Help us restore Blain Farm!

On March 19th TTLT will be trialing a new (to us) method of restoration: Live Staking! We invite volunteers to join us on this adventure to enhance the constructed wetlands at Blain Farm.

What is Live Staking?

Live Staking is a bioengineering technique intended to increase woody vegetation along the edges of wetlands, creeks, and rivers. This is done by taking cuttings of specific tree and shrub species, like Dogwood, in late winter and inserting the "live stakes" into the soil. With proper species selection and adequate moisture, these live stakes will take root and mature into beautiful trees and shrubs.

Why choose Live Staking?

Live Staking is simple and inexpensive with moderate to high success rates. Often live stakes can be collected from the surrounding area, minimizing or eliminating the need to purchase materials. While rooted plants often establish quicker than live stakes, the effects of animal browsing and plant mortality are less impactful due to lower initial costs. Additionally, woody plants rooted from cuttings tend to mature and produce seeds earlier than individuals started from seed.

What to expect:

The event will consist of some live stake collection with the majority of time spent on installation. Live stake installation will be concentrated around the constructed wetlands in the farm field. TTLT staff will provide training on species selection, identification, collection processes, and installation techniques.

Volunteers will be working along the sloped banks of the constructed wetlands. Supportive footwear is required for safety.

What to bring:

• Please wear appropriate footwear, long sleeves, and pants. Waterproof footwear is strongly recommended.
• Dress for the weather and plan for mud.
• Bring your lunch and plenty of water.
• TTLT will provide equipment and work gloves.

What you need to know about this event: 

• This event occurs off trail on uneven terrain near shallow water and will involve bending. Please notify us of any required accommodations.
• Parking: Parking options are being explored. Plan for parking along Beattie Line (gravel road with steep ditches) until otherwise notified.
• There are no washroom facilities at Blain Farm, so please plan accordingly. 
  The closest public washrooms are: Glencoe Tim Hortons or the West Lorne and Dutton OnRoute along Highway 401.
• Please stay home if feeling unwell.

Please note: this event is weather dependent. In the case of any changes or cancellation, we will send out an email to everyone who is registered the day before the event.

Photo (left): Constructed wetland at Blain Farm, by Daria Koscinski
Photo (right): Mixed twigs - Dogwood, Sumac, Cedar & White Pine, by Payton Landsborough