riparian rangers mississauga final report
Transcription
riparian rangers mississauga final report
Association for Canadian Educational Resources (ACER) 92 Lakeshore Road East, Suite 219 Mississauga, ON L5G 4S2 Phone: 905-891-6004 Email: [email protected] Web: www.acer-acre.ca RIPARIAN RANGERS FINAL REPORT MISSISSAUGA FOR GREAT LAKES GUARDIAN COMMUNITY FUND November 2015 Riparian Rangers Report Mississauga Final Prepared by: Mike McMillan Riparian Rangers Mississauga Project and Data Manager Association for Canadian Educational Resources November 2015 RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 2 Table of Contents List of Figures................................................................................................................................... 4 List of Tables .................................................................................................................................... 5 Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................... 6 Riparian Rangers Mississauga Program ........................................................................................... 7 Restoration Areas ............................................................................................................................ 8 White Willow Common Restoration Area ....................................................................................... 9 Cloud condition: ........................................................................................................................ 17 Partially cloudy .......................................................................................................................... 17 Cloud condition: ........................................................................................................................ 18 Partially cloudy .......................................................................................................................... 18 Iceland Arena Restoration Area .................................................................................................... 20 Cloud condition: ........................................................................................................................ 28 Cloudy and overcast .................................................................................................................. 28 Birchwood Park Restoration Area ................................................................................................. 30 Cloud condition: ........................................................................................................................ 38 Planting in the morning – some clouds, mainly clear ............................................................... 38 Performance Measures ................................................................................................................. 40 IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS .......................................................................................................... 40 FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS ..................................................................................................... 40 SPECIES AND HABITAT ............................................................................................................... 40 SHORELINE AND TRAILS............................................................................................................. 41 WATER QUALITY ........................................................................................................................ 41 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................. 41 CLEAN-UP .................................................................................................................................. 42 MONITORING AND CONSERVATION ......................................................................................... 42 EDUCATIONAL MEASURES ........................................................................................................ 42 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT/KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER ............................................................ 43 Tracking Plant Growth ................................................................................................................... 45 White Willow Common Restoration Area: ................................................................................ 45 Iceland Arena Restoration Area ................................................................................................ 46 Birchwood Park Restoration Area ............................................................................................. 47 Conclusions.................................................................................................................................... 48 Recommendations......................................................................................................................... 48 Appendix 1: Educational Materials…………………………………..………………..........................................47 RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 3 Information poster of native species……………………………………….......................................48 Information poster on invasive species……………………………………......................................50 Information poster on the Riparian Rangers Mississauga program…….........................................51 Safety briefings for event days……………………………………………….....................................................52 List of Figures Figure 1: Map of Riparian Rangers Mississauga Restoration Areas ................................................ 8 Figure 2: Sketch map for White Willow Common Restoration Area............................................. 14 Figure 3: GPS map of White Willow Common Restoration Area .................................................. 15 Figure 4: White Willow commons before ..................................................................................... 19 Figure 5: White willow commons after ......................................................................................... 19 Figure 6: White Willow Common Before – middle of restoration area ........................................ 19 Figure 7: White Willow Common After – middle of restoration area ........................................... 19 Figure 8: Sketch Map for Iceland Arena Restoration Area ............................................................ 25 Figure 9: GPS Map for Iceland Arena Restoration Area ................................................................ 26 Figure 10: Iceland Arena Restoration Area Before – North side ................................................... 29 Figure 11: Iceland Arena Restoration Area After – North side ..................................................... 29 Figure 12: Arena Restoration Area Before – East side .................................................................. 29 Figure 13: Iceland Arena Restoration Area After – East side ........................................................ 29 Figure 14: Arena Restoration Area After – Amount of invasive buckthorn removed ................... 29 Figure 15: Sketch map for Birchwood Park Restoration Area ....................................................... 35 Figure 16: GPS Map for Birchwood Park Restoration Area ........................................................... 36 Figure 17: Birchwood Park Restoration Area – Before (a) ............................................................ 39 Figure 18: Birchwood Park Restoration Area – After (a) ............................................................... 39 Figure 19: Birchwood Park Restoration Area – Before (b) ............................................................ 39 Figure 20: Birchwood Park Restoration Area – After (b) ............................................................... 39 Figure 21: Species Survival Rate at white willow Commons ......................................................... 45 Figure 22: Intraspecies Mortality Rate at white willow Commons ............................................... 45 Figure 23: Species Survival rate at Iceland Arena Restoration Area ............................................. 46 Figure 24: intraspecies Mortality rate at Iceland Arena Restoration Area ................................... 46 Figure 25: Species survival rate at Birchwood park....................................................................... 47 Figure 26: Intraspecies Mortality Rate at Birchwood park............................................................ 47 RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 4 List of Tables Table 1:Planting and monitoring list for White Willow Common Restoration Area ..................... 10 Table 2:White Willow Common Restoration Area 2014 Data – Volunteers ................................. 11 Table 3:White Willow Common Restoration Area 2014 Data – ACER .......................................... 12 Table 4: White Willow Commons Restoration Area 2015 Re-measuring Data - ACER ................. 13 Table 5: GPS coordinates for White Willow Common Restoration Area ...................................... 16 Table 6: Anecdotal Report for White Willow Common Restoration Area – Planting Day ............ 17 Table 7: Anecdotal Report for White Willow Common Restoration Area – Monitoring Day ....... 18 Table 8: Planting and monitoring list for Iceland Arena Restoration Area ................................... 21 Table 9: Iceland Arena Restoration Area 2014 Data – Volunteers................................................ 22 Table 10: Iceland Arena Restoration Area 2014 Data – ACER ....................................................... 23 Table 11: Iceland Arena Restoration Area 2015 Re-measuring Data - ACER ................................ 