A PROJECT WE’RE PROUD OF! – Part 2
Heterogeneity for biodiversity
This project to restore and create wetlands and hydric environments at Otterburn Park is a major one. Not only in terms of the 3.2 ha of land involved, but also in terms of biodiversity. Our goal was to bring back a healthy and diverse ecosystem. We helped design and implement marshes, swamps, flower meadows, a pond and more natural stretches of stream.
Heterogeneous vegetation
To achieve this, we developed a heterogeneous vegetation plan to mimic nature and, above all, to create different habitats for wildlife. We chose to create 12 different plant units. These are groups of specific plants planted or sowed together. We placed these various plant units throughout the site, according to the characteristics of the soil, hydrology and our restoration objectives. Depending on the species assemblage, we facilitated the re-establishment of a marsh or swamp, for example. To further increase heterogeneity, within the plant units themselves, the layout of the plants varied from one specific plantation site to another. Each plant unit could have from one to four different plant arrangements.
Heterogeneous soil
We also played with topography to increase heterogeneity. For instance, wetlands have a topography that varies in relation to the watercourse. This topography will have an impact on the establishment of plant species. Flood-tolerant species were those positioned closest to the watercourse. The Ministry had also asked us to create a habitat for pike spawning, and we can’t wait to see whether these fish will show up this year.
Heterogeneous animal facilities
We have also added facilities to encourage the return or establishment of other animal species. For example, the flower meadow targets pollinators, and the tree stumps offer refuges for small mammals, salamanders or insects…
In short, to recreate a functional natural environment, it’s important to offer diverse habitats for plants and animals. This project at Otterburn Park is an example of the restoration and creation of wetlands and hydric environments where heterogeneity is encouraged to recover the site’s biodiversity.
