QUARRY PARK REVIVAL

3 of 5 years & on schedule

Stewardship Fervour | 5yr Strategy (2017-2021)

In North Saanich, an ecosystem revival is occurring at Quarry Park (3rd year in-progress). You are invited to participate! We started spring 2017, over 128 induvial people have volunteered 583.5hrs thank-you so much for caring and your efforts.

In an effort to find volunteers, on September 25, 2017, I wrote, “I’m big on Quarry Park! It’s achievable… It’s a big surge — can you picture the glory of this achievement?”

Part 1: QUARRY PARK (North Saanich)

Quarry Park is the most southern park in North Saanich, and when driving along East Saanich Road one can’t help but notice that stretch of unusually tall forest which is park. The park has a great forest floor which can host the full variety of natural forest plants. There are several 250 year-old Douglas firs situated near the special cliff area. These big-old trees have watched over this area since the mid-1700s. Underneath the high southern cliff are two natural dens which can be used by mammals. The manmade 1930s granite quarry has metamorphosed into a natural environment, and has become an interesting place for kids to play, realise reclamation, and experience a local forest that is protected from development. To maintain a natural (as-possible) forest, it is important to set the stewardship example and inspire the next generations to maintain and/or improve what they have.

Part 2: MY HISTORY WITH QUARRY PARK

Autumn 1982, while in grade three at Sansbury Elementary, I first regularly biked to and hiked in Quarry Park. The park felt revitalized and welcoming. New cedar signs had been placed at both of the Horseshoe Trailheads, a round cedar picnic table with two chairs were placed in the middle of the quarry, and a bench was perfectly positioned above the southern cliff. My first impression was that Quarry Park was cared for. However, it didn’t take long for me to realise the park was becoming neglected.

In January 1991 (age 16), inspired by the Friends of John Dean Park, I attempted to start a Friends of Quarry Park. I created a basic pamphlet and delivered it to my entire paper route plus the nearby homes. Looking back, it was not surprising that I did not receive a single response. I also wrote North Saanich Council and later walked Quarry Park with the Parks Commission. The upshot was I learnt the commissioners wanted to inspire volunteers, and had plans to create a new Park Warden program. A few months later, I was invited to attend the municipal hall after school, and was one of the first people to be presented the new North Saanich Volunteer Green Ball Cap. This gift motivated my role at Quarry Park, and it continued until 1999 when I moved to East Sooke, and joined the Regular Armed Forces.

During the 1990s I was so heavily involved in removing broom and ivy from the flagship John Dean Park, I simply didn’t see Quarry as a priority. Also, because I was young, I didn’t have the necessary awareness I now possess, to take the essential preventive action. A major conflict of my time and true interest occurred with John Dean Park, so Quarry fell aside and only remained in my heart. By the mid-2000s, the ivy was spreading into Quarry Park, and Daphne, laurel, holly, and blackberry followed and established.

Part 3: FRIENDS OF NORTH SAANICH PARKS

Contacts:

Sharon: sharonhope@shaw.ca (Co-founder, Executive Director, North Saanich Liaison)
Jarrett: jarrettteague@yahoo.ca (Quarry Park Steward and Technical Advisor)
Ashlee: ashleeanna4180@gmail.com (Founder, Emeritus Standing, Advisor)

Thank goodness by 2017, Ashlee and Sharon had created Friends of North Saanich Parks. R.O. Bull, Denham Till, Lillian Hoffar, Nymph Point and Quarry Park, were the first parks to receive their attention, chiefly on the invasive species front. Some of their mission and vision statements are:

MISSION & VISION STATEMENTS

“Our mission is to create stewardships for each park in North Saanich. There are 24 parks in North Saanich in need of restoring. We are removing invasive plant species out of these parks while building relationships with the community.”
“The invasive plant species in North Saanich Parks are decreasing the biodiversity, suffocating native species and negatively impacting the ecosystem and its soils. Let’s work together to remove invasive plants out of our North Saanich parks and help the forests return to their natures state.”
“We hope to remove all the invasive plant species out of a series of parks per year as well as support the development of stewardships for these parks.”
“Let’s help restore the ecosystem and protect the animals and native plants.”

