Ecological Restoration of Hobbs Creek in Mystic Vale

Abstract

This project aims to better the health of the Hobbs Creek watershed, specifically within Mystic Vale on the University of Victoria's campus, to look at threats it faces, and make recommendations based on these findings. This project also seeks to raise awareness within the community and the student body at the University of Victoria by making the issues known, and physically involving people in this environment. Through presentations, volunteer organization, and site surveying these goals were undertaken. The restoration includes building wattles, installing livestakes, planting native vegetation, and rearranging sizeable woody debris. This environment is severely degraded; it faces severe erosion, invasive species, diminished wildlife habitat, sediment loading, and compromised hydrology. Stormwater management is an issue because the water that feeds the creek comes from multiple municipalities with various policies and bylaws. In conclusion, this project has successfully built upon past projects and created a foundation for future projects, it has educated many individuals about the issues in Hobbs Creek, and involved them in the process of restoring it.