Restoration of the Yellow Montane Violet Population in Summit Park, Victoria, B.C

Restoration of the Yellow Montane Violet Population in Summit Park, Victoria, B.C.

Shannon Breen UVic RNS Final Project - ER 390 Fall 2014

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“Deep in their Roots, All Flowers Keep the Light” ~ Theodore Roethke

Acknowledgments

Firstly, I would like to pay my respect and give thanks to the Lekwungen peoples, known today as Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations, and their Coast Salish ancestors. This project was implemented on remarkably beautiful land that is in their traditional territory.

Special thanks to Thomas Munson, City of Victoria. He was my supervisor overseeing me in this project. Thomas was incredibly helpful, enthusiastic and considerate throughout the project. I am very appreciative he connected me and granted me permission to do my project at Summit Park.

I would like to give a big thank you to Colleen O’Brien, Playfair park community steward and super volunteer. Colleen’s environmental stewardship is incredibly inspiring and I feel very fortunate that she shared her vast knowledge about these special ecosystems with me.

Many thanks to Dr. Valentin Schaefer, my amazing professor, project supervisor, and mentor at the University of Victoria’s Restoration of Natural Systems Program. Dr. Schaefer has given words of encouragement, council and assisted me many times over the past few years I have spent at UVic. I am so grateful for his guidance during this program. Thank you to Lisa Federspiel, Andréa Johnson, Andrew Reeves, and J.G. Balfour who are friends of mine that have lent a hand when I asked of them. Thanks to one of the neighbours of Summit Park/ the project plots who assisted and lent me equipment. Thank you to James Miskelly from the City of Victoria, who identified numerous species of grasses for me. Thanks to my fellow students in the UVic RNS program, and the wonderful society that makes up GOERT. Both are teams of hardworking, nature loving people. You are both very inspiring and keep me optimistic about the future of our environment.

This project completes my Restoration of Natural Systems Diploma and a Bachelor’s degree. It has been a welcomed learning experience and an enjoyable way to end this chapter in my life. Though this project comes at the end of my university education, I do believe it is just the beginning of my connection with yellow montane violets and the start of my path in ecological restoration.

(Cover Photo: Tim Ennis – Yellow Montane Violets, Cowichan Valley. 2009)

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Abstract Viola praemorsa spp. praemorsa (Yellow Montane Violet) is a Species at Risk, red-listed plant in B.C and it is listed as endangered by COSEWIC. There are a few small patches of this plant species found in the Garry oak ecosystem located at Summit Park in Victoria, B.C. The introduction of invasive grasses and other non- native plant species to the area has led to the degradation of the yellow montane violet habitat in the park. The goal of this project is to increase yellow montane violet’s populations’ health and numbers. The objective of this project is to improve the habitat of the yellow montane violet in Summit Park by reducing surrounding invasive species. The main approach to achieve this objective is to eliminate the invasive grasses from continuing to overtake the yellow montane violet habitat. This was carried out by removing the seed bank of unwanted species and the removal of invasive species. Mulch was added to the area to prevent the invasive grasses from growing late in the season. This report summarizes the restoration work that was implemented on the plots located in Summit Park.

KEY WORDS:

Ecological restoration, Biodiversity, Conservation, Garry oak ecosystem, Summit Park ,Viola praemorsa ssp. praemorsa, Yellow Montane Violet, Prairie Violet, Canary Violet, Upland Yellow Violet, Red-listed, Species at Risk, COSEWIC endangered

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Table of Contents Acknowledgments ...... 2 Abstract ...... 3 Table of Contents ...... 4 List of Tables ...... 5 List of Figures ...... 6 Introduction ...... 7 1.0 Ecosystems & Species of Conservation Concern...... 8 1.0.1 Species Ranking In British Columbia ...... 8 1.0.2 Species at Risk ...... 8 1.1.0 Coastal Douglas-fir Biogeoclimatic Zones & Garry oak (Quercus garryana) Ecosystems .. 9 1.2.0 Yellow montane violets (Viola praemorsa ssp. praemorsa)...... 12 2.0 Project Plan ...... 17 2.0.1 Colleen O’Brien & Playfair Park ...... 17 2.1 Project Approach ...... 19 2.2 Budget & Tools ...... 21 2.3 Project Schedule ...... 21 3.0 Methods ...... 23 3.1 Site Conditions ...... 23 3.2 Plots ...... 23 3.3 Invasive Species Removal ...... 26 3.3.1 Weeds ...... 26 3.3.2 Grasses ...... 27 3.4 Population Count ...... 27 3.5 Mulch ...... 31 3.6 Measures of Success ...... 32 4.0 Results & Observations & Interpretation ...... 33 4.1 Site Conditions: ...... 33 4.2 Plots: ...... 33 4.3 Invasive Species Removal:...... 34 4.4 Population Count: ...... 34 4.5 Mulch: ...... 37 5.0 Discussion & Recommendations ...... 37 5.1 Suggested Improvements for Project ...... 38 5.2 Future Possibilities ...... 39 6.0 Conclusion ...... 40 References ...... 42

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Appendix ...... 44 I. Glossary ...... 44 a. COSEWIC...... 44 b. Province of British Columbia Species at Risk Definitions ...... 45 II. Species List ...... 46 c. Species List for Summit Park Plots ...... 46 d. Species List for Garry oak Woodland Ecosystem (Reference Ecosystem) ...... 47 III. Population Count Data ...... 48

List of Tables

Table 1: Viola praemorsa spp. praemorsa Seasonal Life Cycle throughout the Year (Zevit, 2010) ... 15 Table 2: List of Tools Used in Summit Park Project ...... 21 Table 3: Summit Park Project Work Agenda Over the Seasons ...... 22 Table 4: Summit Park Project Schedule Over the Calendar Year 2014 ...... 22 Table 5: Viola praemorsa spp. praemorsa Seasonal Life Cycle ...... 23 Table 6: Stem Count Classification Table: Adults vs. Seeded vs. Seedlings ...... 30 Table 7: Native and Non-Native Species List Observed at Summit Park ...... 33 Table 8: Stem Count Results for Plot 1 and Plot 2 ...... 36 Table 9: Garry oak Woodland Ecosystem Species List ...... 47 Table 10: Population Count Results for Plot 1 ...... 48 Table 11: Population Count Results - Plot 2 ...... 51