Such vision and leadership quickly got my attention, and I attended the first work parties at Quarry Park. We have now hosted or organized 12 ivy pulls. We started along East Saanich Road, from inside the quarry upwards on all sides, worked around the quarry, and each time produced a large pile of debris. After each event, North Saanich Parks has removed a large pile invasive plants and the accumulated garbage. Here are the “work party” events:

TOTAL WORK PARTIES HOURS: 583.5

29 Apr 17 | Friends & 10^th Tsartlip Scouts | 12 volunteers, 3.75hrs | 45hrs
28 Oct 17 | Friends & 10^th Tsartlip Scouts | 17 volunteers, 3.75hrs | 63.75hrs
25 Nov 17 | Friends | 8 volunteers, 4hrs | 32hrs
12 May 18 | Friends & Men’s Newcomers | 7 volunteers, 3.75hrs | 26.25hrs
16 Jun 18 | Friends & Green Team | 23 volunteers, 3.25hrs | 74.75hrs
20 Oct 18 | Friends & Green Team | 17 volunteers, 3.25hrs | 55.25hrs
5 Apr 19 | Friends | 7 volunteers | 21.75
11 May 19 | Friends & Green Team | 18 volunteers, 3.25hrs | 58.5
15 Jun 19 | Friends | 8 volunteers, 4hrs | 32hrs
10 Aug 19 | Friends | 12 volunteers, 4hrs | 45hrs
25 Aug 19 | Friends | 11 volunteers, 2.5hrs | 27.5hrs
2 Nov 19 | Green Team | 31 volunteers (8 were under age 8), 3.25hrs | 100.75hrs

On November 25, 2017, Sharon wrote: “Let me congratulate you on being the first true Steward of a park under the North Saanich municipality through the Friends of North Saanich Parks.”
On June 30, 2018, Sharon wrote: “Jarrett you are truly one of the most persistent people I know, congratulations on being a stellar example to others in terms of ecological volunteering. Good luck as you continue.”
On August 19, 2019, Sharon wrote: “As you all know, it is extremely difficult to find committed volunteers and Jarrett is a valued member of the Friends of North Saanich Parks. He is the Steward of Quarry Park where we began work in during 2017.”

Please help the Friends of North Saanich Parks to restore this park by giving a couple hours of your time. If you’re interested, contact Sharon or Jarrett at their email address.

Part 4: MY 2017-19 QUARRY PARK WORKFLOW (as a Quarry Park Steward)

Removed major garbage (two trucks were filled);
Boundary awareness achieved;
Ivy was severed from tree bases;
The parks ivy was mapped, and a five-year removal plan was planned/plotted;
North Saanich staff removed blackberry from inside the quarry, wheel ruts were leveled and the quarry became an attractive parklike setting;
Participated and/or lead the work parties;
Daphne, laurel, holly, and blackberry are removed as discovered. Ivy is removed in priority, and stages;
The high south area was cleaned of garbage;
Old kids forts and bike jumps were dismantled and sites restored;
Major holly and blackberry were removed south of the quarry; and
To achieve full ivy removal, my strategy was to properly remove ivy working from the outside inwards and/or as inspired to work. The oldest and deepest two patches are and throughout the upper flat area (will be done autumn 2019), and in the SW corner (summer 2020).

Part 5: QUARRY PARK IVY ZONES

Zone

(5 zones)

Area

(16 areas)

Status

(October 2019)

1 – Inside Quarry, and up to the surrounding Horseshoe Trail

a) Quarry bottom

b) North slope to trail

c) East cliff

d) South slope to trail

a) Stage 7

b) Stage 6

c) Stage 6

d) Stage 5

2 – Roadside

a) 1^st power pole

b) 2^nd power pole

c) SW corner

a) Stage 6

b) Stage 5

c) Stage 2

3 – South of Quarry, outside of Horseshoe Trail

a) Trail to fallen log

b) Fallen log to cliff base

c) SW of cliff base

d) South line

a) Stage 6

b) Stage 3 (2 Nov 19)

c) Stage 4

d) Stage 4

4 – North of Quarry, outside of Horseshoe Trail

a) North trailhead

b) Trail to north boundary

a) Stage 4

b) Stage 5

5 – Outside of park, private property

a) SW corner

b) SE corner

c) North line

a) Stage 2, home supports

b) Stage 1, farm property

c) Stage 2, four homes support

IVY REMOVAL STAGES (current thinking)

Plan
Prep and Initial Removals
Major Removal
Follow-up
Search
Inspection
Commit (long-term monitoring & action)

Part 6: THE VALUE OF TIME EXPENDED

English ivy (Hedera helix) is an evergreen vine that is renowned as a serious, smothering invasive plant. When planted by mankind, or when eventually birds deposit seeds, it quickly grows and forms a dense monoculture groundcover that suppresses the natural vegetation, and the forest floor becomes unsuitable for native creatures. Also, the vines climb the trees, and during heavy winds or when snow and ice intensify, trees with heavy ivy are forced down.

