French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve – Restoration Projects

Trail Closures and Restoration

The 2024 French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve Management Plan identifies key actions needed to protect and enhance biodiversity within the Nature Preserve. One of these actions includes the closure and restoration of unauthorized trails—routes that were not formally planned or designed for long-term environmental sustainability.

We recognize that many of these trails are well-used and valued by the community, and that changes to access may be disappointing. These decisions were not made lightly. They are based on ecological assessments that identified areas where continued use is contributing to environmental degradation and disturbance to wildlife.

Why Are Some Trails Closing?

Unauthorized trails can have significant impacts on sensitive ecosystems. In some areas of the Nature Preserve, these trails:

  • Pass through environmentally sensitive habitats
  • Disturb wildlife, particularly during nesting and breeding periods
  • Contribute to soil erosion and vegetation loss
  • Fragment habitat and reduce ecological connectivity
  • Increase the spread of invasive plant species

By concentrating use onto a well-designed and sustainably maintained trail network, we can better protect these natural systems while continuing to provide meaningful recreational opportunities.

What Is Changing?

In June 2026, selected unauthorized trails within the Nature Preserve will be:

  • Closed and restored to natural habitat, or
  • Rerouted to align with the approved trail network

Closed trails will be clearly marked with signage and may be blocked with split-rail fencing or natural barriers to support restoration efforts.

Please refer to the map below for authorized trail routes.


Staying Connected to the Park

We remain committed to ensuring that the Nature Preserve continues to be accessible and enjoyable for the community.

The authorized trail network is designed to:

  • Provide access to key areas and natural features
  • Offer a safer and more sustainable trail experience
  • Reduce environmental impacts while maintaining recreational opportunities

Where possible, rerouted trails will continue to connect visitors to valued viewpoints and destinations.

How You Can Help

Protecting the Nature Preserve is a shared responsibility. You can support these efforts by:

  • Staying on designated trails
  • Respecting trail closures and restoration areas
  • Keeping dogs under control and on leash where required
  • Avoiding creating new informal trails

Your cooperation helps protect wildlife and ensures the park can be enjoyed into the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are only some trails being closed?
Closures are focused on areas identified as ecologically sensitive or where trail use is causing measurable environmental impacts.

How were these decisions made?
Trail assessments were conducted as part of the 2024 Management Plan, using ecological data, site observations, and best practices in park and habitat management.

Will closed trails reopen in the future?
Closed trails are being restored to natural habitat and are not intended to reopen. This supports long-term ecosystem recovery.

Are new trails being created?
In some cases, trails may be rerouted or improved to provide a more sustainable and enjoyable experience while protecting sensitive areas. Please see the map for authorized trail routes.


Trailhead Himalayan Blackberry and English Ivy Removal Project:

Restoration work is underway at the French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve to enhance ecological health and biodiversity near the Admiral Tryon Boulevard entrance and parking area. In February and March 2026, invasive Himalayan blackberry and English ivy were successfully removed from this site, helping to reduce competition for native plants and improve habitat conditions. The cleared area has since been mulched to suppress regrowth and will be closely monitored over the coming seasons by volunteers for invasive species re-emergence. A native planting phase is planned for Fall 2027, which will reintroduce native species and support long-term ecosystem resilience. This project is an important step in restoring the natural integrity of the estuary and ensuring a healthier landscape for wildlife and the community to enjoy.

Pond Restoration Project:
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 Project - Yellow Flag Iris Removal:
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?

Trail Closures and Restoration

The 2024 French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve Management Plan identifies key actions needed to protect and enhance biodiversity within the Nature Preserve. One of these actions includes the closure and restoration of unauthorized trails—routes that were not formally planned or designed for long-term environmental sustainability.

We recognize that many of these trails are well-used and valued by the community, and that changes to access may be disappointing. These decisions were not made lightly. They are based on ecological assessments that identified areas where continued use is contributing to environmental degradation and disturbance to wildlife.

Why Are Some Trails Closing?

Unauthorized trails can have significant impacts on sensitive ecosystems. In some areas of the Nature Preserve, these trails:

  • Pass through environmentally sensitive habitats
  • Disturb wildlife, particularly during nesting and breeding periods
  • Contribute to soil erosion and vegetation loss
  • Fragment habitat and reduce ecological connectivity
  • Increase the spread of invasive plant species

By concentrating use onto a well-designed and sustainably maintained trail network, we can better protect these natural systems while continuing to provide meaningful recreational opportunities.

What Is Changing?

In June 2026, selected unauthorized trails within the Nature Preserve will be:

  • Closed and restored to natural habitat, or
  • Rerouted to align with the approved trail network

Closed trails will be clearly marked with signage and may be blocked with split-rail fencing or natural barriers to support restoration efforts.

Please refer to the map below for authorized trail routes.


Staying Connected to the Park

We remain committed to ensuring that the Nature Preserve continues to be accessible and enjoyable for the community.

The authorized trail network is designed to:

  • Provide access to key areas and natural features
  • Offer a safer and more sustainable trail experience
  • Reduce environmental impacts while maintaining recreational opportunities

Where possible, rerouted trails will continue to connect visitors to valued viewpoints and destinations.

How You Can Help

Protecting the Nature Preserve is a shared responsibility. You can support these efforts by:

  • Staying on designated trails
  • Respecting trail closures and restoration areas
  • Keeping dogs under control and on leash where required
  • Avoiding creating new informal trails

Your cooperation helps protect wildlife and ensures the park can be enjoyed into the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are only some trails being closed?
Closures are focused on areas identified as ecologically sensitive or where trail use is causing measurable environmental impacts.

How were these decisions made?
Trail assessments were conducted as part of the 2024 Management Plan, using ecological data, site observations, and best practices in park and habitat management.

Will closed trails reopen in the future?
Closed trails are being restored to natural habitat and are not intended to reopen. This supports long-term ecosystem recovery.

Are new trails being created?
In some cases, trails may be rerouted or improved to provide a more sustainable and enjoyable experience while protecting sensitive areas. Please see the map for authorized trail routes.


Trailhead Himalayan Blackberry and English Ivy Removal Project:

Restoration work is underway at the French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve to enhance ecological health and biodiversity near the Admiral Tryon Boulevard entrance and parking area. In February and March 2026, invasive Himalayan blackberry and English ivy were successfully removed from this site, helping to reduce competition for native plants and improve habitat conditions. The cleared area has since been mulched to suppress regrowth and will be closely monitored over the coming seasons by volunteers for invasive species re-emergence. A native planting phase is planned for Fall 2027, which will reintroduce native species and support long-term ecosystem resilience. This project is an important step in restoring the natural integrity of the estuary and ensuring a healthier landscape for wildlife and the community to enjoy.

Pond Restoration Project:
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 Project - Yellow Flag Iris Removal:
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

    Construction Work

    Part of Trailhead Himalayan Blackberry and English Ivy Removal Project requires heavy machinery to assist in invasive species removal. 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.

    Construction Work

    Part of Trailhead Himalayan Blackberry and English Ivy Removal Project requires heavy machinery to assist in invasive species removal. 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: 25 Jun 2026, 01:30 PM