24 Table 12: GPS coordinates for Iceland Arena Restoration Area.................................................... 27 Table 13: Anecdotal Report for Iceland Arena Restoration Area .................................................. 28 Table 14: Planting and monitoring list for Birchwood Park Restoration Area .............................. 31 Table 15: Birchwood Park Restoration Area 2014 Data – Volunteers .......................................... 32 Table 16: Birchwood Park Restoration Area 2014 Data – ACER.................................................... 33 Table 17: Birchwood Park Restoration Area 2015 Re-measuring Data - ACER ............................. 34 Table 18: GPS coordinates for Birchwood Park Restoration Area ................................................ 37 Table 19: Anecdotal Report for Birchwood Park Restoration Area............................................... 38 RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 5 Executive Summary As a partnership between the Association for Canadian Educational Resources (ACER) and the City of Mississauga, the Riparian Rangers Mississauga program adds to an ongoing strategy to restore and naturalize the northern part of the Lake Ontario Watershed. Riparian Rangers Mississauga aims to improve and protect the habitat of native species in the urbanized Lake Ontario Watershed, to enhance riparian buffer zones in order to mitigate flood risks, and to engage community members in long-term environmental restoration and monitoring. The program will restore and monitor three at risk riparian areas for a year by involving community volunteers and participants as citizen scientists: White Willow Common, buffer to Fletchers Creek in Mississauga Iceland Arena, buffer to Birchwood Creek in Mississauga Birchwood Park, buffer to Little Etobicoke Creek in Mississauga Riparian Rangers Mississauga has three steps. The first step is to remove invasive species and plant native trees and shrubs. The second step is to begin to collect data by engaging community members to monitor 10% of each tree species planted and to make this data accessible to the public. The third step is to collect cumulative data by engaging more community members to study climate change impacts over a long-term period. This report documents all the three steps and discusses the outcome and provide recommendations. Overall three invasive species (approximately 16 garbage bags in total) were managed between the restoration areas: dog-strangling vine, glossy buckthorn, and common reed. In terms of litter, a total of 5 bags were removed. White Willow Common had the highest density in terms of both invasive species and litter. A total of 60 from the 390 native trees planted (approximately 15%) across the restoration sites were monitored. Overall the trees were healthy when planted, with only mild seasonal insect damage. Once ACER performed Quality Assurance (Q.A.), volunteers had on average an 87.53% accuracy in their measurements and were more accurate measuring root collar and total height / Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) than crown width. While the program is a success thus far, it is recommended to focus on invasive species management in all restoration areas to improve the overall health of the White Willow Common Restoration Area to continue to develop new and interesting educational materials, and to engage more students and schools in the restoration program. RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 6 Riparian Rangers Mississauga Program The Riparian Rangers Mississauga program adds to an ongoing strategy to restore and naturalize the northern part of the Lake Ontario Watershed. Riparian Rangers Mississauga aims to improve and protect the habitat of native species in the urbanized Lake Ontario Watershed, to enhance riparian buffer zones in order to mitigate flood risks, and to engage community members over the long term in environmental restoration and monitoring. The program will restore three at risk riparian areas by involving community volunteers and participants as citizen scientists. Riparian Rangers Mississauga presents opportunities for community members to be involved in hands-on activities concerning restoration and long-term monitoring within sensitive ecosystems. Riparian zones are valuable areas, as water flowing from land into waterways often eventually flows into sources of drinking water. Vegetation along these areas will act to slow the flow of water, allowing for increased infiltration and less erosion. Extending vegetative buffer zones will help stabilize riverbanks, provide fish and wildlife habitat, and reduce water temperatures thus improving the overall health of the ecosystem. The program is comprised of three steps, the first two of which have already been accomplished. The first step was to remove invasive species and plant native trees and shrubs. For each restoration area trained youth volunteers, ACER staff, and the staff of the City of Mississauga planted 200-300 native trees and shrubs as well as managed invasive species. In the second step, ACER staff trained volunteers and community members is to begin to collect data and monitor at least 10% of each tree species planted are accessible to the public. The third step is to collect cumulative tree data. Volunteers will re-measure tree species in terms of growth and health to study climate change impacts over a long-term period. Baseline data from Riparian Rangers Mississauga collected by youth, students, and other community members acting as citizen scientists contributes to climate change research and will help to determine the overall health and success of the restoration areas. The results may aid other ecological restoration projects in selecting species that are best suited to restore at risk riparian areas in similar ecosystems. Through the program community members learn the importance and vulnerability of riparian areas, which native tree and shrubs species should be planted for environmental restoration, how to measure tree growth, as well as how invasive species can threaten ecologically sensitive areas and how to remove them. RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 7 Restoration Areas Three locations were selected for the program due to their vulnerability and current ecosystem health status. 1 2 3 Legend: Figure 1: Map of Riparian Rangers Mississauga Restoration Areas White Willow Common, buffer to Fletchers Creek in Mississauga Iceland Arena, buffer to Birchwood Creek in Mississauga Birchwood Park, buffer to Little Etobicoke Creek in Mississauga RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 8 White Willow Common Restoration Area Planting at the White Willow Common Restoration Area occurred on October 7th, 2014. Approximately 50 employees from Bond Brand Loyalty, 4 City of Mississauga staff members, and 4 ACER volunteers and staff members planted more than 175 native trees and 75 native shrubs species (see Table 1). This location has been part of an ongoing restoration project run by the City of Mississauga since the mid 1990s. On October 22nd, 2014, 19 youth Grade 10 and 11 students from St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School in Mississauga along with 4 ACER volunteers and staff removed invasive species, cleaned up litter surrounding the site, and monitored at least 10% of each tree species planted. This restoration site had the greatest amount of invasive species and litter. Behind and surrounding the planting area was a significant amount of Cynanchum rossicum & Cynanchum nigrum (dog-strangling vine) and Rhamnus frangula (glossy buckthorn). Acer negundo (Manitoba Maple) and Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard) were also present along trails and on the west side of the planting site. Due to their larger presence, closer proximity, and greater threat to the restoration area, volunteers focused on managing the dog-strangling vine and glossy buckthorn. There was also a significant amount of litter, mostly composed of disposable beverage and food containers, empty alcohol bottles, as well as random trash items. The volunteers really enjoyed removing invasive species and looking for interesting litter items. Approximately 4 garbage bags each of invasive species and litter were removed from the site. The large amount of litter present could be due to the location being frequented by youth; Mississauga Secondary School and St. Marcillinus Secondary School are in walking distance to the restoration area and is off of a public park. Volunteers also monitored approximately 14% of trees planted according to root collar, total height or Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), crown width, and overall health (see Table 2). ACER staff then performed Quality Assurance (Q.A.) by re-measuring at least one specimen of each tree species. This Q.A. was compared to the measurements that volunteers took to ensure accuracy; volunteers had an average of 87.77% accuracy on their measurements (see Table 3). The volunteer teacher expressed interest in returning to re-measure trees next year. Finally, a sketch map was created to show the distance between trees to be measured (see Figure 2), and their GPS locations were also recorded and entered into a GIS program (see Figure 3 and Table 4). Soil samples were also taken at three locations within the restoration area and will be sent for analysis. See Table 5 and Table 6 for the anecdotal reports of planting and monitoring days. See Figures 4-8 for before and after photos. RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 9 Table 1: Planting and monitoring list for White Willow Common Restoration Area Species Silver Maple Amount planted 25 Common Hackberry 25 Eastern Cottonwood 25 Ironwood 25 Black Cherry 25 Peach-leaf Willow 25 White Pine 25 Trees monitored 