Just over a year ago a local group called Joseph Creek Streamkeepers secured funding thanks to the efforts of Jim and Laura Duncan of Mainstreams to buy native plants.
More than 30 permaguild cultures consisting of shrubs planted in clusters in a supportive role around evergreen trees like spruce were planted by students from Mt. Baker High School including students from the Alternate School in June 2012 along the north bank of Joseph Creek in Spooner Park between the High School and Western Financial Place.
With the cool damp conditions experienced last spring, the plants seemed to prosper but so did the grasses and invasive weeds.
During the summer members of Joseph Creek Streamkeepers worked with a professional to clear the grasses and weeds, particularly burdock, in an effort to protect the guilds.
Next Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept.17 and 18, Joseph Creek Streamkeepers plan to meet at Spooner Park to cover the grass surrounding the permaculture guilds with cardboard to prevent sunlight from getting to the grass. The cardboard will then be covered with mulch, which will have the combined effect of eliminating grasses and weeds, allowing the native plants to flourish.
Interested members of the public are invited to join Joseph Creek Streamkeepers on Tuesday and Wednesday any time between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to lend a hand. For more information call Stewart Wilson at 250-489-1422.