Students Dig In to Enhance Armstrong Wetland
On the morning of April 29th, Grade 10-11 Biology students from Pleasant Valley Secondary School (PVSS) in Armstrong and the Awaken Inquiry and Adventure Okanagan group (AIAO) from Vernon’s Clarence Fulton Secondary gathered in downtown Armstrong to plant a pocket forest on site at our Okanagan Street restoration project. A total of 115 native trees and shrubs were planted that day!
The day began at Huculak Park where students gathered to meet with BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF) representatives and local organizers. BCWF conservation biologists Erika Kolli and Becky Dodge spoke to the high school students, sharing insights into their careers and explaining the vital role wetlands play in biodiversity, water filtration, and climate resilience.
The high school volunteers then proceeded to the wetland, where they learned about the ongoing enhancement project and the significance of planting a mini-forest as part of the broader goal to diversify the local habitat.
In teams, students began digging at pre-determined locations, placing the trees and shrubs in soil which included a custom mix of biochar, sand, compost and mycorrhizal fungi to support the young plants in their new environment. The planting was completed quickly and efficiently, with each smaller plant marked by a pin flag for ongoing monitoring. The mini-forest will continue to be monitored and watered through the summer months, with high hopes for strong survival rates and a thriving wetland ecosystem.
Planting day was jointly planned by the Armstrong Wetlands Association, Kim Fulton and the BC Wildlife Federation in conjunction with teachers Luke Harding and Rob Buchanan