2014-WWC-3 2014-WWC-9 2014-WWC-20 2014-WWC-25 2014-WWC-1 2014-WWC-18 2014-WWC-21 2014-WWC-7 2014-WWC-13 2014-WWC-16 2014-WWC-23 2014-WWC-2 2014-WWC-6 2014-WWC-19 2014-WWC-8 2014-WWC-10 2014-WWC-14 2014-WWC-24 2014-WWC-4 2014-WWC-11 2014-WWC-15 2014-WWC-5 2014-WWC-12 2014-WWC-17 2014-WWC-22 Total number of trees planted: 175 Total number of trees to be monitored: 25 (~14%) Tags: 2014-WWC-01 – 2014-WWC-25 Common Elderberry 30 0 Meadowsweet 30 0 Chokeberry 15 0 Total number of shrubs planted: 75 Total number of shrubs monitored: 0 RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 10 Table 2: White Willow Common Restoration Area 2014 Data – Volunteers Planting Season / Year Fall/2014 Tree # 1 2 3 4 5 Common Hackberry Ironwood Silver Maple Peach-leaf willow White Pine 9 13 15 15 14 81 63 3 8 6 - Crown Width (cm) 2014 W1 W2 17 0 58 64 17 7 40 32 34 17 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Ironwood Eastern Cottonwood Black Cherry Silver Maple Black Cherry Peach-leaf willow White Pine Eastern Cottonwood Black Cherry Peach-leaf willow Eastern Cottonwood White Pine Common Hackberry Ironwood Silver Maple Common Hackberry White Pine Eastern Cottonwood 15 10 10 18 10 15 11 9 4 13 13 10 11 17 17 9 10 10 118 97 50 58 55 97.5 - 5 5 8 6 6 8 6 7 7 4 2 5 45 28 36 26 25 18 30 28 14 60 26 29 22 84 38 21 28 22 16 19 24 12 15 16 26 3 6.8 37 18 16 20 64 31 13 24 18 A, NB A, NB A, NB A, NB A, NB A, NB A, NB A, NB A, NB A, NB A, NB A A, NB A, NB A, LB A, NB A, NB A, NB Black Cherry Silver Maple 10 17 99 - 9 28 20 0 13 A, NB A, NB 25 Tree Species Root Collar (mm) 2014 Total Height* (cm) 2014 DBH (mm) 2014 Health Comments 2014 2014 A, NB A, NB A, NB A, NB A, NB - - - - Leaning - No branches on one side Insect, blight RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 11 Table 3: White Willow Common Restoration Area 2014 Data – ACER Planting Season / Year Tree # Tree Species Fall/2014 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Common Hackberry Ironwood Silver Maple Peach-leaf willow White Pine Ironwood Eastern Cottonwood Black Cherry Silver Maple Black Cherry Peach-leaf willow White Pine Eastern Cottonwood Black Cherry Peach-leaf willow Eastern Cottonwood White Pine Common Hackberry Ironwood Silver Maple Root Collar (mm) QA (%) Total Height* (cm) DBH (mm) 2014 2014 2014 2014 DBH and Total Height QA (%) 2014 Crown Width (cm) QA (%) Health Comments 2014 W1 W2 15.5 7 2014 2014 2014 9 100 79.5 - 98.11 75.56 A, NB - 13 84.62 - 6 100 50 21 98.59 A, NB - 11 90.91 - 4 75 28 15.5 91.95 A, NB - 11 90.91 95 - 97.89 25 12.5 93.33 A, NB - 11 100 56 - 89.29 35 25 93.33 A, NB 15 86.67 - 6 83.33 80 55 90.37 A, NB Height diameter 1.3m Height diameter 1.3m Common Hackberry 22 23 24 25 White Pine Eastern Cottonwood Black Cherry Silver Maple Volunteers Average Accuracy (%) - 12 58.33 87.35 - 8 87.50 90.16 25 17 78.57 A, NB not recorded, not measured at not recorded, not measured at - 88.81 RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 12 Table 4: White Willow Commons Restoration Area 2015 Re-measuring Data - ACER Remeasuring Day Tree # Tree Species Root (mm) Collar Total Height DBH (cm) (mm) Fall 2015 Crown Width CW1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Common Hackberry Ironwood Silver Maple Peach-leaf Willow White Pine Ironwood Eastern Cottonwood Black Cherry Silver Maple Black Cherry Peach-leaf Willow White Pine Eastern Cottonwood Black Cherry Peach-leaf Willow Eastern Cottonwood White Pine Common Hackberry Ironwood Silver Maple Common Hackberry White Pine Eastern Cottonwood Black Cherry Silver Maple 9 12.3 17.5 10.5 14.4 12 12.4 19.6 11 14.6 12.5 15 11.4 14 7 10.5 13 15.5 79.5 65.5 90 74.5 129.5 65 59.5 70.5 80.1 68.5 72.5 - 3 7 5.6 8 3.5 6.4 8 25 53 40.5 4 4 13 20 47 0 20 6.5 29.5 8.5 44.5 12 44 - CW2 19 45 16.5 0 0 7.5 19 38 0 7.5 0 29.5 0 26 0 26 - Health Comments A A Tree M A, HB Tree M A, HB Tree M Tree M A, HB A, HB A, HB A Tree M A, HB A, HB A, HB A A, LB A, HB Tree M A, LB Tree M A A A, HB RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 13 Note: Map not to scale 7 5 16 22 13 12 Figure 2: Sketch map for White Willow Common Restoration Area RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 14 Figure 3: GPS map of White Willow Common Restoration Area Fletchers Creek Mavis Road Planting Date: October 7th, 2014 Monitoring Date: October 22nd, 2014 Intersection: Mavis Road and Courtneypark Drive West, Mississauga ACER Staff: Victoria Binko, Kathryn Chin, Vijendra Adhikari ACER Volunteer: Nimesha Basnayaka RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 15 Table 5: GPS coordinates for White Willow Common Restoration Area Tag 2014-WWC-01 2014-WWC-02 2014-WWC-03 2014-WWC-04 2014-WWC-05 2014-WWC-06 2014-WWC-07 2014-WWC-08 2014-WWC-09 2014-WWC-10 2014-WWC-11 2014-WWC-12 2014-WWC-13 2014-WWC-14 2014-WWC-15 2014-WWC-16 2014-WWC-17 2014-WWC-18 2014-WWC-19 2014-WWC-20 2014-WWC-21 2014-WWC-22 2014-WWC-23 2014-WWC-24 2014-WWC-25 Tag # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Species Common Hackberry Ironwood Silver Maple Peach-leaf Willow White Pine Ironwood Eastern Cottonwood Black Cherry Silver Maple Black Cherry Peach-leaf Willow White Pine Eastern Cottonwood Black Cherry Peach-leaf Willow Eastern Cottonwood White Pine Common Hackberry Ironwood Silver Maple Common Hackberry White Pine Eastern Cottonwood Black Cherry Silver Maple Latitude Longitude 43.62673 -79.7132 43.62673 -79.7133 43.62682 -79.7135 43.62693 -79.7132 43.62691 -79.7134 43.62704 -79.7134 43.62703 -79.7133 43.62713 -79.7133 43.62693 -79.7132 43.62691 -79.7131 43.6269 -79.713 43.62682 -79.7132 43.62692 -79.7133 43.62694 -79.7134 43.62692 -79.7134 43.62705 -79.7132 43.62701 -79.7131 43.62698 -79.7132 43.62696 -79.7131 43.62702 -79.7131 43.627 -79.7131 43.62685 -79.7133 43.62672 -79.7135 43.62673 -79.7135 43.6267 -79.7132 RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 16 Table 6: Anecdotal Report for White Willow Common Restoration Area – Planting Day Site: White Willow Common Restoration Area Date: October 7, 2014 GPS (NW corner of site) or address: Mavis Rd and Courtneypark Drive West; 43.627012, 79.713074 Planting done by: Bond Brand Loyalty and the City of Mississauga # of participants: ~50 from Bond Brand Loyalty; 4 from the City of Mississauga ACER Staff: Vickie Binko, Vijendra Adhikari, Kathryn Chin Volunteers: Nimesha Basnayaka Cloud condition: Partially cloudy Temperature: 17° C Animal sightings: N/A Site condition: Lots of invasive species: dog-strangling vine behind planting area, glossy buckthorn behind planting area as well as along trail and river, Manitoba Maple on trail leading to planting site, garlic mustard on west side of planting site. Lots of litter. High river and flowing fast. Previous plantings from restoration projects starting in the mid 1990s; mix of mature and semi-mature trees. Notable weather conditions: N/A Tree/Shrub status: Healthy, mild insect damage, Ironwoods are losing leaves Ground flora condition: Shrubby (mainly Goldenrod) with long grasses and sedges. Ecosystem indicators: Riparian area, meadow like, walking trail, located between two high schools off of public park, appears to be a local hang out spot, lots of invasive species and litter. Has been restored since the 1990s by the City of Mississauga. Planting techniques: City of Mississauga planting protocols Psycho-social group dynamics: Adults, corporate planting, planted ~300 trees and shrubs (planted extra trees not planted in another location) Other factors that may influence the data: Monitoring team from St. Joan of Arc Catholic SS (19 students from grades 10-11) coming Oct 22 Notes: N/A RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 17 Table 7: Anecdotal Report for White Willow Common Restoration Area – Monitoring Day Site: White Willow Common Restoration Area Date: October 22, 2014 GPS (NW corner of site) or address: Mavis Rd and Courtneypark Drive West; 43.627012, 79.713074 School Staff: Roy Gucciardi, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School # of students: 19 students (Grades 10 and 11) ACER Staff: Vickie Binko, Vijendra Adhikari, Kathryn Chin Volunteers: Nimesha Basnayaka Cloud condition: Partially cloudy Temperature: 12°C Animal sightings: Birds Site condition: Lots of invasive species: dog-strangling vine behind planting area, glossy buckthorn behind planting area and along trail and river, Manitoba Maple on trail leading to planting site, garlic mustard on west side of planting site. Dog-strangling vine and glossy buckthorn was removed. Lots of litter: water bottles, alcohol bottles, tire, couch, and random trash. Removed approximately 8 bags of littler and invasive species. Notable weather conditions: Sunny, warm, 16km/hour winds Tree/Shrub status: Healthy, leaves fallen, at least one has been browsed and one shrub missing since Oct 7 planting. Ground flora condition: Shrubby (mainly Goldenrod) with long grasses and sedges. Ecosystem indicators: Riparian area, meadow like, walking trail, located between two high schools off of public park, local hang out spot, lots of invasive species and litter. Has been restored since the 1990s by the City of Mississauga. Planting techniques: City of Mississauga planting protocols Psycho-social group dynamics: High school students (grades 10 and 11); 2 special education students Other factors that may influence the data: Heights not taken on trees 21 and 22; diameter measured but not at 1.3m Notes: Lots of trash, removed invasive species RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 18 Figure 5: White willow commons after Figure 4: White Willow commons before Figure 6: White Willow Common Before – middle of restoration area Figure 7: White Willow Common After – middle of restoration area RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 19 Iceland Arena Restoration Area A community planting and monitoring event was held at the Iceland Arena Restoration Area on