Hardisty Creek GRS Demo Site Willow Planting – September 2009

On September 22nd, 2009 the Grade 8 French Immersion class from Harry Collinge High School, Hinton, AB, helped FRI researchers to plant willow wands along the banks of Hardisty Creek and Robb Road at the site of a new geo-textile arch stream crossing.

This may sound easy but the students quickly worked up a sweat pounding rebar into the rocky soil to make holes for the willow wands. The students learned about the importance of a healthy watershed and the processes of watershed and riparian restoration.

This outdoor learning experience ties in nicely with part of the grade 8 science curriculum on fresh and saltwater ecosystems. FRI Extension coordinator Joan Simonton gave the kids a brief overview of FRI and the Stream Crossing Program while Ngaio Baril, biologist and project lead for this crossing project, spoke to the kids about why we asked them to help plant willows and the importance to bank erosion and fish habitat.

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