The original planned location of the constructed wetland was centered here, with the edges marked by orange flags. We selected this site because of its proximity of our classroom, and because the soil here had been severely compacted by years of logging and construction activity. The site was not wet enough to support a groundwater wetland; therefore, we decided to use a synthetic liner. The goals were to (a) increase the biodiversity of native plant and animal species in the area, (b) support native amphibians, such as red-legged frogs (Rana aurora), (c) create a highly accessible space to educate visiting classes and groups about the value and importance of wetlands, and (d) filter and convey rainwater from the roof of the classroom to the Nuts'a'maat Forage Forest, below. The wetland itself was planned to be about 1 m deep at the lowest point - meaning that it would likely dry out by late summer most years, allowing native amphibians to complete their life cycles, but preventing the establishment of bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus). We eventually decided that this location was too close to the buried septic and electrical infrastructure servicing the classroom, and so we moved the location downslope to the centre of the traffic loop.

Coarse woody debris is an important feature of both forested and wetland ecosystems. These logs and stumps, left behind by the previous landowner after logging, will be set aside, and then incorporated into the wetland after the liner is in place to provide hiding places and perches for insects, amphibians, and birds.

The septic field and a buried electrical cable that serve the classroom building are located in this area, and needed to be avoided during wetland construction.

Did these trees grow all in a row? The answer is no - this is a line of stumps and slash that was deposited here by the previous owner of the property after he logged this site in the early 2000s.

Sooo what happened here? Look around.. you will see some big stumps and some grass, the GCA Classroom building…Well not long ago (10-20 years to be exact) there used to be some of my biggest ancestors growing here. The Great Redcedar trees covered this area, a happy forest with happy habitats for all the creatures. This land was then used as a logging site, so almost all of those gigantic trees were chopped down and used for lumber. Ohh… gives me the shivers just thinking about it! And not only cutting down the trees: by using big machinery, the ground and soil have been so compacted… it makes it so hard for plants and trees like me to grow! Oh what can we DOOOO???