October 18th, 2014 hosted by the City of Mississauga, ACER, and EcoSource. Approximately 75 youth and adult volunteers from the Mississauga Chinese Alliance Church, 20 youth volunteers from the Peel Environmental Youth Organization (PEYA), 3 City of Mississauga staff, 2 EcoSource staff, and 3 ACER staff planted more than 125 native trees and 175 native shrubs species (see Table 7), removed invasive species, cleaned up litter surrounding the site, and monitored at least 10% of each tree species planted. This restoration site had a great deal of mature glossy buckthorns, therefore volunteers focused on removing manageable buckthorn due to its large and established presence in close proximity to the restoration area. Smaller amounts of Phragmites australis (common reed) and garlic mustard were also present but were not managed due to time constraints. Since the restoration site was next to a well-managed trail, a limited amount of litter was removed and composed mainly of disposable food and beverage containers. Approximately 4.5 garbage bags worth of invasive species and 0.5 bags of litter were removed from the restoration site. Volunteers also monitored 12% of trees planted according to root collar, total height or DBH, crown width, and overall health (see Table 8). ACER staff then performed Q.A. by re-measuring at least one sample of each tree species. This Q.A. was compared to the measurements to volunteers took to ensure accuracy; volunteers had an average of 84.77% accuracy on their measurements and had less accuracy measuring crown width (76.19% accuracy) than root collar (94.83% accuracy) and total height / DBH (83.3% accuracy) (see Table 9). Finally, two types of mapping were used. A sketch map was created to show the distance between trees to be measured (see Figure 9 and Table 10), and their GPS locations were recorded and entered into a GIS program (see Figure 10). Soil samples were also taken at three locations within the restoration area and will be sent for analysis. See Table 11 for the anecdotal report of the event day. See Figures 11-15 for before and after photos. RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 20 Table 8: Planting and monitoring list for Iceland Arena Restoration Area Species Eastern White Cedar Amount planted 25 Peach-leaf Willow 25 Trembling Aspen 25 Silver Maple 25 Tulip Tree 25 Trees monitored 2014-ICE-02 2014-ICE-05 2014-ICE-09 2014-ICE-03 2014-ICE-04 2014-ICE-08 2014-ICE-01 2014-ICE-06 2014-ICE-07 2014-ICE-11 2014-ICE-12 2014-ICE-15 2014-ICE-10 2014-ICE-13 2014-ICE-14 Total number of trees planted: 125 Total number of trees to be monitored: 15 (12%) Tags: 2014-ICE-01 – 2014-ICE-15 Staghorn Sumac 25 0 Red Osier Dogwood 25 0 Roundleaf Dogwood 25 0 Serviceberry 25 0 Highbush Cranberry 25 0 Smooth Rose 25 0 Flowering Raspberry 25 0 Total number of shrubs planted: 175 Total number of shrubs monitored: 0 RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 21 Table 9: Iceland Arena Restoration Area 2014 Data – Volunteers Planting Season / Year Fall/2014 Tree # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Tree Species Trembling Aspen Eastern White Cedar Peach-lead Willow Peach-lead Willow Eastern White Cedar Trembling Aspen Trembling Aspen Peach-lead Willow Eastern White Cedar Tulip Tree Silver Maple Silver Maple Tulip Tree Tulip Tree Silver Maple Root Collar (mm) Total Height* (cm) DBH (mm) 2014 2014 2014 17 17 14 14 24 17 19 14 16 23 15 20 17 20 14 108 86 98 - 9 5 4 10 10 5 12 7 6 7 9 7 Crown Width (cm) W1 71 102 65 60 38 79 86 42 78 78 31 34 32 50 28 2014 W2 52 43 63 50 35 51 52 42 57 72 0 14 22 32 6 Health Comments 2014 2014 A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 22 Table 10: Iceland Arena Restoration Area 2014 Data – ACER Planting Season / Year Tree # Tree Species Root Collar (mm) QA (%) Total Height* (cm) DBH (mm) 2014 2014 2014 2014 DBH and Total Height QA (%) 2014 Trembling Aspen Eastern White Cedar Peach-lead Willow 17 100 - 8 87.50 Peach-lead Willow Eastern White Cedar Trembling Aspen Trembling Aspen Peach-lead Willow Eastern White Cedar Tulip Tree 14 100 - 2 79.31 99 - 10 Fall/2014 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Silver Maple Silver Maple Tulip Tree Tulip Tree Silver Maple Volunteers Average Accuracy (%) 14 29 Crown Width (cm) QA (%) Health Comments 2014 W1 W2 63 40 2014 2014 2014 80.58 A 50 51 46 86.56 A 98.99 80 78 57 47 44 92 51.49 A A Measured tallest stem No branches perpendicula r to W1 20 100 94.83 - 6 100 83.3 29 8 70.27 A 76.19 RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 23 Table 11: Iceland Arena Restoration Area 2015 Re-measuring Data – ACER Remeasuring Day Tree # Tree Species Root Collar Total Height DBH (mm) (cm) (mm) Crown Width 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Trembling Aspen Eastern White Cedar Peach-leaf Willow Peach-leaf Willow Eastern White Cedar Trembling Aspen Trembling Aspen Peach-leaf Willow 17 18 16 21.5 16 18 18 84 107.5 - 10 4 5 11 6 9 Eastern White Cedar 16.6 103.5 - 75 54 A 10 11 12 13 14 15 Tulip Tree Silver Maple Silver Maple Tulip Tree Tulip Tree Silver Maple 29 23 19 24 19 - 14 12 10 11.5 8 39 50 36.5 31 45.5 34.5 47 27.5 43 21.5 A Tree M A A A A Fall 2015 CW1 CW2 69 37.5 55 46 38 16 31.5 20.4 51 64 86 76 38 37.5 Health A A A A A A Tree M A Comments Bare branches Bare branches Bare branches Yellow scales Bare branches Some yellow scales Broken terminal bud Bare branches RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 24 Note: Map not to scale 11 12 15 Figure 8: Sketch Map for Iceland Arena Restoration Area RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 25 Figure 9: GPS Map for Iceland Arena Restoration Area Tennis Court Little Etobicoke Creek Indian Summer Trail Date: October 18th, 2014 Intersection: Kennedy Raid and Matheson Boulevard East, Mississauga ACER Staff: Victoria Binko, Kathryn Chin, Vijendra Adhikari RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 26 Table 12: GPS coordinates for Iceland Arena Restoration Area Tag Number 2014-ICE-01 2014-ICE-02 2014-ICE-03 2014-ICE-04 2014-ICE-05 2014-ICE-06 2014-ICE-07 2014-ICE-08 2014-ICE-09 2014-ICE-10 2014-ICE-11 2014-ICE-12 2014-ICE-13 2014-ICE-14 2014-ICE-15 Tag # 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 Species Trembling Aspen Eastern White Cedar Peach-leaf Willow Peach-leaf Willow Eastern White Cedar Trembling Aspen Trembling Aspen Peach-leaf Willow Eastern White Cedar Tulip Tree Silver Maple Silver Maple Tulip Tree Tulip Tree Silver Maple Latitude 43.626187 43.62616 43.626173 43.626164 43.626145 43.626141 43.626131 43.626131 43.62609 43.62597 43.62591 43.625854 43.625842 43.625692 43.625585 Longitude -79.6474 -79.647315 -79.647189 -79.647109 -79.647158 -79.646919 -79.646812 -79.646732 -79.646709 -79.646682 -79.646771 -79.646854 -79.6468 -79.646961 -79.647005 RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 27 Table 13: Anecdotal Report for Iceland Arena Restoration Area Site: Iceland Arena Restoration Area GPS (NW corner of site) or address: Kennedy Rd and Matheson Blvd E; 43.625261, 79.646845 Date: October 18, 2014 Planting done by: Mississauga Chinese Alliance Church, Peel Environmental Youth Alliance (PEYA); organized by the City of Mississauga, EcoSource, and ACER (community event) # of participants: ~75 youth and adults from the Mississauga Chinese Alliance Church; 20 from PEYA; 3 from the City of Mississauga; 2 EcoSource staff ACER Staff: Vickie Binko, Vijendra Adhikari, Kathryn Chin Volunteers: N/A Cloud condition: Cloudy and overcast Temperature: 10°C Animal sightings: Green frog, birds Site condition: River along maintained trail (paved, mowed grass). Planted in three areas: along riverside, along forested edge, along meadow section (only shrubs). Lots of mature glossy buckthorn along riverside and forested edge; patch of garlic mustard in northeast area of planting; common reed in northwest area. Mature trees and meadow conditions. EcoSource community garden in center of planting area. Notable weather conditions: Warm with cool breeze Tree/Shrub status: Healthy Ground flora condition: Mowed along planting areas, grasses and shrubs. Ecosystem indicators: Riparian zone, forested edge, meadow section (mixed environment) Planting techniques: City of Mississauga planting protocols Psycho-social group dynamics: Operated in 3 groups with ~35 participants in each (~3-5 youth per group from the Mississauga Chinese Alliance Church), 20 youth from PEYA: ~30 youth in total Other factors that may influence the data: Less accurate measuring DBH and crown width than root collar and total height Notes: N/A RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 28 Figure 10: Iceland Arena Restoration Area Before – North Figure 11: Iceland Arena Restoration Area After – North side side Figure 12: Arena Restoration Area Before – East side Figure 13: Iceland Arena Restoration Area After – East side Figure 14: Arena Restoration Area After – Amount of invasive buckthorn removed RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 29 Birchwood Park Restoration Area A planting and monitoring event was held at Birchwood Park Restoration Area, a fly ash deposit and ongoing restoration site for the City of Mississauga since the 1980s, on October 28th, 2014. Approximately 40 City of Mississauga Forestry staff, 16 youth Grade 9 students from St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School, and 3 ACER volunteers and staff planted more than 90 native trees and 110 native shrubs species (see Table 12), removed invasive species, cleaned up litter surrounding the site, and monitored at least 10% of each tree species planted. Planting occurred in the morning by the City of Mississauga staff and the student volunteers arrived in the afternoon to complete the invasive removal, clean-up, and monitoring. Volunteers removed a large amount, approximately 7.5 garbage bags, of common reed due to its large and established