Revegetating a riverine/riparian project post-construction can be a challenge.
Several different factors and risks need to be managed. One variable to consider is access to ecotypic vegetation. Containerized stock from nurseries may come from markedly different elevations and climates than your receiver site (depends on the source and seller). The salvage and installation of existing #vegetation is one option to control that variable, but it comes with inherent risks and challenges as well.
That said, we’re giving it a try.
On Lee Gulch, we wanted to preserve and reuse a few different species. A champion soapweed (Yucca glauca) stood out, while a number of smaller yucca specimens dotted the existing upland landscape. We marked those to save and worked with Shea Davis (Edge) to design a mini temporary storage basin (shown below). Root balls are about 1' deep, 3' wide on each clump, roughly equivalent to 25 gallon containers.
Similarly, 2 large clumps of wood’s rose (Rosa woodsii) were found along the wetland/upland transition zone. Those areas of rose sod will be harvested, stored, and replaced as soon as possible.
Lastly, we’re going to live-transplant a few clumps of red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea), and some smaller plains cottonwoods (Populus deltoides).
Is this guaranteed to work? Nope.
But, it has a high chance of success if done properly. Edge Contracting was happy to contribute ideas and action to the effort.
The restoration will include seeding (of course) and installing several containerized plants, harvested willow stakes, cottonwood poles, and wetland plugs. Live transplants are one creative part.
