal is to create a site that “practically” maintains itself into perpetuity, it should be understood that it will continually be subjected to off-site, and possibly on-site, influences.

These may include: invasive seed and/or vegetative sprawl, changes in hydrology and/or climate, and changes in human use.

Most sites therefore will require some level of stewardship into the distant future. As restorationists, we should ask ourselves to what level of sustained effort do we strive? The Hope

The hope is that we continue to share and learn and become better in designing and installing so that the establishment period is successful, and long term maintenance is easy.

This is an immense challenge. If we can figure out how to restore a natural system, we can figure out anything.

Good luck!!

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Paul Cereghino, NOAA Restoration Center [email protected], 206-526-4670 • Susan Buis, WSDOT [email protected], 360-705-7250 • Bob Keller, EarthCorps [email protected], 206-322-9296 ext. 223 • Dyanne Sheldon, Sheldon & Associates 206-522-1214, ext. 14 : Seattle 360-579-1009