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List of Figures

Figure 1: Distribution of Coastal Douglas-fir Biogeoclimatic Zone Map (MoF, 1999) ...... 9 Figure 2: Distribution of Garry oak Ecosystems in Canada (MoE, 1993) ...... 10 Figure 3: Map of Summit Park, Victoria, B.C. (Google, 2014) ...... 10 Figure 4: Arial Map of Summit Park (Google, 2014) ...... 11 Figure 5: Common Camas and Yellow Montane Violets (red circle) at Summit Park (Breen, 2014) ...... 11 Figure 6: Anatomy of Yellow Montane Violet (E-Flora, 2013) ...... 12 Figure 7: (Left) Viola praemorsa spp. praemorsa Cross-pollinating Flower (George, V. 2011)...... 12 Figure 8: Map of Yellow Montane Violet Distribution on Vancouver Island (Gov. B.C., n.d.) ...... 13 Figure 9: Summit Park Garry oak Woodland (Breen, 2014) ...... 14 Figure 10: Yellow Montane Violet Capsules (Ceska, A. 2010) ...... 14 Figure 11: North End of O'Brien's Restoration area at Playfair Park (Breen, 2014) ...... 18 Figure 12: Map of (A) Playfair Park vs. (B) Summit Park Location (Google, 2014) ...... 19 Figure 13: Summit Park - Map of Yellow Montane Violet Sub-population Locations (Gov B.C. nd.) ..... 20 Figure 14: Spring– Project Area prior to Placement of Plot Boundaries Facing South (Breen, 2014) ...... 25 Figure 15: Late Spring 2014- Plots 1 and 2 Facing South (Breens, 2014) ...... 25 Figure 16: Ribwort Plantain Seedbank ...... 26 Figure 17: Quadrats Flagged in Plot 1 Facing West ...... 27 Figure 18: Plot 2 Flagged Quadrats Facing Southwest ...... 29 Figure 19: A Group of Non-Seeded V.praemorsa spp. praemorsa Adults ...... 30 Figure 20a & 20b: V.praemorsa spp. praemorsa Seeded Adult (Left) and Seedling (Right)...... 31 Figure 21: Mason Jar Lid Groundpins ...... 32 Figure 22: The Beginning of Sheet Mulch on Plot 2 ...... 32 Figure 23: Long, Weak Stems of V. praemorsa spp. praemorsa Found in Tall Grass ...... 34 Figure 24: V.praemorsa spp. praemorsa Found in Short Grass (Thomas, W., 2013) ...... 34 Figure 25: Mulch Spread on Plot 1 & 2 - Facing North...... 37 Figure 26: Sheet Mulch Complete on Plot 2 Facing South ...... 37

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Introduction

Taking a walk in a park is an enjoyable experience for many. During such exercise, urban dwellers get the opportunity to connect with the natural world. In a given natural area, there are numerous complex communities of living organisms interacting in their physical environment. These living and non-living networks are called ecosystems. Ecosystems provide habitat for native plants and wildlife as well as support natural processes that we are dependent on for survival (City of Edmonton, 2013). In addition, they give us a beautiful place to exercise, relax and unwind, which supports our physical and mental wellbeing (COE, 2013).

Biodiversity (diversity of all life form) is a good indicator of ecosystem health and greatly contributes to an ecosystem’s ability to adjust to disturbances (Thompson and Starzomski, 2007). Thus, it is imperative to maintain biodiversity for ecosystem health and function (Thompson and Starzomski, 2007). With ever increasing new developments, human caused impacts can severely alter ecosystems by decreasing biodiversity therefore having devastating consequences for species habitats. Anthropogenic activities allow for the introduction of non-native species to ecosystems (invasive species). Invasive species can have a range of affects including the alteration of forest fire cycles, nutrient cycling, and hydrology, displacement of native plants and animals, competition for resources, increased predation, disease introduction, and the facilitation of the spread of other non-native species. All of which threatens biodiversity (Austin, Buffett, Nicolson, Scudder and Stevens, 2008). There is considerable need for protection of biodiversity, as well as the conservation and restoration of the ecosystems that we so greatly depend on. Ecological restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged or destroyed (Society for Ecological Restoration International Science & Policy Working Group, 2004). It is an intentional activity that initiates or accelerates the recovery of an ecosystem with respect to its health integrity and sustainability (SER, 2004). Restoration projects require a commitment of land, resources; and plans require thoughtful deliberation (SER, 2004). With the above concepts and ideologies in mind, I constructed my final project for the University Of Victoria Restoration Of Natural Systems Diploma Program. My project consists of the ecological restoration of an herbaceous wildflower, Viola praemorsa

S. Breen 7 ssp. praemorsa, which is considered a Species at Risk and is classified as endangered found in a park, located an endangered Garry Oak ecosystem.

1.0 Ecosystems & Species of Conservation Concern

When an organism is listed as a Species at Risk (SAR), it means that it is a wildlife population whose numbers are declining from its environment. The status of SAR in Canada is assessed at both provincial and national levels, and these processes inform one another (Ministry of Environment, 2014.).

1.0.1 Species Ranking In British Columbia

British Columbia (B.C.) has the highest diversity of native wildlife in Canada (Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management, 2002). B.C. has no stand-alone endangered species act, however, specialists assign species conservation status ranks and then species are categorized into a Red List (candidates for extirpated, endangered or threatened status), Blue List (species not immediately threatened, but of concern) (MoE, 2014). (Please see appendix for definitions.)

1.0.2 Species at Risk

Federally, assessments of the status of SAR are conducted by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) (MoE, 2014). A Species at Risk can be classified as extinct, extirpated, endangered, threatened, or of special concern based on the level of risk (See Appendix for definitions) (GOERT, 2011). Once a species is considered at risk by COSEWIC and added to the List of Wildlife Species at Risk, the federal cabinet is informed and are in control the legal listing of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) (MoE, 2014). SARA (Section 37) requires the competent minister to prepare recovery strategies for listed extirpated, endangered or threatened species (Parks Canada Agency, 2006.)

The Recovery Strategy for Multi-Species at Risk in Garry Oak Woodlands in Canada was developed in 2006 to address the recovery of five plant Species at Risk (including Viola praemorsa ssp. praemorsa) that occur within Garry oak (Quercus garryana) woodland habitat (PCA, 2006).

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1.1.0 Coastal Douglas-fir Biogeoclimatic Zones & Garry oak (Quercus garryana) Ecosystems

Biogeoclimatic zones are areas that share similar climate and vegetation (Austin et al., 2008). Within B.C., there are 16 biogeoclimatic zones. The Coastal Douglas-fir zone (CDF) is a small area located on the coast in the southwest B.C. This area experiences a climate of long dry summers and wet, mild winters which are major factors is it ecology (Ministry of Forestry, 1999). Garry oak ecosystems are of conservation concern, are found Figure 1: Distribution of Coastal Douglas-fir Biogeoclimatic Zone Map (MoF, 1999) only in CDF in Canada. Garry oak ecosystems found in B.C. have been reduced by almost 90% since the 1860s (Austin et al., 2008). Garry Oak ecosystems are restricted to southwestern B.C., specifically, on the Southeastern Vancouver Island, the southern Gulf Islands, and two isolated sites in the lower Fraser Valley (Austin et al., 2008).Garry oak ecosystems are some of the most diverse ecosystems in B.C. Garry oak landscape includes a mosaic of woodlands, meadows, grasslands, scattered Douglas-fir stands, and open rocky areas (Ministry of Environment, 1993). Unfortunately they are one of the most endangered primarily due to ecosystem degradation due to urbanization and agriculture, fire suppression, changing species compositions, introduction of invasive species, and isolated and fragmented Garry oak communities (Austin et al., 2008). Less than 5% of the Garry oak woodland remains; this is mostly due to land development (PCA, 2006). Garry oak and related ecosystems are home to many species of concern such as the yellow montane violet (Viola praemorsa ssp. praemorsa).

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1.1.2 Project Location

This Viola praemorsa ssp. praemorsa restoration project is located in

Victoria, BC. Summit Park (1220 Summit Ave) is a small natural area that is situated in the Hillside –

Quadra neighborhood. The Park is a Figure 2: Distribution of Garry oak Ecosystems in Canada (MoE, 1993) 4.48 hectare community park with the largest remaining stand of Garry Oak ecosystems in Victoria (City of Vic, 2011). Currently, the park is adjacent to the Smith’s Hill Reservoir (1255 Summit Ave). Victoria and Summit Park are both found in the Coastal-Douglas Fir zone. Viola praemorsa ssp. praemorsa has been recorded at Summit Park since 1972 (Government of British Columbia, n.d).