presence in close proximity to the restoration area. Although not an invasive species, volunteers also removed Arctium (burdock) as many community members complain of its presence. Although this site did not have a significant amount of litter, volunteers managed to remove approximately half a bag of litter composed mainly of disposable food and beverage containers. Volunteers also monitored 22% of trees planted according to root collar, total height or DBH, crown width, and overall health (see Table 13). ACER staff then performed Q.A. by re-measuring at least one sample of each tree species. This Q.A. was compared to the measurements volunteers took to ensure accuracy; volunteers had an average of 90.05% accuracy on their measurements (see Table 14). The volunteer teacher expressed interest in returning to the restoration area to re-measure trees next year. Finally, two types of mapping were used. A sketch map was created to show the distance between trees to be measured (see Figure 16 and Table 15), and their GPS locations were recorded and entered into a GIS program (see Figure 17). Soil samples were also taken at three locations within the restoration area and will be sent for analysis. See Table 16 for the anecdotal report of the event day. See Figures 18-22 for before and after photos. RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 30 Table 14: Planting and monitoring list for Birchwood Park Restoration Area Species Common Hackberry Amount planted 25 Sugar Maple 25 White Spruce 20 Basswood 20 Total number of trees planted: 90 (22%) Total number of trees to be monitored: 20 Tags: 2014-BIR-01 – 2014-BIR-20 Staghorn Sumac 25 Chokeberry 20 Grey Dogwood 20 Ninebark 20 Fragrant Sumac 25 Total number of shrubs planted: 110 Total number of shrubs monitored: 0 Trees monitored 2014-BIR-02 2014-BIR-07 2014-BIR-09 2014-BIR-10 2014-BIR-15 2014-BIR-17 2014-BIR-03 2014-BIR-05 2014-BIR-06 2014-BIR-12 2014-BIR-19 2014-BIR-20 2014-BIR-08 2014-BIR-11 2014-BIR-14 2014-BIR-16 2014-BIR-01 2014-BIR-04 2014-BIR-13 2014-BIR-18 0 0 0 0 0 RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 31 Table 15: Birchwood Park Restoration Area 2014 Data – Volunteers Planting Season / Year Fall/2014 Tree # Tree Species Root Collar (mm) 2014 Total Height* (cm) 2014 DBH (mm) 2014 1 2 3 4 5 Basswood Common Hackberry Sugar Maple Basswood Sugar Maple 25 7.5 29 19 22 117 86 115 - 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Sugar Maple Common Hackberry White Spruce Common Hackberry Common Hackberry White Spruce Sugar Maple Basswood White Spruce Common Hackberry White Spruce Common Hackberry Basswood Sugar Maple Sugar Maple 24 9 15 11 18 15 19 20 22 9 15 11 16 15 17 76 55 92 100 55 110 47 85 45 81 96 - 3 12 7 17 Crown Width (cm) 2014 W1 W2 46 44 27 14 24 20 16 1 31.5 30.5 40 25.6 32 24 24 37 34 30 24 27 31 16 7 14 27 16 9 27 20.5 18 25 28 10 23 13 26 3 3.3 8 3 Health Comments 2014 2014 A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 32 Table 16: Birchwood Park Restoration Area 2014 Data – ACER Planting Season / Year Tree # Tree Species Fall/2014 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Basswood Common Hackberry Sugar Maple Basswood Sugar Maple Sugar Maple Common Hackberry White Spruce Common Hackberry Common Hackberry Root Collar (mm) QA (%) Total Height* (cm) DBH (mm) 2014 2014 2014 2014 DBH and Total Height QA (%) 2014 Crown Width (cm) QA (%) Health Comments 2014 W1 W2 2014 2014 2014 10 75 87 - 98.85 27 13 97.50 A 17.5 85.71 57 - 96.49 32 30 95.16 A White Spruce 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Sugar Maple Basswood White Spruce Common Hackberry White Spruce Common Hackberry Basswood Sugar Maple Sugar Maple Volunteers Average Accuracy (%) 20 95 - 8 50 35 27 100 A 15 100 46.5 - 96.77 23.5 20.5 70.45 A 15 93.33 96.5 - 99.48 7 3 97 A 89.81 88.32 Wrote Height under DBH Different DBH measurements 92.02 RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 33 Table 17: Birchwood Park Restoration Area 2015 Re-measuring Data - ACER Remeasuring Day Fall 2015 Tree # Tree Species 1 Basswood 2 Common Hackberry Sugar Maple 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Basswood Sugar Maple Sugar Maple Common Hackberry White Spruce Common Hackberry Common Hackberry White Spruce Sugar Maple Basswood White Spruce Common Hackberry White Spruce Common Hackberry Basswood Sugar Maple Sugar Maple Root Collar (mm) Total Height (cm) DBH (mm) Crown Width Health CW1 CW2 40.5 11.5 A Comments 25 115 - Broken branches and terminal bud, no leaves - - - - - Tree M 24 - 5 29 24.5 A, HB 19 28 30 10 108 83 7 4 - 4 55 31.5 7.5 1.2 46 25 4.5 A, HB A A, I, HB A Leaves stripped of bark, broken branches and terminal bud Broken terminal bud, top stripped Insect damage Leaning, stripped, bare branches Restricted by tree guard 16 11 66.5 87 - 44 15 40.5 10 A A, LB Insect damage, broken branches 15 91.5 - 20 13.5 A, LB Broken branches, insect holes 25 24 17 11 72 98 67 85 - 46.5 20 36 25 38 21 34 18 A Tree M A A A Broken terminal bud 16 12 63 81 - 30.5 29.5 34.5 23 A A 15 15 - 98 - 6 - 14.5 30 - 7.5 15.5 - A A Tree M Broken branches Insect holes Insect holes, broken branches Insect holes, browning leaves RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 34 Note: Map not to scale Figure 15: Sketch map for Birchwood Park Restoration Area RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 35 Figure 16: GPS Map for Birchwood Park Restoration Area Railway Basketball Court Date: October 28th, 2014 Intersection: Lakeshore Road West and Clarkson Road North, Mississauga ACER Staff: Victoria Binko, Kathryn Chin ACER Volunteer: Yie Juan Wu Wu RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 36 Table 18: GPS coordinates for Birchwood Park Restoration Area Tag 2014-BIR-01 2014-BIR-02 2014-BIR-03 2014-BIR-04 2014-BIR-05 2014-BIR-06 2014-BIR-07 2014-BIR-08 2014-BIR-09 2014-BIR-10 2014-BIR-11 2014-BIR-12 2014-BIR-13 2014-BIR-14 2014-BIR-15 2014-BIR-16 2014-BIR-17 2014-BIR-18 2014-BIR-19 2014-BIR-20 Tree # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Species Basswood Common Hackberry Sugar Maple Basswood Sugar Maple Sugar Maple Common Hackberry White Spruce Common Hackberry Common Hackberry White Spruce Sugar Maple Basswood White Spruce Common Hackberry White Spruce Common Hackberry Basswood Sugar Maple Sugar Maple Latitude 43.523651 43.523731 43.523836 43.523836 43.523867 43.523859 43.52392 43.523907 43.523868 43.523816 43.523818 43.52371 43.523724 43.523771 43.523811 43.523853 43.52382 43.52379 43.523802 43.523744 Longitude -79.621502 -79.621411 -79.621353 -79.621287 -79.621239 -79.621127 -79.621086 -79.621018 -79.620992 -79.620929 -79.621014 -79.621104 -79.621264 -79.621336 -79.621227 -79.621195 -79.621217 -79.621082 -79.621084 -79.621219 RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 37 Table 19: Anecdotal Report for Birchwood Park Restoration Area Site: Birchwood Park Restoration Area GPS (NW corner of site) or address: Lakeshore Road West and Clarkson Road North, 43.524464, -79.620736 Date: October 28, 2014 Planting done by: City of Mississauga Forestry Staff School Staff: Roy Gucciardi, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School # of participants: ~40 from the City of Mississauga; 16 Grade 9s from St. Joan of Arc ACER Staff: Vickie Binko, Kathryn Chin Volunteers: Yie Juan WuWu Cloud condition: Planting in the morning – some clouds, mainly clear Monitoring in the afternoon – overcast, dark sky Temperature: 15°C; warmer in the morning, cooler breeze in the afternoon Animal sightings: Praying mantis, lots of snails, birds (robins), crickets Site condition: Rocky soil (over fly ash deposit), located by trail / basketball court / train tracks, invasive species Phragmites austalis, nuisance species included burdock, planting area mowed ~3 weeks prior – previously dense with burdock, some immature burdock leaves present in planting area Notable weather conditions: Morning – light breeze, warm, chance of thunderstorms Afternoon – cooler but still warm, more wind, darker sky Tree/Shrub status: Healthy Ground flora condition: Mowed to reduce burdock, some immature leaves still present Ecosystem indicators: Riparian, by trail and train tracks, on restored fly ash site, ongoing restoration since the 1980s Planting techniques: City of Mississauga Psycho-social group dynamics: Planting done by the Forestry staff – were smooth and efficient Monitoring done by Grade 9s who have monitored their Planting for Change plots 2 weeks prior (somewhat experienced) Other factors that may influence the data: Students who monitored have previous experience; #11 height was recorded under DBH; #12 DBH was not accurate; all other measurements 90%+ accuracy Notes: N/A RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 38 Figure 17: Birchwood Park Restoration Area – Before (a) Figure 18: Birchwood Park Restoration Area – After (a) Figure 19: Birchwood Park Restoration Area – Before (b) Figure 20: Birchwood Park Restoration Area – After (b) RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 39 Performance Measures IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS 1. Value of in-kind contributions of supplies and material: $9745.00 amount worth of Supplies and materials were provided by ACER during the entire project to restock materials / provide materials for future event days. 2. Value of in-kind contribution of personnel time: $10,402.00 - Recipient provided in-kind contributions to cover the cost to the support team: met targeted amount of $2,688.00 - Recipient provided provide in-kind contributions to cover the cost of two labourers for the restoration projects: met the targeted amount of $560.00 - Recipient provided volunteers to help with clean-up, planting, and monitoring: surpassed the targeted amount of $2,640.00 (60 volunteers, 4 hours per volunteer); actual figure $7154.00 (220 volunteers, 2 hours per volunteer, 2 ACER staff for 80 Hours) FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS 3. Value of financial contributions received from other sources for the project: No financial contributions were received from other sources. SPECIES AND HABITAT 4. Number of trees planted: The target for number of trees planted was 600, however 390 trees were actually planted. 