Marsh restoration is a new and
emerging science. Cootes Paradise marsh is currently being studied by researchers at Royal
Botanical Gardens, McMaster and the Canada Centre for Inland Waters. Researchers are
conducting extensive studies in fisheries, water quality, botany, wildlife, economics and
social sciences. The results of integrated research are used to guide the restoration
program. The adaptive management cycle of research, project implementation and monitoring
within the marsh environment is the framework guiding the process.
Vegetation
Monitoring assesses the effectiveness of a variety of re-vegetation techniques and natural
regeneration. This includes sampling along transects for emergent, submergent, floating
leafed and woody shrub regeneration. The site specific information is augmented with
aerial photography to quantify the extent and spatial patterns of regeneration.
Fish
Monitoring includes fish abundance and the distribution of adult and juvenile fish,
seasonal migration patterns, species diversity and biomass. Habitat assessment measures
include: dissolved oxygen, vegetation cover, fish abundance, light transparency and
temperature. The in-marsh monitoring program is complemented by monitoring adult fish at
the Cootes Paradise Fishway.
Wildlife And Waterbirds 
Wildlife and waterbirds, both migratory and resident, are
monitored year round with emphasis on migratory periods. Bird counts have been conducted
weekly throughout the marsh since 1988. Amphibians, turtles and muskrats are regularly
monitored to indicate the health of wildlife populations.
Water Quality
RBG has conducted a long term water quality monitoring program
since 1977. Chlorophyll, nutrients, turbidity and suspended solids are measured. In
addition to long term monitoring, research is conducted to address specific questions
emerging from restoration efforts.
Wetland Demonstration Cell
Facilitate restoration of the northeast quadrant
of the Cootes Paradise marsh by assisting the establishment of native submerged and
emergent plants, an effort which will also create the opportunity to showcase broader
restoration efforts in the Cootes Paradise marsh through improved access.
Education and Interpretive
Programming at the Nature Centre
Offer wetland-focused education and interpretation through the Nature Interpretive
Centre taking a proactive role in bringing Cootes Paradise into the classroom through
curriculum linkages.
A Place to Focus Wetlands Expertise
Harness the value of the ecological restoration
expertise held by Royal Botanical Gardens, and share that expertise by offering
professional courses and support for other restoration projects. |