Figure 3: Map of Summit Park, Victoria, B.C. (Google, 2014)

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Figure 4: Arial Map of Summit Park (Google, 2014) 1.1.3 History For over 4000 years, the area now known as the City of Victoria was once occupied and its lands managed by Coast Salish peoples; more specifically the Songhee and Esquimalt First Nation. Hence Summit Park is located in Lekwungen traditional territory (Simon Fraser University, n.d.). Coast Salish ancestors of the Songhee First Nation cultivated and maintained shrub-free grasslands for centuries (COV, 2010.) Work was done to enhance the growth of common camas (Camassia quamash) their staple root crop and other native plants (COV, 2011). High numbers of common camas and low numbers of death camas are still seen today in Summit Park, indicating that it was a probable harvest site for the Coast Salish peoples (COV, 2011). Yellow montane violet grows alongside camas and other native

Figure 5: Common Camas and Yellow Montane Violets (red circle) at Summit Park wildflowers found in (Breen, 2014) Summit Park.

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1.2.0 Yellow montane violets (Viola praemorsa ssp. praemorsa)

Common names for the Viola praemorsa spp. praemorsa include Yellow Montane Violet, Prairie Violet, Canary Violet, and Upland Yellow Violet.

1.2.1 Species Information:

Yellow montane violets are a small perennial herbaceous plant that grows 6cm – 25cm tall (GOERT, 2010). This plant has egg to broadly lance-shaped dark green leaves that are 5 – 10 cm long, they are densely or sparsely hairy (SARA, 2014). Yellow montane violets have a dual reproduction strategy meaning that it is able to produce two sets of flowers. The first kind of flower is the cross-pollinator and when in bloom, a single plant may produce 1 -3 of these flowers (COSEWIC, 2007). The cross-pollinator flower has five yellow petals with brown vein- like markings on the lower petals and there is one flower per stalk. Later in the season, if the plant produces the second- self- pollinating flower, 0-5 closed flowers are found on a plant and are located on the shorter stalks near the base of the shoot (COSEWIC, 2007). For both cases of flowers, the ovary ripens into a 6-11mm long explosive capsule that contains several brown seeds (SARA, 2014).

Figure 6: Anatomy of Yellow Montane Violet (E-Flora, 2013)

Figure 7: (Left) Viola praemorsa spp. praemorsa Cross-pollinating Flower (George, V. 2011)

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1.2.2 Distribution and Population:

Yellow montane violets can be found at an elevation of 0-600m (Zevit, 2010). Only the praemorsa subspecies are found in British Columbia and occur in Garry oak woodlands and maritime meadows (SARA, 2014). There were between 32 000 and 49 000 flowering yellow montane violets in British Columbia in 2007 (GOERT, 2010). There are 14 extant populations in Canada and 5 or 6, sites have been presumed extirpated (Zevit, 2010). The number of populations has been in slow decline (SARA, 2014).

Figure 8: Map of Yellow Montane Violet Distribution on Vancouver Island (Gov. B.C., n.d.) Habitat:

Yellow montane violets are found in a number of Garry oak communities, specifically the woodland and meadows with deeper soils and less exposed bedrock (PCA, 2006). Open, moist, and relatively level Garry oak stands are the preferred habitat, although it can be found on steep south facing slopes at higher elevations (Zevit, 2010). The praemorsa subspecies are shade intolerant; therefore the microhabitats they occupy have little or no shrub cover, and have an abundant cover of herbaceous species (SARA, 2014). Today the rich layer of herbaceous species includes native species such as common camas (Camassia quamash), spring gold (Lomatium utriculatum) and Pacific sanicle (Sanicula crassicaulis), in addition to a range of introduced grass species (GOERT 2010).

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Figure 9: Summit Park Garry oak Woodland (Breen, 2014) 1.2.3 Biology:

The yellow montane violet is a perennial herb which overwinters as a short vertical rhizome, an underground stem, which persists more than one growing season (PAC, 2006). It takes at least two years for plants to become large enough to flower (GOERT, 2010). This violet is probably pollinated by the same species that pollinate closely related violets: flies, butterflies, solitary bees and thrips (SARA, 2014). Cross pollination and self-pollination (if second flower is produced) is the only means of reproduction for yellow montane violets for they are incapable of asexual reproduction (SARA, 2014). After flower production and pollination, seeds are then produced with the fruit. Seed production appears to be very important in the maintenance and spread of this species into new habitats; seeds are explosively ejected as far as 1 meter from the capsules (SARA, 2014). The seeds are hard and shiny that may attract insects, which disperse the seeds even further from the parent plant (SARA, 2014).

Figure 10: Yellow Montane Violet Capsules (Ceska, A. 2010)

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1.2.4 Lifecycle: When overwintering ends, the leaves emerge early in the spring. With spring weather the soil has warmed up and in the beginning of March is when the shoot dormancy ends (COSEWIC, 2007). The plants are usually leafed out by late April or early May (COSEWIC, 2007). The larger flowers bloom (opens for cross-pollination) in late April and May and the closed inconspicuous flowers (self-pollinated) bloom somewhat later (COSEWIC, 2007. Zevit, 2010). Fruit dispersal can start in June and all seeds are released by late July (COSEWIC, 2007). The foliage begins to wither by mid-to late June and the shoots dieback to the rhizome by mid- to late July as the summer drought deepens (COSEWIC, 2007). Once the dieback has occurred with the addition of cooling temperature, the shoots become dormant overwinter.

Table 1: Viola praemorsa spp. praemorsa Seasonal Life Cycle throughout the Year (Zevit, 2010) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Underground Shoots and Leaves emerge rhizome early March, Flowers bloom till May, Production of Seeds till June Seed Dispersal

Die Back and Drought

Overwintering begins, shoots become dormant, plant subsists as an underground rhizome

1.2.5 Threats:

The steady increase of human developments in southeastern Vancouver Island is having direct impact on yellow montane violets. Residential and recreational developments result in habitat fragmentation and destruction, which is the prevalent threat to the yellow montane violet population in B.C. (SARA, 2014). Habitat fragmentation and anthropogenic activities result in the alteration of ecosystem processes and increases in exotic species (SARA, 2014). These changes have had cumulative negative effects on these violets. Most of the yellow montane

S. Breen 15 violet’s remaining habitat has been heavily altered by the invasion of exotic shrubs, and especially invasive grasses (SARA, 2014). These plants are competition for resources; nutrients, water, and access to light (SARA, 2014). Further, the dense turf formed by grasses prevents the successful germination and establishment of the violet’s seedlings (PCA, 2006). To reiterate, the introduction of invasive species into the yellow montane violet’s habitat results in the alteration nutrient cycling, displacement of other native plants and animals, increased predation, disease introduction, and facilitation of the spread of other non-native species.

Garry oak ecosystems that support yellow montane violets have been maintained in the past by natural and human lit fires (GOERT, 2011). With the absence of landscape burning, a successful traditional land management practice used by First Nations, the vegetation structure has changed these habitats (SARA, 2014). Fire suppression contributes to the decline of Garry oak ecosystems by allowing the native trees such as red alder (Alnus rubra) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and native shrubs such as common snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) to take an imbalanced role in the historical species composition of the ecosystem (GOERT, 2011). These trees and shrubs generate more competition and create shading for the shade intolerant violets spp.praemorsa. Without fires in these habitats, the composition of the herbaceous plant community changes, the soil fertility levels are altered and the amount of bare soil available for germination decreases (GOERT, 2011).

