This past fall, Trout Unlimited Canada staff along with members of the Bow Headwaters Chapter and the Bow Valley Stewards completed a native tree/shrub planting event as part of the Policeman Creek Habitat Enhancement Project.
A total of 325 shrubs were planted on the islands that were constructed earlier in the year. Volunteers also seeded native riparian grasses to help naturalize these previously un-vegetated islands. The willows and grasses planted this fall will help to stabilize the banks of the islands, provide cover for waterfowl and fish, and develop a functional riparian zone.
The islands were created during the construction phase of the Habitat Enhancement Project in which five pools were excavated to provide overwintering refugia and enhanced summer habitat for fish within Policeman Creek. Brook Trout and Brown Trout are known to reside in the creek but face a shortage of suitable overwintering habitat as the water levels in the creek drop during the winter months.
A spawning survey was conducted in the fall and numerous brook trout were observed over redds in the reach where the pools and islands were constructed. These redds were primarily found in areas along the shoreline, close to hiding cover such as vegetation and woody debris. We anticipate that once the recently planted shrubs and grasses become established on the islands, they will also provide additional cover and enhanced habitat for fish in Policeman Creek.
TUC biologists and volunteers will continue to monitor and evaluate the success of the project in the coming years.
This project was made possible through Canon’s Take Root Program, presented by Evergreen. Photos of the planting project were taken using a Canon PowerShot camera.
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