FFCCS Projects Report, 2010

We had a very active year with our projects in 2010, resulting in a record number of volunteer hours spent on 8 projects. All who participated are to be commended with much thanks.

FFCCSoc Projects Work Summary, 2010

1. Hogweed Removal 22 people 122 hours
2. Tree Planting, Tending & Potting 18 people 125 hours
3. French Creek Flow Measurements 15 people 157 hours
4. Dudley Marsh 3 people 28 hours
5. Hamilton Marsh 24 people 100 hours
6. Water Sampling (for MOE) 4 people 86 hours
7. DFO Fish Count 4 people 17 hours
8. Display Board Presentations 6 people 33 hours
Total: 668 hours

1. Hogweed Removal:
Hogweed removal was done at 8 different locations in the spring of 2010, including below the Qualicum Beach airport, with the assistance of two town employees, and on the foreshore at Milner Gardens.

2. Tree Planting, Tending & Potting
Activities in 2010 included 6 tree planting sessions in the spring and fall, two tree potting sessions at Jacquie Thomson’s and two tree tendings of our previously planted trees. We planted a total of 263 trees in the riparian area of French Creek.

3. Flow Measurements
The year 2010 is the fifth consecutive year we have performed flow measurements, at the request of DFO. Flow in French Creek was low, but not as low as in the previous summer. We are having a report compiled of the results of five years of measurements.

4. Dudley Marsh
We (mostly Des Davidge) monitored the water height and flow out of Dudley Marsh weekly over the summer and fall. In September, Ducks Unlimited Canada removed the mud and debris accumulated in front of the weir due to the beavers.

5. Hamilton Marsh
In conjunction with the Brant Festival, our annual Easter Tour of Hamilton Marsh was held April 3, and was a success in spite of the overcast and wet weather. Ceri Peacey organized a tour of the marsh by an elementary school class in June.

6. Water Sampling
We were contacted by Ministry of Environment to help with a water quality study of French Creek. We took water samples and recorded data from 5 sites weekly in late summer and fall.

7. DFO Fish Count
We assisted DFO once again in its annual count of fish fry in French Creek. Fish size, weight and species were sampled.

8. Display Board Presentations
We exhibited our display board at three locations this year, Seedy Saturday, February 6, Earth Day, April 24 and the Baptist Church Community Garage Sale, September 11. They resulted in new memberships and useful contacts. Jacquie Thomson has been responsible at our display board for selling to the public some of our “elder potted before they become too big for the pots. Several hundred dollars have resulted for our coffers.

Submitted by: Sandy Robinson