From an ecological perspective, invasive species upset the balance of an ecosystem. Also, the synergy that comes from caring for a natural ecosystem is experienced in so many ways. In summary, there are many major benefits to removing invasive plants:

Trees of all sizes are conserved;
Sunlight increases, native flora and fauna flourishes;
The forest floor returns to a natural vegetated state;
The chemistry of soil balances; nutrients and ecosystem return to an equilibrium;
The ecological condition naturalises, slugs, snails and amphibians increase;
Visitors experience and enjoy a natural forest environment, wellness increases;
Neighbors to the park experience the benefits of a more accessible natural space;
Children come to play; the park is cherished for multiple decades;
The park becomes a welcoming and a special place to spend time; the community responds, parks staff and political resources are allocated; and
The park becomes an architype (natural museum). People experience a non-invasive forest environment.

Part 7: AUTUMN 2021 GOAL

Quarry Park has been a major undertaking. My plan is to achieve stage 6 (Inspection/extensive examination, declared ivy free) by November 2021. The amount of ivy at Quarry Park is much larger than the Illahie patch was at John Dean Park. The only difference is the Illahie ivy was 80 years old, 8” deep and well established. At Quarry Park there are two types of ivy, both thin and thick, both are 35 years old, only 2-3” deep, however it covers a much larger and complex area.

The ivy at Quarry Park was planted outside of the park during the early-1980s, and has spread mostly from the SW corner. In only 35 years, it made its way up to the high southern cliff, and beyond the parks north and eastern boundary lines. Luckily for Quarry, the ivy isn’t deep, and it can be conquered. The only reality I foresee is that ivy surrounds the park on many private properties, and will surely re-enter the park. I’ll complete Stage 6 and commit to Stage 7 (commitment to long-term monitoring & action). However to sustain the achievement after my time, a caring and engaged level of stewardship will be required. Either the municipality of North Saanich or a future Friends of Quarry Park will be required to be on scene and take the necessary long-time removal actions. I’ll approach this in the same way as was done at Illahie within John Dean Park (1997-2009, onwards). Illahie took 13 years to properly arrive at stage 7. I plan to achieve Stage 6 at Quarry Park by November 2021.

As of this writing, 128 people have attended at least one ivy event, thank-you so much. Please help us restore this park by giving a couple hours of your time. If you’re interested, contact Sharon or Jarrett. See you at Quarry Park . . .

Part 8: VALUE AND WORTH

For years and years I’ve been told that “volunteering is volunteering.” I believe that quick decree has turned off multiple dozens of people, especially younger potentials.

Since 2009, my ratio recompense thinking has been $1 per hour. However since taking on Quarry Park my thinking has involved. I now believe if money is available, a 3^rd time volunteer should receive a tip of $2 per hour for time worked, which can serve as a thank-you and/or hedge against private expenses; a new committed regular may be retained.

At this time, the only way for a volunteer to express their contribution which includes preparation, transport time, time worked, laundry, tools maintenance, volunteer log and communication, is by reporting the “volunteer hours worked”. For John Dean Park, I’ve always felt my ratio was near 25%. At Quarry Park, due to my experience and interests in tracking such efforts/time, I was very surprised to learn my time ratio is 66%. This high percentage makes me actually laugh aloud, however it’s the reality. To properly have someone (like myself) work 3hrs, actually means 5hrs. This 66% is time only, and has nothing to do with fuel, clothing, snacks, water and tool maintenance.

Those who have no connection – will remain unaware and never attract volunteers. I believe the definition of value and worth is rarely thought about, and usually underestimated. Any hard-core volunteer will instantly connect with my thinking of: effort of planning, executing and recovering.

FURTHER READING

Here’s the Ivy story that occurred at John Dean Provincial Park

https://www.johndeanpark.com/removing-the-parks-ivy/

IVY REMOVAL STAGES FOR QUARRY PARK

English Ivy (Hedera helix): Hedera is Latin for Ivy, helix is Latin for spiral

If there’s one continuous theme . . . it’s removing roots

STAGE

ACTION

RESULT

PLAN

Stage 1 is about locating park/property boundaries. Divide the park into ivy zones generally equal in size/effort/time. These zones generally fit between natural boundaries.