In addition to habitat degradation, invasive species and fire suppression, trampling along foot paths that go through yellow montane violet populations is another known threat to the species (SARA, 2014).

1.2.6 Status: Yellow montane violets are of conservation concern. The British Columbia Ministry of Environment considers yellow montane violet to be a ‘Red-listed’ species in B.C. (COESWIC, 2007). In British Columbia, the species is not protected under any provincial legislation (SARA, 2007). COESWIC classifies Viola praemorsa spp. praemorsa as ‘Endangered’ and it is protected under the federal SARA (SARA, 2007). One of the Salt spring populations extends onto federal lands, which are protected under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Of the 14 extant populations in Canada, only 1 population extends onto federal lands where it is protected (SARA, 2007).

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2.0 Project Plan Taking the above factors and information into consideration, the Summit Park project plan was formed. The basis of this project is the attempt to reverse the decline of an endangered species in an endangered ecosystem. This project plan was formed according to Society for Ecological Restoration International Primer on Ecological Restoration guidelines (2004).

An important step in planning a restoration project is knowing the species composition of the site, historically and presently (SER, 2004). Although it is not possible to restore the ecosystem fully to what it historically once was, it is still important to consider the ecosystems function and what does naturally succeed in the site (SER, 2004). The reference ecosystem for this project is a Garry oak woodland communities and grass-dominated meadows (See Species List in Appendix).

Restoration is needed for the yellow montane violets because they are a species of conservation concern due to habitat loss and the increase of invasive species. As we know, invasive species displace native populations of plants and animals by occupying habitat and competing for resources (Austin et al., 2008). Taking restorative action and removing invasive species will allow for native species to return into their natural landscape in such ecosystems.

The goal of this project is to increase the yellow montane violet population and increase the overall health of the Garry oak ecosystems. The objective of this project is to improve the habitat of the yellow montane violet in Summit Park by reducing the surrounding invasive species. The techniques that are used to achieve this goal and objective have received previous testing prior to their implementation in Summit Park. Paired with adaptive management, this project will be applying the restoration techniques that have been used in a neighbouring Garry oak ecosystem at Playfair Park.

2.0.1 Colleen O’Brien & Playfair Park

Colleen O’Brien is a long-time volunteer to Playfair Park in the District of Saanich B.C. The park is located in a Garry oak meadow where O’Brien has spent countless hours working to restore native wildflowers, specifically, yellow montane violets. O’Brien has taken a non- chemical approach in attempt to control annual bromes and other invasive grasses that are out competing native species. Her positive results have been impressive to local land managers and catching attention from the scientific community. Figure 11 displays a non-treated area on the

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right compared to one of O’Brien’s restorative areas in Playfair Park on the left. Here we can see two different ecosystems; the non-treated has high amounts of invasive grass species, while the treated side has an abundance of native camas flowers.

Figure 11: North End of O'Brien's Restoration area at Playfair Park (Breen, 2014)

After completing small scale trials over the years, O’Brien’s efforts can be described in layman’s terms as the following method. .

O’Brien’s techniques to control invasive species include:

1) Remove the seed bank from weeds and invasive grasses

2) Remove weeds in the area by hand making sure to remove the root

3) Pull the unwanted grasses tiller by tiller

4) After the summer drought, wait for fall rains to stimulate grass germination

5) Cover the treatment area with mulch made from Garry oak leaves and cardboard

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6) Check regularly to see when the seedlings are dead (after four to six weeks) and then remove the mulch

Figure 12: Map of (A) Playfair Park vs. (B) Summit Park Location (Google, 2014) 2.1 Project Approach 2.1.1 Site Conditions To begin the project, a visit to the site was made. At this time information and data were collected in order to classify the ecosystem. Site conditions will determine what plant communities can be supported on a piece of land; therefore they are the first attributes that should be determined before restoration begins (GOERT 2011). A species list is constructed and compared to the reference ecosystem species list to determine the exotic species (See Appendix). After comparing species, research is done to determine which species are invasive. The list of invasive are then prioritized for removal.

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2.1.2 Invasive species Removal

It is important to remove invasive species because once they are established it can be extremely difficult and costly to control or eradicate (Austin et al., 2008). Invasives compete with native plants for resources, and alter habitat conditions. Invasive grasses can create a dense turf that may effectively prevent the successful germination and establishment of native plant seedlings (PAC, 2006). For this project the removal of weeds, invasive shrubs, aggressive and invasive grasses became the priority.

2.1.3 Population Count A population count is a very useful tool in analyzing a species life history. After repeated surveys are completed, it allows the researcher to have a record of events in the species life relating to its growth, reproduction, distribution and survival. The targeted inventory for this project is the yellow montane violet. The last population count completed in Summit park was in 2009 (Gov. B.C., n.d.).

Figure 13: Summit Park - Map of Yellow Montane Violet Sub-population Locations (Gov B.C. nd.) 2.1.4 Mulch A mulch layer was added to the plots in order to reduce invasive grasses. Organic mulch is a material made from once- living organisms such as leaves. It is spread over the surface of soil as a protective cover and slowly decomposes into various nutrients that plants need (McCoy and Costanzo, 2013). There are multiple benefits of mulching an area. Mulch protects bare soil from the germination and growth of weeds and invasive plants, as well as smothers existing turf and invasive grasses through shading (McCoy and Costanzo, 2013). This best management

S. Breen 20 practiced was used for this project because it doesn’t kill deeply rooted perennials a.k.a. overwintering yellow montane violets. In addition to leaf mulch, sheet mulching method was used. Sheet mulching is also an effective way to shade out grasses. This type of mulching uses cardboard base layer as well as a material on top of the cardboard, in this instance, leaves. Sheet mulching can be effective for controlling grass or weeds because they will break down fairly quickly as they are smothered by the cardboard (McCoy and Costanzo, 2013). This layer also provides a dark, moist area to attract earthworms that will loosen up the soil as they tunnel through it (McCoy and Costanzo, 2013).

2.2 Budget & Tools

The budget for this project was $100 for tools and equipment. Most of the equipment was either borrowed from the UVic RNS program, given by the City, gifted by Colleen O’Brien or I had already owned the item. Thus far I have spent approximately $45 on supplies. List of Tools Used was a follows: Table 2: List of Tools Used in Summit Park Project Tools Used

o Hand Clippers o Rake o Large Cardboard o Butter Knife o Measuring Tape boxes o Hand Trowel o Plastic Quadrat o Mason Jar Lids o Shovel - 1m x 1m o Ground Pins o Flagging Tape o Handheld GPS o Camera o Caution Tape o Notebook o Pig Tail markers o Plant ID book o Pencil o Gloves (Pojar & Mackinnon, o Sample collection bag o ‘Restoration in 2004) o Vehicle progress’ sign o Grasses ID book o Bamboo Stakes o Wooden Stakes (Sikula, 1978) o Garry oak leaves o Weather appropriate o Garbage bags (Quercus garryana) clothing and footwear o Orange Flag Stakes

2.3 Project Schedule

In order to achieve this projects objective, the main approach was to eliminate the invasive grasses from continuing to overtake the Viola praemorsa spp. praemorsa habitat. This was

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carried out by removing the seed bank of unwanted species and the removal of invasive species. Mulch was added to the area to prevent the invasive grasses from growing late in the season. The work agenda can be seen in table 3. The project’s schedule can be seen below in tables 4 and can be compared to the yellow montane violet’s lifecycle seen in table 5.

