Wainfleet Bog Recovery

A Unique Site with Unique Site Recovery

i) Background:

As a result of expanding agricultural, peat extraction and transportation activities within and around the Wainfleet Bog, the bog wetland has decreased in size and function. From over 200 years of such activity, the remnant bog is presently 1460 hectares (3607 acres). Measures to remediate/ slow the factors degrading this ecosystem are critical to improving the environment and its linkages.

Main Factors Impacting the Bog

• Past peat extraction
• Drainage

Resulting Factors

• Lowered water table
• Drier, less acidic site conditions
• Site alterations favour more upland plant and animal species
• Non-native European birch colonize the site

ii) Wainfleet Bog Recovery – In Action

Recovery Objectives:

• Restore the bog to a healthier state.
• Re-establish the development of a peat dome formation and natural bog processes through ecologically self-sustaining restoration techniques of limited to no human intervention.
• Provide educational and scientific opportunities.
• Be of minimal cost.

Recovery Activity:

The west half of the property received rehabilitation activity, while the east half is maintained as status quo for existing species to adapt to changes. Within this selected area:

1. Several internal peat canals are blocked to maintain water levels at the site.
2. Bare peat fields have been treated with shallow surface indentations to maintain water on the site.
3. Surface indentations have been planted with native plant material to provide food and cover for plants and animals at the bog. Plantings included seeds, hardstem cutting and plugs of: leatherleaf, labrador tea, sheep laurel, and blueberry among others. To maintain moisture, minimize frost upheaval and assess technique, ‘Weed Free’ Straw mulch was used on the plantings, while also maintaining some as controls.
4. Half of the non-native European Birch trees have been cut to assist in maintaining water levels at the site, minimize surface temperatures and soil and provide surface cover for small mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
5. A monitoring program has been established to evaluate the rehabilitation activities including ground water levels, vegetation changes and sensitive animal populations for the site over time.
6. Bog educational interactive programs and past community based workshops are implemented to help the awareness of the importance and value of the bog, its functions and its’ interconnected plants and animals.

Bog Recovery To date:

The monitoring program of the Wainfleet Bog restoration efforts is ongoing. These monitoring results are showing the bog progressing positively towards a more natural bog ecosystem. Sphagnum moss is growing in sown areas, as well as other bog species improving. For other updated findings please see the Bog Newsletters below.

iii) Bog Recovery, Making it Happen:

Special Thanks. As with our other projects, the involvement and assistance of many have made this rehabilitation a reality including: the area community, local and area conservation clubs, nature clubs, universities, local municipalities, and government agencies through general labour, funds, monitoring and inventory assistance.

For further information on the Wainfleet Bog, Contact:

Kim Frohlich
Ecologist
905-788-3135 ext 241