Summer Field Work 2018

The 2018 Field Crew was led by Hailey Blacquiere as Supervisor. Taylor Gallant returned as Field Crew Technician, and Madison Vincent led the Riparian Health assessments. The Field Crew had a great season and accomplished a lot of work this summer, improving habitat and water quality all around the Wheatley River.

Maggie, Hailey, Madison, and Taylor on a deep sea fishing staff party
  • 620 trees were planted on 9 separate parcels of land in the watershed; 146 trees were given away at Canada Day and CORE events.
  • 3 km of stream were cleared on the South branch of the Wheatley River (1.45 km), Ross Creek (0.9 km), and Chapel Creek (0.65 km).
  • 2 brush mats were built on the South branch of the Wheatley River near the end of the section cleared.
  • 7 riparian health assessments were conducted along the South branch of the Wheatley River.
  • 25 crossing assessments were conducted throughout the watershed.
  • Water quality monitoring was conducted at 22 sites throughout the watershed on a weekly basis. Staff recorded temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, conductivity, total dissolved solids, salinity, pH, and nitrates at each site.
  • Anoxia surveys were conducted at 8 sites between the Wheatley River Bridge and Oyster Bed Bridge on a monthly basis (3 events). Staff recorded temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, conductivity, total dissolved solids, salinity, pH, and signs of anoxia (i.e., water clarity & colour, sea lettuce coverage & condition, and H2S odour).
  • 8 new tree swallow boxes were built by WRIG staff: 2 were installed at Rackham’s pond, 5 were installed on suitable areas on private properties in the watershed by landowner request.
  • A depth survey was conducted at Rackham’s Pond.