Table 3: Summit Park Project Work Agenda Over the Seasons Season Work to be completed Spring - Removal of seed banks on the unwanted species (May- June) - Removal of weeds - Removal of invasive grasses - Removal of unwanted species - Viola praemorsa spp. praemorsa stem count Summer - Continued removal of seed banks, weeds and invasive grasses (Mid-June-Sept.) - Maintain boarders and protect from plots from flail Fall - Begin Quercus garryana leaf collection (Mid-Sept. - Dec.) - Continued removal of unwanted species and their seed banks - Lay cardboard and apply leaf mulch plot areas Winter - Plot up keep and maintenance (Dec.- Mid March) - Removal of leaf mulch and cardboard

Table 4: Summit Park Project Schedule Over the Calendar Year 2014 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Stake out plot areas, Removal of unwanted species and their seed banks; Extra caution taken in May and June around the violets

Y.M. Violet Population Collect Leaves October, Count Spread mulch and lay cardboard

Continued unwanted Removal of species removal, mulch and Plot area maintenance cardboard (2015)

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Table 5: Viola praemorsa spp. praemorsa Seasonal Life Cycle Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Underground Shoots and Leaves emerge rhizome early March, Flowers bloom till May, Production of Seeds till June Seed Dispersal

Drought and Die Back

Overwintering begins, shoots become dormant, plant subsists as an underground rhizome

3.0 Methods

On May 12, 2014, a meeting with Colleen O’Brien occurred at Playfair Park where she showed her restoration plots and land management techniques. The project at Summit Park is modelled after O’Brien’s successful work that has been completed in Playfair Park. A combination of methods where used to collect data and implement restoration at the Summit Park site.

3.1 Site Conditions Equipment used for examining site conditions: Handheld GPS, Notebook, pencil, camera, sample collection bag, plant ID book, grass ID book, hand clippers.

This project began with the first visit to the site on May 9, 2014, accompanied by Thomas Munson from the City of Victoria. This is when the Summit Park yellow montane violet population plot locations were determined and the site conditions were surveyed. Inventory was started by noting observed species, samples were taken of unknown species for further analysis and GPS coordinates where taken of plot locations.

3.2 Plots Equipment used for establishing plots: Measuring tape, Caution tape, wooden stakes, shovel, ‘restoration in progress’ signs,

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The plots were set up after the first walkthrough of the site. City workers then put up large wooden stakes with yellow caution tape to border plots for this population of violets in the park. Flailing occurs twice a year, during spring and at the end of summer at Summit Park. Plot 1 measure 33.88 ft. in length x 42.85 ft. in height therefore approximately 1451.76 square feet. Plot 2 dimesons are14.30ft in length x 25.7 ft. in height. Plot 2 is approximately 367.51 square feet. The GPS coordinate for Plot 1 is N 48 ° 26 729 W 123° 21 204. The GPS coordinate for Plot 2 is N 48° 26 727 W 123° 21 208.

Diagram1: Plot 1& 2 in Summit Park

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Figure 14: Spring– Project Area prior to Placement of Plot Boundaries Facing South (Breen, 2014)

Figure 1415: LateLate Spring Spring 2014 2014- Plots- Plots 1 and 1 2 and Facing 2 Facing South (Breens, South 2014)(Breens, 2014)

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3.3 Invasive Species Removal Equipment used for invasive species removal: Hand clippers, butter knife, hand trowel, gloves, garbage bags

Removal of invasive species needed to be completed with as little disturbance to the herbaceous flowers as possible. The removal of weeds and grasses was not completed in a 1 foot perimeter around the violets during the seed development time (May to mid- June). These patches were left until after seed dispersal in mid-June and then the unwanted vegetation was removed. To further ensure seed dispersal did not occur, all pulled vegetation was carefully placed into garbage bags and removed from site.

3.3.1 Weeds

The quest to reduce the invasive species began with the removal seed banks from the ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) because their seeds had already begun to disperse from the plant. Seed removal for all species involved trimming the plants shorter by cutting

Figure 17:16: Ribwort Plantain Seedbank off the seed head. Hand pulling with the assistance of a butter knife proved to be the easiest was to carefully

remove hairy cat’s ear (Hypochaeris radicata) and ribwort plantain by the root. When coming across a clump of weeds, hand pulling was started from the outside edge and then systematically dug out the plants. Camas stalks grew directly beside or sometimes even sharing the same hole in the ground as the plantain. Therefore diligence was required while removing plantain. When a camas bulb was accidently pulled, they were replanted.

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3.3.2 Grasses

First, the sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratumand) and (Alopecurus pratensis) meadow foxtail were targeted to be removed by hand or have their seed banks hand cut off. Removal of grasses was done with as little of disturbance to the violets as possible. California brome (Bromus carinatus) and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata ) where then targeted for removal. B.carinatus is a native species; however it grows aggressively and it was suggested to be removed from yellow montane violet habitat.

3.4 Population Count Equipment used for population count: Flagging tape, orange flag stakes, plastic quadrant 1m x 1m, notebook, pencil, bamboo stakes, pig tail markers, camera, handheld GPS

The yellow montane violet census was carried out in both plots. Starting in the southwest corner and working towards the southeast corner of the plot, the quadrat was placed down and moved directly to the right of the last quadrat. When the far east corner of the plot was reached, a new row was started on the west side of the plot directly north of the row below. This pattern of quadrat placement was continued throughout the plot. The corners of quadrats were flagged to easily see boarders.

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Figure 17: Quadrats Flagged in Plot 1 Facing West

98 99

90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97

82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89

73 74 75 76 77 78 77 78 79 80 81

64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72

55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63

46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Diagram 2 : Plot 1 Quadrats Numbers

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Y Z

U V W X

Q R S T

M N O P

I J K L

E F G H

A B C D

Diagram 3: Plots 2 Quadrats Alphabitized

Figure 18: Plot 2 Flagged Quadrats Facing Southwest

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All yellow montane violet plants were flagged. Then the stems were counted within a 1m x1m quadrat and recorded. There were a total of 99 quadrats in plot1 and 27 quadrats in plot2. The classification of the stems was as follows:

Table 6: Stem Count Classification Table: Adults vs. Seeded vs. Seedlings Life stage of Yellow Description Montane Violet Non-seeded Adult 4 - 5 Stems with fuzzy leaves without a seed capsule

Seeded Adult 4 - 5 Stems with fuzzy leaves with a seed capsule

Seedling 1-2 Stems with non-hairy leaves

Figure 19: A Group of Non-Seeded V.praemorsa spp. praemorsa Adults

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Figure 20a & 20b: V.praemorsa spp. praemorsa Seeded Adult (Left) and Seedling (Right)

3.5 Mulch Equipment used for Mulch: Rake, garbage bags, vehicle, gloves, large cardboard boxes, Mason jar lids, ground pins, Garry oak leaves

Mulch was made from Garry oak leaves from areas surrounding Summit Park. In attempt to replicate natural processes, only Garry oak leaves were used because they are what the yellow montane violets are naturally exposed to in the fall. Leaf collection began in mid-September when the leaves started to fall. Most of the leaves were collected from the parking lots surrounding Summit Park. This was done in order to reduce the amount unwanted seeds that might be collected with the leaves when raking off of the grass. A rake, garbage bags and a vehicle to transport were used in the leaf collection. Approximately 60 - 77L garbage bags of leaves were collected. The mulch layer was approximately 10cm deep.

