Steps taken to restore trees in Colliery Dams Park

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed October 5, 2015 3:00 PM

Summary

A plan to replace fallen trees in Colliery Dams Park is underway. City of Nanaimo horticultural crews have recovered pine cones belonging to trees removed from the site of the future auxiliary spillway. Seeds harvested from the cones will be sent to a nursery where they will be sown and germinated. Once they become seedlings, they will be planted throughout Colliery Dams Park. It is expected that by fall of next year the seedlings will be ready for planting.

Link to Strategic Plan: Municipal commitment supporting environmental responsibility.

Key Points

Cones have been recovered from the fallen Douglas-fir, Grand fir and Western Red-cedar trees in Colliery Dams Park. It is expected that a minimum of 500 trees will be returned to the park from this project.
Bigleaf maple seeds and cuttings were also salvaged from the excavation site. This stock will be grown in the City's parks yard greenhouse and then returned to Colliery Dams Park. It is expected 100 trees will be grown.
Tree stumps were also recovered and placed on the edge of the excavation area for bird habitat. The stumps are favourable habitat for Pacific Wren, Song Sparrow and Fox Sparrows. Woodpeckers will also feed on insects in the stumps.
The wood from the cut trees was given to the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

Quotes

"In order to reinstate as many trees as possible in Colliery Dams Park, City Horticultural Staff took the proactive step of harvesting cones that will ensure the same lineage of trees continues to be present in the park for future residents to enjoy."

Toby Seward

Acting GM, Community Development and Protective Services

City of Nanaimo