10,000 Hands - 2017-2018

Riparian and Coastal Enhancement
Riparian Enhancement is vital for improving watercourses and wildlife habitat in Saint John’s urban
environment and watersheds. ACAP Saint John’s Riparian Enhancement project is a recognized
component of urban sustainability whereby community stakeholders can participate in hands-on
improvements to their local environment that will provide immediate and long-term benefits to our urban
ecology. The project’s success lies in ACAP Saint John’s ability to maintain a strong partnership with
landowners and volunteers and the NB Environmental Trust Fund for financial support. Public support
of enhancement projects and ACAP Saint John’s ability to maintain an established and dedicated
network of volunteers have upheld Riparian Enhancement as a key environmental project for Greater
Saint John.
Methods
The Riparian and Coastal Enhancement project was carried out by spreading seeds, planting trees and
shrubs, and staking cuttings to enhance habitat and increase native vegetation in Saint John during the
2017 field season. Riparian Enhancement took place in seven locations over the season as detailed in
this report.
Plantings were completed with the help of volunteers who learned how to plant by digging holes and
using fertilizer and top soil to plant young potted plants and seedlings. Potted plants, seedlings, and seeds
were ordered from nurseries around the Maritimes and Quebec or were donated by J.D. Irving. The
planting sites were chosen by ACAP Saint John employees who targeted riparian and coastal areas within
the city. Native species for each site were also selected by employees and where determined based on
the site conditions and availability of desired species.
Staking was completed by ACAP Saint John employees to re-vegetate a project area after a culvert
removal was completed. For this staking, Red Osier dogwood stakes were cut from a site with a vast
number of Red Osier dogwood plants to ensure that the act of cutting would not damage the existing
shrubs. Once the cuttings were made, they were dipped in rooting hormone (Wilson Liquid Root
Stimulator) and placed in soil until they could be staked into the ground on site.
Results
This year, a total of eight community tree and shrub plantings were organized by ACAP Saint John at
seven different locations, as well as, Red Osier dogwood staking was completed by ACAP Saint John
staff after a culvert removal project. Through these eight events a total of 1,940 native trees and shrubs
were planted by 139 volunteers (Figure 2). Volunteers had the opportunity to be involved in, and learn
about, habitat restoration while experiencing nature first-hand and getting their hands dirty. A diversity
of volunteers participated in planting events including a wide range of ages, experience, and
backgrounds.
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