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In mid-October a sheet mulch method was applied to a section in plot 2. Brown cardboard (tape removed) was spread on and ground pins were used to secure the boxes to the ground. 6 – 10 cm of leaf mulch was placed on top of the cardboard.

Figure 21: Mason Jar Lid Groundpins

Figure 22: The Beginning of Sheet Mulch on Plot 2 3.6 Measures of Success

Measures of success for this project will require the routine monitoring of populations and habitat trends. An increase in yellow montane violet population size or an increase in the extent and area of occurrence would show positive progress towards recovery goal (PAC, 2006).

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4.0 Results & Observations & Interpretation

4.1 Site Conditions:

Table 7: Native and Non-Native Species List Observed at Summit Park

Scientific Name Common Name Alopecurus pratensis** meadow foxtail Anthoxanthum odoratum** sweet vernal grass Arrhenatherum eliatus** tall oat grass Camassia quamash common camas Bromus carinatus** California brome Bromus hordeaceus (= B. mollis)** soft brome Bromus sterilis** barren brome Dactylis glomerata** orchard grass Dicentra formosa Pacific bleeding heart Elymus glaucus blue wild rye Hypochaeris radicata* hairy cat’s ear Geranium molle* dovefoot geranium Lolium perenne** perennial ryegrass Plantago lanceolata** ribwort plantain Rubus procerus (= R. discolor, R. armeniacus)** Himalayan black berry Sanicula crassicaulis Pacific sanicle Symphoricarpos albus common snowberry Quercus garryana Garry oak Vicia villosa* hairy vetch Vicia sativa* common vetch Vulpia sp** fescues grasses genus * Non-native ** Considered invasive

4.2 Plots: A bordered plot was necessary to limit foot traffic from visitors to the site and protect the population from site ground maintenance specifically ‘flailing’. A flail mower uses knives instead of blades and operates by beating the grass (flailing it) and breaking it off (Powell, 2014).

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4.3 Invasive Species Removal:

When removing the invasive many observations were taken. During hand pulling of ribwort plantains, common camas bulbs grew almost directly out of the same hole that plantains did. There was more notably more common camas plants and Pacific sanicle (Sanicula crassicaulis) in the tall grasses located near the lower stalk of the grass.

A heavy mixture of Viola sp. and plantain were found in similar areas, most often found boarding taller grass areas. The Viola sp. that was found in the longer grass had tall, weak stems and did not have as many seeded adults. From this it can be concluded that these plants were using more energy trying to compete with surrounding grasses for sunlight.

Figure 23: Long, Weak Stems of V. praemorsa spp. praemorsa Found in Figure 24: V.praemorsa spp. praemorsa Found in Tall Grass Short Grass (Thomas, W., 2013)

4.4 Population Count: The following diagrams show what quadrats have Viola praemorsa spp. praemorsa growing within. Please see appendix for population census data.

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98 99

90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97

82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89

73 74 75 76 77 78 77 78 79 80 81

64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72

55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63

46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 Y Z

28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 U V W X

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Q R S T

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 M N O P

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 I J K L

E F G H Diagram 4: Quadrats in Plot 1that Contain Viola praemorsa spp. praemorsa A B C D

Diagram 5: Quadrats in Plot 2 that Contain Viola praemorsa spp. praemorsa

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The results from this project’s population count are summarized in Table 8. Table 8: Stem Count Results for Plot 1 and Plot 2

Adults Plot Number Seedlings # of Plants (Adults + Seedlings) Non-Seeded Seeded

1 245 135 69 449 2 92 8 0 100 Total 337 143 69 549

Chart1: Population % of Seeded Adults vs. Non-Seeded vs. Seedlings

During the population count that took place in 2009, 675 plants were observed in the 4 subpopulations in the Park . The single large population in the south of the park near the reservoir, where these plants are located equaled, 632 plants (Gov B.C, n.d.). According to this year’s results, this subpopulation has declined since 2009.

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4.5 Mulch:

FigureFigure 26 30: Sheet Mulch Complete on Plot 2 Facing South FigureFigure 25: Mulch31: Spread on Plot 1 & 2 - Facing North

5.0 Discussion & Recommendations

In order to achieve successful restoration of this endangered population, I recommend the following to take place at Summit Park in the near future: 1) Management is needed to maintain the removal of invasive species 2) Access to the sensitive habitat needs to be limited o The installation of split rail fence would better protect the Viola praemorsa spp. praemorsa population. The installation of a proper fence will discourage park users and their animals from disturbing the sensitive plants. Research on how to fundraise or finding a sponsor to finance such a fence would be needed. 3) Flailing that occurs in Summit Park should be stopped o This disperses invasive species’ seed, creating a monocrop of agricultural and invasive grasses therefore decreasing the biodiversity of the endangered ecosystem in the park. 4) More effort should be taken to fill in knowledge gaps about yellow montane violets. o Information gaps include: species distribution and population status, species demography, effects of fire suppression, exotic species and restoration activities on species and habitats (PAC, 2006).

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o Further, a research strategy should be established to better understand invasive species biology and eradication activities on other species and habitats (PAC, 2006). 5.1 Suggested Improvements for Project

Stewardship involves the voluntary cooperation the human community to protect Species at Risk and the ecosystems they rely on (PAC, 2006). Encouragement of stewardship within the local restoration community could greatly assist the increase of the Viola praemorsa population and maintenance of population health. I will try my best achieve continuation of this project by passing the idea to a fellow RNS student who are finishing their diplomas in the near future.

There are many things that I learnt from this project about the processes of ecological restoration. I experienced how to connect with my local restoration community, used tools that I had learnt how to use in school, and how to effectively collect data in the field. I became more familiar with Garry oak ecosystems and expanded my knowledge on why it is so important to protect them and the species found within them. While constructing my project, I

Realized the number of factors that a researcher must take into account when preparing for a restoration plan and carrying out the ecological restoration process. Consequently, if something is over looked, it can greatly impact the outcomes of your project. In retrospect, there are six key improvements I would implement for future work on the plots to increase efficiency and perhaps overall success of the project. These six key improvements are explained in the pages to follow.

1) Ask for help when it is needed a. Get volunteers involved with labour heavy tasks such as tallying the yellow montane population, the removal of grasses, and the raking and moving of leaves. I was reluctant to ask for help because of the sensitive nature of the plants during the seed development and did not want to risk people in the plot when harm to the plants could easily occur. However, if I did ask for help for the removal of invasive grass later on in the project, I would have been more successful in thoroughly removing more of the grasses.

b. Get help with identification of species.

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Trying to identify grasses species proved to be quite the challenge. If help was pursued earlier in the project, less time and energy would have been wasted and therefore available to work on other tasks.

2) Start restoration earlier in the spring season This project started in mid-May, missing this populations flower in bloom. It was also a scramble to remove the seeds of invasive species before the seeds dropped. In order to see yellow montane violet’s flowers in bloom and to get a head start on the removal of invasive species seed banks, I would recommend starting earlier in the season.

3) Take more photos throughout the project to document changes that do occur.

4) Try to determine what native flora and grasses to plant as an alternative to the invasive grasses found on site. Regrettably I did not look into this opportunity at all.