5. Number of shrubs planted: The target for number of shrubs planted was 150, however 360 shrubs were actually planted. 6. Number of plants planted: The Project met the targeted amount of 750 trees and shrubs. 7. Kg of seeds planted: N/A 8. Area of land /wetland restored, protected, controlled or created: The target was 3000 square metres naturalized (1000 square metres/site), however 42,580 square meters of land was actually restored, which is over 14x greater than the targeted amount. - Iceland Arena Restoration Area: 29,750 square metres - White Willow Common Restoration Area: 12,200 square metres - Birchwood Park Restoration Area: 630 square metres 9. Number of types of invasive species managed: Three types of invasive species were managed: glossy buckthorn, dog-strangling vine, and common reed. Burdock was also removed as it was reported to be a RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 40 nuisance species by residents. Other invasive species were also identified but were not managed due to a lack of time or higher priority species being managed. Invasive species present but not managed include garlic mustard at the White Willow Common and Birchwood Park Restoration Areas and common reed at Iceland Arena Restoration Area. - Iceland Arena Restoration Area: 4.5 bags removed - White Willow Common Restoration Area: 4 bags removed - Birchwood Park Restoration Area: 7.5 bags removed 10. Number of fish habitats/spawning grounds created/protected: N/A 11. Number of fish released: N/A 12. Number of species protected: N/A SHORELINE AND TRAILS 13. Metres of trails created/enhanced: Although no target was outlined, approximately 530 metres of trails were created/enhanced. - Iceland Arena Restoration Area: 235 metres - White Willow Common Restoration Area: 295 metres 14. Metres of bridges enhanced or restored: N/A 15. Metres of shoreline restored: Although no target was outlined, approximately 235 metres of shoreline were restored at Iceland Arena Restoration Area. WATER QUALITY 16. Metres of fence installed: N/A 17. Amount of toxics reduced/diverted (in kilograms): N/A STORMWATER MANAGEMENT 18. Square metres of land created/enhanced for improved stormwater retention/management: While the target was 3000 square metres naturalized (1000 square metres/site), 42,580 square meters of land was actually improved for stormwater retention/management, which is over 14x greater than then targeted amount. - Iceland Arena Restoration Area: 29,750 square metres - White Willow Common Restoration Area: 12,200 square metres - Birchwood Park Restoration Area: 630 square metres RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 41 19. Litres of stormwater diverted: N/A CLEAN-UP 20. Area cleaned: While the target was 3000 square metres naturalized (1000 square metres/site), 42,580 square meters of land was actually cleaned from litter which is over 14x greater than then targeted amount. - Iceland Arena Restoration Area: 29,750 square metres - White Willow Common Restoration Area: 12,200 square metres - Birchwood Park Restoration Area: 630 square metres 21. Garbage bags of trash collected: Overall 5 bags of trash were removed. - Iceland Arena Restoration Area: 0.5 bags removed - White Willow Common Restoration Area: 4 bags removed - Birchwood Park Restoration Area: 0.5 bags removed MONITORING AND CONSERVATION 22. Litres of water conserved: N/A 23. Number of data samples collected to monitor water quality or quantity: Although no target was outlined, 3 soil samples were taken, each containing 3 samples from areas within the restoration area. 24. Number of data samples collected on wildlife (e.g. fish species, plants): Although no target was outlined, 3 invasive species inspections were performed and 3 anecdotal reports were created during event days which describe wildlife sightings, if any. EDUCATIONAL MEASURES 25. Number of educational signs installed or demarcations made (e.g. painted markings): The targeted amount of 60 metal tree tags was met. This allowed for 15% of all trees planted to be monitored, which surpassed the goal to monitor 10%. 26. Number of educational materials distributed/downloaded (e.g. kits, brochures or pamphlets): 150 pieces were created to date, which surpassed the targeted 110+ pieces of educational material. This included: Information posters on native tree species: 1 sign per species at each location, totalling 16 (see Appendix 1 for example); Information posters on invasive species: 1 sign per species at each location, totalling 6 (see Appendix 1 for example); Information poster on the Riparian Rangers Mississauga program: 1 per location, totalling 3 (see Appendix 1 for example); RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 42 Maps and directions to restoration areas 1 per location, totalling 3 Safety briefings for event days: 1 per site, totalling 3 (see Appendix 1 for example); Small tree measuring training videos: 3 watched per person in preparation for White Willow Common Restoration Area (19 students), 3 watched in preparation for Birchwood Park Restoration Area (16 students), totalling 105; and Small tree measuring kits: 5 per location, totalling 15. 27. Number of websites created or posts on project: While the target was 3 webpages, 4 webpages were actually created (1 on the program in general which mapped all restoration sites and 1 per restoration site). Also, 24 posts were created through social media outlets Facebook and Twitter as well as news posts on ACER’s website. 28. Number of events and activities hosted: The goal of 3 events hosted was met. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT/KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER 29. Number of volunteer hours: While the target was 240 volunteer hours (4 hours/ volunteer), 440 volunteers hours (2 hours/volunteer) were actually used which was nearly double the targeted amount. 30. Number of volunteers involved: While the target was 60 volunteers, 220 volunteers were involved in planting and monitoring the restoration areas, which more than tripled the targeted amount. 31. Number of youth involved: While the target was 40 youth volunteers, 65 youth volunteers were involved in planting and monitoring the restoration areas which nearly doubled the targeted amount. 32. Number of students involved: 55 students were involved to date (35 from St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School and 20 from PEYA), which surpassed the targeted amount of 40 students. 33. Number of schools involved: While the target was to involve 2 schools, 1 school was directly involved to date, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School. However, two different groups spanning three grade levels from this school attended the events. 34. Number of organizations/groups involved in project: While the target was to involve 4 organizations/groups, the Project actually involved 8 groups/organizations: ACER, the City of Mississauga, EcoSource, the Mississauga Chinese Alliance Church, PEYA, Bond Brand Loyalty, and 2 groups from St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School. 35. Number of participants at events/workshops: Although there was no target, a total of 241 volunteers and staff participated at Project events. OTHER – Add any quantitative or qualitative measures for your Project not included above Number of units of data entered: The target of 60 units was met. RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 43 Number of returning volunteers to re-measure trees: While the target was to have 3 returning volunteers, the volunteer teacher Roy Gucciardi and his student volunteers expressed interest to return with volunteers next year to re-measure trees at the White Willow Common and Birchwood Park Restoration Areas, which will be approximately 30-40 additional student volunteers. Before and after photos of site: See Figures 4-8, 11-15, and 18-22 for the 5 best before and after photos of each restoration site. RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 44 Tracking Plant Growth After a year of plantation of trees and shrubs at different sites, we re-measure and monitor their growth and survival rate of all the trees and shrubs tagged at different sites to represent the overall growth of the entire plantation. The re-measure analysis of different sites is as follows: White Willow Common Restoration Area: The data analysis for White Willow park indicates that overall all the tree species planted on the site are not doing well. According to the data, Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) (50%), Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) (50%), Black cherry (Prunus serotina) (25%), and White pine (Pinus strobus) (50%) have the highest mortality rate within species. In addition, Silver maple (8%), Eastern Cottonwood (8%), Black cherry (4%), and White pine (8%) also have the highest mortality compared to all species planted on the site. Tree mortality at White Willow park is predominantly due to deer browsing, however it can also be due to poor or unsuitable soil conditions, as well as climate change. The remaining tree, Common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis),Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana), and Peach Species Survival (%) White Pine 10% Common Hackberry 19% Peach leaf Willow 19% Silver Maple 9% East Cottonwood 10% Black Cherry 14% Ironwood 19% leaf willow (Salix amygdaloides), all have a 100% Figure 21: Species Survival Rate at white willow Commons survivability rate. Interspecies Mortality (%) Common