Photograph all zones. Create a folder for all images.

Write a mission statement. List the zones in priority. Although the end-state is to remove all ivy within the park, categorise each zone as:

1) Essential

2) Necessary

3) Desirable

Work within different zones can start at different times. Work parties and individuals can work towards and complete specific stages within a zone.

Leaders commit to mission and attract volunteers and/or organize work parties.

Specific ivy zones are established.

Digital archive is established.

Goals are set. Mission statement is available.

The priority of planned work is understood.

Leadership is inspired and recognises the value of these words:

– Commit

– Committed

– Commits

– Commitment

Prep

Initial

Removals

Stage 2 is all about the zone safety and the preparation required prior to the arrival of a work party. Remove eye poking branches and sticks. Remove holly, laurel, blackberry and Daphne.

Remove branches and sharp debris from the work party start point.

Remove known garbage.

Server ivy vines on trees at 6’ above the ground, and dig out all surrounding roots. Ensure all roots are removed from the trees base.

Area is safe for the entry of new volunteers to work.

All other invasive plants are gone, which will direct the focus of the work party specifically on ivy.

Oblivious garbage is removed.

Ivy on trees dies, sunlight is increased, and future vegetation growth will increase.

Major

Removal

Stage 3 is when the first-time major removal occurs, preferably by a work party. Teach volunteers to gently pull ivy slips from the ground. Attempt to remove as many roots (and sub-roots) as possible. Typically 90% of the ivy is removed.

Try to avoid damaging the larger natural vegetation. However scouring the ground is encouraged. The priority is ivy removal by the root, vegetation regrowth will occur (guarantied).

Remove garbage as it’s found.

90% of the ivy covering the ground has been removed.

Native vegetation begins to grow.

Area is almost garbage free.

Follow-up

Stage 4 is the most important stage, especially for committed Stewards.

Revisit the area one month after the first-time major removal.

Necessary tools:

– Grub how; and

– Plyers.

Remove the remaining ivy. Work in 3’ stretches, search under ferns, logs and rocks. Ensure all known ivy is removed. Remove all roots (all sizes) as discovered. Ensure all roots surrounding the trees have been properly removed.

To ensure all roots are removed, feel free to scour the ground. The priority is to remove all roots.

Remove garbage as it’s found.

Remaining Ivy is fully removed.

Roots are removed.

Zone is declared properly pulled / Stage 4 completed.

Native vegetation is growing.

Area is garbage free.

Stage 5 is a confirmation stage for each zone. It is specifically entrusted to Park Stewards.

Revisit the area several months after the one month follow-up (month 4-6). Start at one end of the zone, and extensively search back and forth in 3’ stretches. This is a methodical slow time evolution:

1) Remove old ivy that was missed;

2) Remove new ivy which has sprouted; and

3) It’s important to remove every root as it’s discovered; this will ensure everything gets done. Use plyers as needed.

Ivy is confirmed removed.

Roots are confirmed removed.

The zone is declared properly searched, and Stage 5 is declared completed.

Inspection

Stage 6 is the final confirmation/inspection stage for a particular zone. It includes many visits to each zone over a two year timeframe.

Revisit each zone twice every six months. Wear running shoes versus boots. Conduct ongoing searches for sprouting ivy. Technically remove all found ivy (by the root). Ensure all roots are correctly removed. Conduct exhaustive searches twice every six months as follows:

1) Months 12-18 x 2

2) Months 19-24 x 2

3) Months 25-36 x 2

The last remaining ivy is removed.

Ivy doesn’t reappear.

Zone by zone is formally declared ivy-free. The future sustainment has begun.

The proper completion of Stage 6 means that the zone is completed.

Commit

Stage 7 is reserved for when all zones have achieved Stage 6. This is a commitment stage versus removal stage.

Park Stewards recommit to long-term monitoring/action.

Write the story, use pictures.

Host a celebration party.

Recruit and plan for succession.

Ivy doesn’t reappear. The park is declared ivy-free. The park is under long-time monitoring/action.

The successful result is documented and made public. The effort is celebrated.

Volunteers are acknowledged and thanked.

Key Stewards are inspired to own the title Ivy Free. Younger people are inspired to maintain the title Ivy Free, which should be declared every five years.

Best, Jarrett

jarrettteague@yahoo.ca

250-642-3031

QUARRY PARK REVIVAL – 2019

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