French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve – Pond Restoration Project

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A restoration project is underway in the French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve to help restore the pond area and support local wildlife.

Over time, human activity has removed natural vegetation, leaving the land dry, eroded and vulnerable to invasive species. Without plants to hold the soil, shade the water and provide habitat, the freshwater pond and surrounding field have struggled to support healthy ecosystems.

A team of local volunteers and environmental groups secured a grant to re-slope the pond and plant native trees, shrubs and wildflowers across a 200m² area. The plants have been carefully selected for our local climate and soil conditions - including areas near the pond that flood seasonally and areas upland that stay dry most of the year. Once established these plants will help prevent erosion, create better conditions for fish and amphibians, and provide food and shelter for birds, insects and small animals. These positive impacts will support biodiversity and help the ecosystem recover from the impacts of previous human-caused disruption.

This planting project will include over 90 native species, such as black cottonwood, red alder, Pacific willow, hardhack, red-osier dogwood and wildflowers like fireweed, yarrow and nodding onion. These plants will be put in by hand, using a special soil mix to improve moisture and nutrients. Seeds will also be spread to encourage natural growth in the coming seasons.

A temporary fence will be installed around the area to protect the plants while the establish in the area. This will help keep out deer, rabbits, and beavers. It will also prevent park users from accidentally disturbing the site. Signs will be posted to explain the project and ask visitors to stay outside of the planting area.

This restoration project is being led by Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute in partnership with Arrowsmith Naturalists, Save Estuary Land Society, Friends of French Creek Conservation Society and the Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society, with support from the Regional District of Nanaimo and the BC Parks Foundation. Together, these groups are bringing local knowledge, volunteer power and environmental expertise to help this area thrive again.

Next Steps

Once the pond slope restoration is finished, the next step in this project will be to remove yellow flag iris at the edge of the pond. Yellow flag iris is an invasive plant that spreads quickly and chokes out native species. The restoration team will use a method called benthic matting, which involves cutting the plant down to its roots and covering the area with heavy fabric to smother its roots. This method avoids digging, which can spread the plant further. The area will be monitored for a full year to make sure the yellow flag iris doesn’t grow back.

How can I get involved and learn more?

A restoration project is underway in the French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve to help restore the pond area and support local wildlife.

Over time, human activity has removed natural vegetation, leaving the land dry, eroded and vulnerable to invasive species. Without plants to hold the soil, shade the water and provide habitat, the freshwater pond and surrounding field have struggled to support healthy ecosystems.

A team of local volunteers and environmental groups secured a grant to re-slope the pond and plant native trees, shrubs and wildflowers across a 200m² area. The plants have been carefully selected for our local climate and soil conditions - including areas near the pond that flood seasonally and areas upland that stay dry most of the year. Once established these plants will help prevent erosion, create better conditions for fish and amphibians, and provide food and shelter for birds, insects and small animals. These positive impacts will support biodiversity and help the ecosystem recover from the impacts of previous human-caused disruption.

This planting project will include over 90 native species, such as black cottonwood, red alder, Pacific willow, hardhack, red-osier dogwood and wildflowers like fireweed, yarrow and nodding onion. These plants will be put in by hand, using a special soil mix to improve moisture and nutrients. Seeds will also be spread to encourage natural growth in the coming seasons.

A temporary fence will be installed around the area to protect the plants while the establish in the area. This will help keep out deer, rabbits, and beavers. It will also prevent park users from accidentally disturbing the site. Signs will be posted to explain the project and ask visitors to stay outside of the planting area.

This restoration project is being led by Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute in partnership with Arrowsmith Naturalists, Save Estuary Land Society, Friends of French Creek Conservation Society and the Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society, with support from the Regional District of Nanaimo and the BC Parks Foundation. Together, these groups are bringing local knowledge, volunteer power and environmental expertise to help this area thrive again.

Next Steps

Once the pond slope restoration is finished, the next step in this project will be to remove yellow flag iris at the edge of the pond. Yellow flag iris is an invasive plant that spreads quickly and chokes out native species. The restoration team will use a method called benthic matting, which involves cutting the plant down to its roots and covering the area with heavy fabric to smother its roots. This method avoids digging, which can spread the plant further. The area will be monitored for a full year to make sure the yellow flag iris doesn’t grow back.

How can I get involved and learn more?

  • Construction work underway in French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve

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    Construction Work

    Part of the Pond Restoration Project includes excavation work to reslope the side of the pond. This will restore a more natural slope to the pond allowing for a larger and more natural riparian zone for native plants and will improve access and value for wildlife. Heavy machinery will be accessing the park to complete this stage of the project.

    Park User Access and Safety

    A number of trails have been closed to secure the construction site and protect park user safety while there is heavy machinery accessing the park. Signage and trail closures will remain in place until the construction work has finished. Please stay on the designated trails, keep your dogs on leash and walk your bike.

Page last updated: 30 Oct 2025, 02:44 PM