5) Collect data on all populations on site. Only data was collection on the large population. There are 3 smaller patches of yellow montane violets in Summit Park.

6) Always execute a project with adaptive management. If something in the plan needs to be changed then do so for overall project success.

5.2 Future Possibilities

The distribution of yellow montane violet in B.C. lies at the heart of one of North America’s fastest growing regions, metropolitan Victoria B.C. (COSEWIC, 2007). The population of Greater Victoria has increased from approximately 180,000 in 1966 to

338,738 in 2005 and is projected to increase to 407,600 by 2026 (COSEWIC, 2007). With the continued increase of human activities, there is continued degradation of Garry oak ecosystems and an increase of destructive effects on the yellow montane violet population. Disturbance to rare plant species and communities must be minimized during this increase in human activities

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(Zevit, 2010).Wherever suitable habitat does occur, land managers and land owners must ensure development or recreational activities do not disturb or encroach on sensitive areas (Zevit, 2010).

There are numerous possibilities for the outcome of the Summit Park site. There are a number of issues that need to be addressed in order to achieve increase in health, regarding individual species as well as habitats. It has been suggested to possibly expand Summit Park (COV, 2011). This expansion of Summit Park will give the species more area to establish a larger population; however I think the bigger picture needs to be more closely examined. Focusing on the entire population of yellow montane violets in Canada, we need to address that human developments are impairing ecological integrity. Viola praemorsa spp. praemorsa that are currently in provincial areas and parks need to be under more protection from such developments. Protection needs to be strictly enforced and knowledge needs to be shared with surrounding communities. Pressure needs to be applied provincial government enhance conservation values in protected landscapes. In addition to the reversal of species decline, protecting these natural spaces, biodiversity and recreation values should not been overlooked because they have enormous value to the local economy (PAC, 2006).

6.0 Conclusion

The yellow montane violet populations are in a constant decline. Their habitat loss is due to the fact that they ecosystem they exist in is constantly being degraded. Humans are the prime suspect for damaging ecosystems, decreasing biodiversity locally and worldwide. Where biodiversity intersects with the ever-increasing human use of land and resources, species and ecosystems will suffer (Austin et al., 2008). With the loss of biodiversity come extinctions.

Overall, implementation of restoration can have many positive effects on biodiversity and ecosystem health. Restoration requires an indefinitely long-term commitment of land, resources, and continued management in order to increase the chance of progression. However, the recovery of a Species at Risk and restoration of endangered habitats will greatly contribute to biodiversity; improve health and functioning of the environment (PAC, 2006). Allowing for more opportunities to appreciate these special species in such places, and can greatly contribute to overall social wellness (PAC, 2006). Our society continually increases the pace of production and development thereby deepens the demand on the environment. Many are unable to take the

S. Breen 40 time to connect with nature and we are left at a constant state of disconnect; with Mother Nature and with each other. We must start to make serious shifts in the paradigms that make up our society today and change our everyday routines that constantly degrade the ecosystems that we so greatly depend on for our survival and wellness. Community building and making connections across disciplines are steps in the right direction towards to a systems change.

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References

Austin, M.A., D.A. Buffett, D.J. Nicolson, G.G.E. Scudder and V. Stevens (eds.). 2008. Taking Nature’s Pulse: The Status of Biodiversity in British Columbia. Biodiversity BC, Victoria, BC. 268 pp. www.biodiversitybc.org.

City of Edmonton. 2013. Natural Areas & Urban Biodiversity. City of Edmonton website. Retrieved on November 30, 2014 from http://www.edmonton.ca/environmental/natural- areas.aspx

City of Victoria. 2011. Summit Park Management Plan. Final Draft. Unpublished work. City of Victoria. Victoria, B.C.

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada . 2007. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the yellow montane violet, praemorsa subspecies, Viola praemorsa ssp. praemorsa, in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vii + 24 pp. (www.sararegistry.gc.ca/status/status_e.cfm)

Fuchs, M. 2001. Towards a Recovery Strategy for Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems in Canada: Ecological Assessment and Literature Review. Technical Report GBEI/EC-00- 030. Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacific and Yukon Region.

Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team, 2003. Invasive Species in Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems in British Columbia. Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team, Victoria, BC.

Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team. 2010. Species at Risk in Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems in British Columbia (Viola praemorsa ssp. praemorsa.) Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team, Victoria, BC.

Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team, 2011. Restoring British Columbia’s Garry Oak Ecosystems: Principles and Practices. Retrieved on November 30, 2014. From http://www.goert.ca/gardeners_restoration/restoration.php

Government of British Columbia. No Date. Generalized Locations Viola praemorsa ssp. praemorsa (Yellow Montane Violet). Retrieved on November 30, 2014 from http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/eoMap.do?id=14985

MacKinnon, A. Pojar, J., & Alaback, P. B. 2004. Plants of the Pacific Northwest coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska.

McCoy, M. and Costanzo, B. 2013. Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team- Guidelines for Mulching in Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems. GOERT Restoration & Management RIG members. Retrieved on December 7, 2014 from www.goert.ca/documents/GOERT-Mulch-BMPs.pdf

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Ministry of Forests. 1999. The Ecology of the Coastal Douglas- fir Zone. B.C. Ministry of Forests. Retrieved on November29, 2014. From www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/douglasfir.pdf

Ministry of Environment. 2014. Frequently Asked Questions: Species and Ecosystems at Risk. Province of British Columbia. Retrieved on November 30, 2014. From http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/faq.htm#

Ministry of Environment, 1993. Garry Oak Ecosystems. Province of British Columbia. Retrieved on November 30, 2014. www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/garryoak.pd

Parks Canada Agency. 2006. Recovery Strategy for Multi-Species at Risk in Garry Oak Woodlands in Canada. In Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Ottawa: Parks Canada Agency. 58 pps.

Powell, T. 2014. When the Mowing Get Rough. Grounds Maintenance for Golf & Green Industry Professionals. Penton Media Inc. Website. Retrieved on December 7, 2014. From http://grounds-mag.com/mag/grounds_maintenance_mowing_gets_rough/

Sikula, J. 1978. Grasses: A Concise Guide in Colour. Toronto, ON. Hamlyn Publishing group .

Simon Fraser University. No date. The Virtual Village Project. Coast Salish. Songhees. Simon Fraser University: The Bill Reid Centre website. Retrieved November 30, 2014. From http://www.sfu.ca/brc/virtual_village/coast_salish/Songhees.html

Society for Ecological Restoration International Science & Policy Working Group, 2004. The SER International Primer on Ecological Restoration. www.ser.org & Tucson: Society for Ecological Restoration International.

Species at Risk Act. 2014. Species Profile: Yellow Montane Violet praemorsa subspecies. Retrieved November 30, 2014, from http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/speciesDetails_e.cfm?sid=239

Thompson. R., and Starzomski. B., 2007. What does biodiversity actually do? A review for policy makers and managers. Biodiversity and Conservation 16: 1359-1378 DOI: 10.1007/s10531-005- 6232-9

Zevit, P., 2010. BC’s Coast Region: Species & Ecosystems of Conservation Concern Yellow Montane Violet (Viola praemorsa ssp. praemorsa) Factsheet. Retrieved on November 23, 2014 from: http://ibis.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/factsheets/pdf/Viola_praemorsa_ssp._praemorsa.pdf

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Appendix I. Glossary

Adaptive Management: a problem-solving approach which takes existing knowledge, explores alternatives, makes predictions of their outcomes, selects actions to implement, and monitors to determine if the outcomes match the predictions; these results are then used as a learning exercise and a basis to adjust future management plans and policy.

