Wetland Restoration

Wetlands are one of the most important ecosystems on earth. They provide a stopping place for migratory birds, nesting habitat for waterfowl, and a home for fish, reptiles, and mammals. They act as water purifiers and erosion controls. Wetlands are also crucial for carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change.

Wetlands have also been underappreciated by people, often considered waste land unfit for development, they have been used as landfills, tailing ponds, or infilled. Wetland habitat and the species that depend on them has declined significantly. Since 1800, 14% of Canada's wetlands have been completely drained, with many more being significantly degraded. Worldwide, over 35% of wetlands have been lost since 1970.

Now, protecting existing wetlands and restoring former wetland habitat is of utmost importance.

Wetland Planting

Wetland plants are perfectly adapted to poor and acidic soils, water-logged soil or submerged roots, and full sun exposure. Species such as cattail, sweetgale, and willow are commonly found in wetlands. In addition to plants, man-made nesting boxes may be installed to benefit cavity nesting wetland birds such as wood duck, common goldeneye, and bufflehead.

Wetland plants can also be used to create bioswales. Bioswales are typically used in low-lying, wet areas or where rain runoff is an issue, creating mini-wetlands where water can be absorbed by plants. They also help filter runoff water of impurities such as road salt and pesticides.

Wetland Delineation

Several types of wetlands are present in Nova Scotia, including bogs, swamps, salt marshes, vernal pools, and fens. Wetland types range in the amount of water, movement of water, and species of plants and animals that inhabit them. Identifying and delineating each type is crucial for restoration and project development.

Beaver Dam Analogues

As nature's engineers, beavers play a vital role in wetland creation. Beaver ponds provide increased habitat for fish and a refuge in low water. They also help to keep water temperatures cool. Beaver dam analogues mimic the early stages of a natural dam in construction, building up a pond and encouraging beavers to move in and finish construction.

Habitat Suitability Index Assessments for Wetland Species

Habitat Suitability Index assessments can be used for a variety of species to determine the quality of habitat in an area. HSI assessments can be utilized for wetland species such as:

Moose
Beaver
Turtles
Waterfowl and other birds (ie. wood duck, teal, bittern)