Hackberry 0% White Pine 29% Peach leaf Willow 0% Black Cherry 14% Silver Maple 28% East Cottonwood 29% Ironwood 0% Figure 22: Intraspecies Mortality Rate at white willow Commons RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 45 Iceland Arena Restoration Area The data analysis for Iceland Arena Restoration Area indicates that overall all the tree species planted on the site are doing well. However, according to the data both Trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) and the Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) have the highest mortality rate of 33 % within species, and 7% compared to all species planted on the site. Tree mortality can be affected by various factors, such as mammal and insect predation, unsuitable soil conditions, as well as climate change. The remaining trees, Eastern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis), Peach-leafwillow (Salix amygdaloides), Tulip tree (Liriodendron), all have a 100% survivability rate. Species Survival (%) Silver maple 15% Trembling aspen 16% Eastern white cedar 23% Tulip tree 23% Peach-leaf willow 23% Figure 23: Species Survival rate at Iceland Arena Restoration Area Interspecies Mortality (%) Eastern white cedar 0% Silver maple 50% Trembling aspen 50% Tulip tree Peach-leaf 0% willow 0% Figure 24: intraspecies Mortality rate at Iceland Arena Restoration Area RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 46 Birchwood Park Restoration Area The data analysis for Birchwood park indicates that overall all the tree species planted on the site are doing well. However, according to the data both Common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) and the Suger maple (Acer saccharum) have the highest mortality rate of 17% and 33% amongst itself, and 5% and 10 % compared to all species planted on the site. Tree mortality at Birchwood park is predominantly due to deer browsing, however it can also be due to unsuitable soil conditions, as well as climate change. The remaining trees, Basswood (Tilia americana) and White spruce (Picea glauca), both have a 100% survivability rate. Species Survival (%) White spruce 29% Sugar maple 19% Basswood 28% Common hackberry 24% Figure 25: Species survival rate at Birchwood park Interspecies Mortality (%) White spruce Basswood 0% 0% Common hackberry 33% Sugar maple 67% Figure 26: Intraspecies Mortality Rate at Birchwood park RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 47 Conclusions The Riparian Rangers Mississauga program has proven so far to be successful. Youth, students, community members, and other program participants enjoyed the restoration and monitoring process and have expressed interest in returning in future years. A total 60 of the 390 native trees planted across the restoration sites were monitored, which is approximately 15%. Overall the trees were healthy when planted, with only mild seasonal insect damage. Volunteers had on average 87.53% accuracy in their measurements and were more accurate measuring root collar and total height / DBH than crown width. Significant amounts of invasive species are present at each restoration area. This may pose as a threat to the future health and wellbeing of the restoration areas, if not continually managed. Deer browsing is one of the predominant cause of tree mortality in all the three sites. Interspecies Mortality is the least when multiple species are planted at the same site. Mortality is the primary concern at this stage as it shows, what species survive the first stage of growth and browsing. Annual monitoring of the trees and shrubs would provide data to effectively analyze the difference in growth of trees and shrubs depending on the soil conditions and climate change. In conclusion, the 10% analysis of the planted sites in White Willow, Birchwood, and Iceland Arena Restoration area indicates that all of the tree species planted in each site were successful except for the Maple species, specifically Silver maple (Acer saccharinum). Contrary to this general overall trend, the trees in White Willow showed the highest tree mortality with five out of seven (71% of all tree species) having a mortality rate 25% or higher. Tree mortality in all the Mississauga sites are predominantly caused by deer or other mammalian predation. However, other causes to tree mortality could be due to poor soil condition and improper planting techniques. It is highly recommended that soil samples be taken before the species are chosen for the sites to optimize tree survival into the subsequent years. Recommendations 1. Focus on invasive species management: While the program has managed three invasive species so far, several invasive species were not managed due to time constraints or the presence of higher priority invasive species. It is recommended that future event days focus on managing all invasive species present through multitasking or splitting up volunteer groups on event days, or holding multiple / longer event days based on volunteer availability. 2. Focus on White Willow Common Restoration Area: This location has the highest amount of invasive species and litter, and is the only area where dog-strangling vine is present. It is recommended that future event days expressly focus on managing invasive species and litter through multitasking or splitting up volunteer groups on event days, or holding multiple / longer event days based on volunteer availability. RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 48 3. Develop more educational materials: To date the program has created and/or distributed more than the targeted amount of educational material under the performance measures. However it is recommended that the program continue to distribute existing material while striving to create new material. Educational materials that could be developed include training videos on planting procedures or curriculum connections and resources for teachers concerning riparian areas, environmental restoration, and invasive species. 4. Engage more schools to meet performance measure targets: It is greatly appreciated that St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School has expressed interest to return to the White Willow Common and Birchwood Park Restoration Areas. In order to meet the target of two schools set out in the performance measures, it is recommended to focus on engaging other schools and students. This can be useful as students are more likely to have knowledge and respect for their local green spaces. This can be especially helpful for White Willow Common Restoration Area as it is in the most need of restoration efforts and is frequented by students from the two surrounding high schools, Mississauga Secondary School and St. Marcellinus Secondary School. RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 49 Appendix 1: Educational Materials Native Species in Riparian Rangers Native = indigenous species are those species that are found in their historical range due to only natural processes (i.e. present without human intervention). Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) Native to: North America Impacts: Eastern cottonwoods are a principle species in riverfront forests as they depend on periodic flooding to survive. This species is often used to restore riparian areas because its extensive root system is excellent at holding soil together which prevents erosion. Identification: Eastern cottonwood can be identified through its roughly triangular (hence the Latin name deltoid) toothed leaves that flutter in the breeze. This species also has distinctive large deep V’s that run along its brown-grey bark. References: 1. Association for Canadian Educational Resources. (2014a). Treepedia: Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides). Retrieved 2014, from Association for Canadian Educational Resources: http://www.acer-acre.ca/s?Populusdeltoides 2. USDA Forest Service. (n.d.). Eastern cottonwood. Retrieved 2014, from USDA Forest Service: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/populus/deltoides.htm RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 50 Invasive Species Is it a native, exotic, or invasive species? Native = indigenous. These are species that are found in their historical range due to only natural processes (i.e. present without human intervention). Every species has a native area. However, outside this range the same species may be considered non-native. For example Acer asaccharum, better known as Sugar Maples, are native to North America because they have been found here without human intervention. Exotic = alien = non-indigenous = non-native = introduced. These are species that are found outside their native range, brought there deliberately or accidentally. For example Acer platanoides, or Norway Maple, is a European species of maple that was purposely introduced to North America for its high tolerance of poor quality soils and urban pollution that Sugar Maples cannot tolerate. Invasive = nuisance. These are those exotic species that threaten or have a negative effect on the existence, abundance, or diversity of native species or environments. These species spread widely across an area and can quickly outcompete native species and alter native environments. For example, in southern Ontario Norway Maple is considered an invasive species since it is both exotic and outcompetes native maples leading to negative consequences for ecosystems. Therefore, not all exotic species are invasive. Some exotic species may have a positive impact on an environment. For example even though Aesculus hippocastanum also called Horsechestnut originated in South East Europe, it is not considered invasive because it can co-exist peacefully with native species. Invasive species are particularly troublesome in riparian areas due to frequent habitat destruction and how rivers are effective corridors for species