I am an environmental consultant for EcoFrame, a small-scale company in Victoria, British Columbia. EcoFrame was founded in 2010 by a group of PhD graduates in order to tackle restoration issues on Vancouver Island. Our vision at EcoFrame is to educate, engage, reclaim and restore while keeping ecological and social wellbeing in mind. This report, commissioned by the University of Victoria (UVic), outlines plans and suggestions for the long-term management of Mystic Vale on the university’s property in response to the development underway in the adjacent Cedar Hill Corner/Dog Park. Mystic Vale is an 11.6 acre ravine, located at the south-east part of UVic. It belongs to the Hobbs watershed, one of four on campus, and is a natural coniferous
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Mystic Vale is home to invasive species such as English ivy and English holly. The ivy is extensive, and we anticipate it to continue to expand without restoration efforts. A foundational question to be asked about Mystic Vale is if it is a natural area in an urban ecosystem. There are a few popular options for urban ecosystem restoration such as conservation and restoration at fringes, restoration of remnant patches, the management of novel ecosystems and gardening with significant local species (Standish, Hobbs, & Miller, 2013). Barriers with restoration in urban areas include development and impervious surfaces. The restoration of urban landscapes emerged as a solution to decreases in biodiversity and a lowered connection between people and nature (Standish, Hobbs, & Miller, 2013). EcoFrame recognizes the potential to increase biodiversity in Mystic Vale, and to decrease the presence of English ivy. The connection between people and nature plays a central role in the health of Mystic Vale because as more people value it their stewardship and willingness to participate in restorative activities will …show more content…
By analyzing the stages of invasion of species, we will be better equipped. The first stage of invasion is transport, either intentional or accidental, where the species moves from its native range to a non-native range. The second stage is release where the species in its non-native range escapes from captivity. The third stage in the establishment of one or more sustaining populations. The last stage is the spread of the invasive species (Jeschke, Keesing, & Ostfeld, 2013). Although, for example, English ivy is no longer in the transport stage we must still pay attention to each stage of invasion as with increased traffic through Mystic Vale the possibility for invasive species will increase. In going forward with a long-term management plan for Mystic Vale it is vital to take into account the multiplicity of knowledge sources. One of many factors in ensuring successful restoration is maintaining a respect for multiple way of knowing, not only the scientific and technological approach exemplified by restoration ecology (Higgs, 2005) Successful restoration also involves local community support, has effective policies, appropriate legislation and long-term
Mystic Vale is home to invasive species such as English ivy and English holly. The ivy is extensive, and we anticipate it to continue to expand without restoration efforts. A foundational question to be asked about Mystic Vale is if it is a natural area in an urban ecosystem. There are a few popular options for urban ecosystem restoration such as conservation and restoration at fringes, restoration of remnant patches, the management of novel ecosystems and gardening with significant local species (Standish, Hobbs, & Miller, 2013). Barriers with restoration in urban areas include development and impervious surfaces. The restoration of urban landscapes emerged as a solution to decreases in biodiversity and a lowered connection between people and nature (Standish, Hobbs, & Miller, 2013). EcoFrame recognizes the potential to increase biodiversity in Mystic Vale, and to decrease the presence of English ivy. The connection between people and nature plays a central role in the health of Mystic Vale because as more people value it their stewardship and willingness to participate in restorative activities will …show more content…
By analyzing the stages of invasion of species, we will be better equipped. The first stage of invasion is transport, either intentional or accidental, where the species moves from its native range to a non-native range. The second stage is release where the species in its non-native range escapes from captivity. The third stage in the establishment of one or more sustaining populations. The last stage is the spread of the invasive species (Jeschke, Keesing, & Ostfeld, 2013). Although, for example, English ivy is no longer in the transport stage we must still pay attention to each stage of invasion as with increased traffic through Mystic Vale the possibility for invasive species will increase. In going forward with a long-term management plan for Mystic Vale it is vital to take into account the multiplicity of knowledge sources. One of many factors in ensuring successful restoration is maintaining a respect for multiple way of knowing, not only the scientific and technological approach exemplified by restoration ecology (Higgs, 2005) Successful restoration also involves local community support, has effective policies, appropriate legislation and long-term