Restoring wetlands in Denman’s butterfly reserve is challenging
By Chris Junck, Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly Recovery Project Team
Wetland habitat restoration is difficult at the best of times. It must be timed carefully to avoid disruption of bird nesting and reproduction of insects, amphibians and other animals. Restoration crews must usually wait until wetland water levels are low. Budget limitations are often a factor. For BC Parks staff, contractors and community volunteers who are implementing the wetland restoration plan for the Denman Island Park and Protected Area butterfly reserve, recent droughts and Scotch broom infestations significantly increase the challenges.
“Sometimes it can be a bit daunting, but our goal is that the work will eventually benefit endangered Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies and other species that like seasonally wet areas,” said BC Parks conservation specialist Erica McClaren.
Intensive Scotch broom removal continues in Denman Island Park and Protected Area. Photo by Chris Junck.
Intensive Scotch broom removal has occurred over several years and continues this winter. Some invasive species work occurred prior to wetland restoration in 2021 and then additional work has followed each year. On November 1, 2022, local volunteers, BC Parks staff and Satinflower Nurseries planted wild strawberries and marsh speedwell, which are important host plants for Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies. They also broadcast a custom native seed blend that was tailored specifically for the site.
Denman volunteers helped BC Parks and Satinflower Nurseries staff plant seedlings and spread seeds. Photo by Kristen Miskelly.
The Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly Recovery Project Team is encouraged by results from monitoring the wetlands. The native plantings from 2021 made it through their first summer quite nicely despite the extended drought. Hopefully the rejuvenated wetlands will host a broad range of butterflies, other insects, amphibians and birds in the future.
The wetland restoration plan indicates that ongoing work to remove invasive plants, seeding and planting native species, and monitoring the results will be required to ensure the success of the project.
A custom native seed mixture prepared by Satinflower Nurseries was mixed with sand before broadcasting it at the site. Photo by Kristen Miskelly.
BC Parks and the project team thank the Cowichan Tribes, Halalt, Homalco, K’ómoks, Lake Cowichan, Lyackson, Penelakut, Qualicum, Snaw’Naw’As, Stz’uminus, Tla’amin, We Wai Kai, and We Wai Kum First Nations for allowing us to restore ecosystems in their traditional territories. Several local volunteers also contributed to the success of this wetland project.
The recovery project has benefited from funding and in-kind contributions from the BC Parks Licence Plate Program, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the Environment Canada Habitat Stewardship Fund and the B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (Ecosystems Branch), and others.
Wild strawberries were grown on Denman Island for the project. Photo by Kristen Miskelly.
The Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly Recovery Project Team includes biological consultants and representatives from the B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, BC Parks, Denman Conservancy Association, Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team, Greater Vancouver Zoo, Mosaic Forest Management, Wildlife Preservation Canada, and others.
Learn more about the Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly:
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