dispersal. Replacing invasive species with native vegetation will slow the flow of water allowing for increased infiltration and less erosion, stabilize riverbanks, provide fish and wildlife habitat, and reduce water temperatures thus improving the overall health of the ecosystem. References: 1. Ontario’s Invasive Species Awareness Program. (n.d.a.). Invaders: Terrestrial invasive plants. Retrieved 2014 from Ontario’s Invasive Species Awareness Program: http://www.invadingspecies.com/invaders/plants-terrestrial/ RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 51 Invasive Species: Glossy and Common buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula and Rhamnus cathartica) – High Priority Native to: Eurasia and North Africa, but grows wild in many parts of Southern Ontario especially close to cities. Introduced by: Was introduced in the 1880s as an ornamental shrub, and also widely used in agricultural fields as fencerows, windbreaks, and wildlife habitat. Range: Is present in wet areas in Canada from Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia and through to the north eastern and north central United States. Buckthorn can survive in a variety of soil types and environments, however glossy buckthorn is typically more common in wetter areas. Impacts: Buckthorn is a serious and aggressive invader because it forms dense thickets through dispersing a large amount of seeds. These dense populations shade out and crowd native plants while altering soil nitrogen levels to encourage its own growth. It is also a host to the soybean aphid in winter, which can seriously negatively impact agricultural crops. Identification: Buckthorn is usually 2 to 3 metres tall, but can reach heights up to 6 metres. Common buckthorn has leaves paired almost opposite, while glossy buckthorn’s leaves are alternate. Both varieties have shiny, dark green leaves (with glossy buckthorn being more smooth and slender) and produce clusters of berry-like black fruit in the late summer and fall. Removal process: Smaller seedlings and their root systems can be removed by hand. Seedlings larger than 1cm in diameter should be removed with an extractigator to ensure their entire root system is removed. Once removed, place in the garbage bags provided. References: 1. Ontario’s Invasive Species Awareness Program. (n.d.b.). Terrestrial invasive plants: Common buckthorn. Retrieved 2014 from Ontario’s Invasive Species Awareness Program: http://www.invadingspecies.com/invaders/plants-terrestrial/common-buckthorn/ RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 52 Riparian Rangers Mississauga Program Riparian Rangers Mississauga is a program developed to improve and protect native habitats along areas that link land and water environments. Its goal is threefold: to restore and defend habitats for native species in the highly urbanized Lake Ontario Watershed, to enhance buffer zones in Mississauga to mitigate the risk of flooding, and to engage community members to perform long-term monitoring and reporting. This program presents opportunities for community members to be involved in hands-on activities concerning restoration and long-term monitoring within sensitive ecosystems. Riparian zones are valuable areas, as water flowing from land into waterways often eventually flows into sources of drinking water. Vegetation along these areas will act to slow the flow of water, allowing for increased infiltration and less erosion. Extending vegetative buffer zones will help stabilize riverbanks, provide fish and wildlife habitat, and reduce water temperatures thus improving the overall health of the ecosystem. For the fall of 2014, ACER has partnered with the City of Mississauga to restore three priority sites. For each site trained youth volunteers, ACER staff, and the staff of the City of Mississauga will plant 200-300 native trees and shrubs. Each year after planting, volunteers will measure 10% of each tree species planted in terms of tree growth and health. Project photos, maps, and tree growth data are posted on our website: http://www.acer-acre.ca. ACER funding for this program includes hands-on training, implementation and technical resources, equipment, and support until one year’s growth has been measured. RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 53 Here is a sample of data collected by citizens for newly planted trees. Our Quality Assurance (QA) protocol allows data to be graded for accuracy. This protocol can be completed with the help of trained ACER participants. Equipment for measuring both young and mature trees is provided in ACER’s monitoring equipment bag. Tool that may be found on our website include: - New training videos and Planting for Change Manuals that outline ACER’s planting and measuring protocols Role Cards: Download a set of ACER instructions for teams to measure your trees Common Tree Species in GTA and Niagara and Common Invasive Species Trees in Winter Playing Cards Additional tools available under our Resources page such as our Treepedia and information about the City of Mississauga’s plan to plant one million trees can be found at: http://www.acer-acre.ca/resources http://www.onemilliontrees.ca RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 54 Riparian Rangers Mississauga: Safety Briefing First of all, thank you for volunteering to take part in Riparian Rangers Mississauga! With the work of dedicated volunteers, you are helping ACER and the City of Mississauga in restoring at-risk natural areas and are that much closer to the goal of planting One Million Trees! Everyone is here to have fun and learn about ecological restoration and monitoring. But first we have to go over important safety information: 1. Use it right, or don’t use it! You will be using several different types of equipment. It is essential that you LISTEN to all safety warnings and precautions that you will BE RESPONSIBLE FOR throughout the day. Any misuse of equipment or unsafe behaviour will result in your removal from that activity: Carrying equipment. When moving equipment, always be aware of your surroundings, people and other things you may run into. Using equipment. When using equipment, make sure you keep your fingers out of any moving or sharp parts. If you’re pulling invasive species or measuring trees, make sure your face is clear from any branches. Gathering equipment. When finished with the equipment, make sure you gather everything in one place so someone does not trip on a misplaced item. Weed wrenches. These are large extracting devices we will use to remove bigger unwanted plant species. Make sure you watch out behind you, if you fall backwards make sure it is in a safe area like a patch of grass and not into a river. Do not try to carry a weed wrench by yourself – ask an adult to help to move it to where it is needed. Shovels. When not using a shovel, stick the blade in the ground so the shovel is standing straight up. This way someone will notice the shovel and not accidently stepping on it and hurting themselves or others. 2. Dress appropriately. You will be spending most of your time in bushy and woodsy areas. Be sure you are dressed appropriately for your activities and the weather: Footwear. Hiking or walking boots with thick socks will make sure your feet are warm and dry all day. Extra socks and running shoes would be a good idea to bring after the day is done. Long sleeved shirt, pants, and an extra layer. Wearing clothes that fully covers your skin will ensure you are warm, dry, and free of bug bites or scratches. Tuck your pants into your boots – its not going to get you on the cover of a magazine but it will make sure ticks and other bugs don’t find their way up your legs. Bring an extra sweater or jacket since it gets cooler in the fall. Check the weather before you leave. If the day is supposed to be sunny bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. If it is supposed to be windy bring an extra RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 55 sweater or jacket. You will be outside for several hours so make sure you will be comfortable. 3. Water, water, water! Make sure you bring your reusable water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the day. 4. You will be by a river, so be cautious! Riparian areas are places where land meets water. Therefore any place that is near water you must watch your footing – rocks and logs will be slippery so make sure you don’t fall. There may also be steep slopes and other obstacles on your path, so be careful where you step. 5. Watch out for other people (and animals)! We may not be the only people by the river that day. You might encounter other people riding their bikes on trails, going for a jog, or walking their dogs. Make sure you make space for other people on trails, and don’t forget to give a friendly Hello! If you see any wildlife, admire it and take a mental (or real if you have a camera) picture. Remember, we are visitors in their home. 6. Be careful you don’t bring anything home with you! As a Riparian Ranger, one of the things you are responsible for is removing invasive plant species that threaten our newly planted trees. When you are finished for the day, make sure you wipe your shoes and give your clothing a shake to remove any unwanted seeds that may have attached themselves to you. This way unwanted plants won’t spread to your backyard. Now that you are safety experts, you are almost ready to become a Riparian Ranger! Make sure you visit our website and view our training videos on how to measure trees at http://www.acer-acre.ca/resources/training-videos. You can also visit http://www.onemilliontrees.ca to learn more about the City of Mississauga’s initiative to plant one million trees. Be sure to LISTEN to the safety briefing and instructions on your volunteer day, and have fun! See you then! RIPARIAN RANGERS MISSISSAUGA – FINAL REPORT 56