Beginnings of an Educational Wetland Restoration Shawnigan Lake School, BC

Ecological Assessment, Historical Review & Riparian Planting

Abstract

This report documents the beginnings of an educational wetland restoration effort at Shawnigan Lake School, a high school located at the north end of Shawnigan Lake, BC. With over 100 ha of forest, streams and wetlands on their property, the school is exploring ways to support the existing curriculum by providing students with hands-on activities in the field. At the same time, they recognize the importance of striving for environmental sustainability in preparing a generation that will face complex ecological challenges.
While industrial impacts on their property have been absent for about 30 years, the 80 years that preceded involved intensive forestry and agricultural use. Today, the ecological remnants of industrial impacts live on, but there is significant potential for restoring the land’s capacity to provide ecosystem services and wildlife habitat. In the context of an urbanizing landscape, the ecological importance of the school opting to preserve and restore its natural capital continues to grow.