Biodiversity: the variety, distribution, and abundance of different plants, animals, microorganisms, the ecological functions and processes they perform, and the genetic diversity they contain at local, regional, and/or landscape level

Biogeoclimatic zones: the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) is a land classification system that groups together ecosystems with similar climate, soils, and vegetation. This classification was developed in British Columbia and is widely used as a framework for resource management as well as for scientific research. In British Columbia, there are 14 biogeoclimatic zones identified, which are further refined into subzones and variants.

Ecological restoration: the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged or destroyed

Ecosystem: a complex system of living organisms (plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms), together with their abiotic environment (soil, water, air, nutrients) that function together to circulate nutrients and create a flow of energy which creates biomass, structure in the living community, and a change in ecosystem form and function over time

Tiller: Is the stem of a grass species

(All above definitions are from (GOERT, 2011).

a. COSEWIC COSEWIC : The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada assesses the national status of wild species, subspecies, varieties, or other designatable units that are considered to be at risk in Canada. They provide science based assessments on the conservation status of native Canadian taxa including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, arthropods, molluscs, vascular plants, mosses, and lichens They are the advising body for the federal government pertaining to the Species at Risk Act.

COSEWIC Definitions (2007): Wildlife Species: A species, subspecies, variety, or geographically or genetically distinct population of animal, plant or other organism, other than a bacterium or virus, that is wild by

S. Breen 44 nature and is either native to Canada or has extended its range into Canada without human intervention and has been present in Canada for at least 50 years Extinct (X): A wildlife species that no longer exists. Extirpated (XT): A wildlife species no longer existing in the wild in Canada, but occurring elsewhere. Endangered (E): A wildlife species facing imminent extirpation or extinction. Threatened (T): A wildlife species likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed. Special Concern (SC): A wildlife species that may become a threatened or an endangered species because of a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats. Not at Risk (NAR): A wildlife species that has been evaluated and found to be not at risk of extinction given the current circumstances. Data Deficient (DD): A category that applies when the available information is insufficient (a) to resolve a species’ eligibility for assessment or (b) to permit an assessment of the species’ risk of extinction. (All above definitions are from (COSWIC, 2011).

b. Province of British Columbia Species at Risk Definitions

Blue-listed – Provincial designation for a taxon or plant community that is considered to be at risk, but is not Extirpated, Endangered, or Threatened. British Columbia’s Blue List includes all taxa considered to be Vulnerable in the province.

Endangered – Facing imminent extirpation or extinction.

Extirpated – No longer existing in the wild in a given jurisdiction or locality, but still occurring elsewhere.

Non-native species (alien species, exotic species) – A species that occurs in an ecosystem only as a result of human assistance, whether deliberate or accidental.

Occurrence (element occurrence) – An area where a species is or was present as an ecologically distinct unit. An element occurrence has practical conservation value as it represents a habitat that sustains or contributes to the persistence of the element.

Red-listed – Provincial designation for a taxon or plant community that is considered to be Extirpated, Endangered, or Threatened.

Threatened – Likely to become Endangered if limiting factors are not reversed.

Vulnerable – Of special concern due to characteristics causing particular sensitivity to human activities or natural events. (All above definitions are from (MoE, 2014).

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II. Species List c. Species List for Summit Park Plots Table7: Native and Non-Native Species Observed at Summit Park

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d. Species List for Garry oak Woodland Ecosystem (Reference Ecosystem)

Table 9: Garry oak Woodland Ecosystem Species List

Scientific Name Common Name Brodiaea elegans harvest brodiaea Bromus carinatus California brome Camassia quamash common camas Carex inops long-stoloned sedge Claytonia perfoliata miners lettuce Dicentra formosa Pacific bleeding heart Dodecatheon hendersonii broad-leaved shooting star Elymus glaucus blue wild rye Erythronium oregonum white fawn lily Galium aparine cleavers Holodiscus discolor oceanspray Mahonia aquifolium tall Oregon grape Melica subulata Alaska oniongrass Plectritis congesta sea blush. Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas fir Ranunculus occidentalis Western buttercup Sanicula crassicaulis Pacific sanicle Symphoricarpos albus common snowberry Quercus garryana Garry oak

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III. Population Count Data

Table 10: Population Count Results for Plot 1

Adults Quadrat # of Plants Number Seedlings (Adults + Non-Seeded Seeded Seedlings)

1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 4 2 1 3 6 5 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 11 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 0 13 0 0 0 0 14 0 0 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 17 5 0 0 5 18 0 0 0 0 19 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 21 0 0 0 0 22 1 1 0 2 23 0 0 0 0 24 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 0 26 0 0 0 0 27 0 0 0 0 28 0 0 0 0

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29 0 0 0 0 30 0 0 0 0 31 0 1 5 6 32 2 3 1 6 33 0 0 0 0 34 0 0 0 0 35 0 0 0 0 36 0 0 0 0 37 0 0 0 0 38 0 0 0 0 39 1 0 5 6 40 11 0 13 24 41 8 9 14 31 42 1 0 0 1 43 0 0 0 0 44 0 0 0 0 45 0 0 0 0 46 0 0 0 0 47 0 0 0 0 48 2 0 5 7 49 15 2 1 18 50 13 4 0 17 51 8 0 0 8 52 0 0 0 0 53 0 0 0 0 54 2 0 1 3 55 0 0 0 0 56 9 0 3 12 57 8 0 2 10 58 5 1 1 7 59 7 1 1 9 60 10 0 1 11 61 3 2 0 5 62 0 0 0 0 63 2 0 0 2

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64 5 9 0 14 65 14 6 3 23 66 20 11 3 34 67 4 4 1 9 68 2 0 0 2 69 6 2 0 8 70 2 1 0 3 71 0 0 0 0 72 7 5 0 12 73 5 3 0 8 74 9 8 2 19 75 2 3 0 5 76 3 3 4 10 77 5 2 0 7 78 0 2 0 2 79 1 6 0 7 80 1 6 0 7 81 8 2 0 10 82 0 5 0 5 83 3 2 0 5 84 2 0 0 2 85 1 2 0 3 86 4 0 0 4 87 1 2 0 3 88 2 8 0 10 89 7 8 0 15 90 4 4 0 8 91 3 0 0 3 92 0 0 0 0 93 0 0 0 0 94 0 0 0 0 95 6 4 0 10 96 2 1 0 3 97 0 0 0 0 98 1 1 0 2

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99 0 0 0 0 Total 245 135 69 449

Table 11: Population Count Results - Plot 2

Quadrat Adults # of Plants Letter Seedlings (Adults + Seeded Non –Seeded Seedlings)

A 0 0 0 0 B 0 0 0 0 C 0 0 0 0 D 0 0 0 0 E 0 0 0 0 F 0 0 0 0 G 0 0 0 0 H 2 0 0 2 I 0 0 0 0 J 3 0 0 3 K 9 0 0 9 L 9 0 0 9 M 0 1 0 1 N 7 0 0 7 O 15 1 0 16 P 8 1 0 9 Q 0 0 0 0 R 7 0 0 7 S 10 0 0 10 T 7 4 0 11 U 1 0 0 1 V 2 1 0 3 W 5 0 0 5 X 6 0 0 6 Y 0 0 0 0 Z 1 0 0 1 Total 92 8 0 100

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