Since 2013 members have worked hard to positively impact the community and environment around the campus.

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2013/2014

Beaver Creek

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A portion of Beaver Creek, located in Fort Erie, Ontario, was studied in the context of a course involving benthic invertebrate sampling and water quality testing. This site recently underwent major restoration work re-forming the channel to address drainage and habitat issues. Much of the work has been a success so far, and the aquatic monitoring field-work provided a great learning opportunity for the SER-NC. Unfortunately though, the freeze-thaw cycle seen in the spring of 2013 was responsible for dislodging some fascines from the bank, resulting in quite a puzzling case of bank erosion and slumping.

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Niagara College NOTL

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The Niagara Escarpment is one of the major reasons why the Niagara Peninsula is among the most biodiverse regions in Canada. A section of the escarpment runs behind the Niagara College Niagara-on-the-Lake campus. Unfortunately, the edge of this escarpment faces some serious challenges that go beyond the expected edge effects. Two teams of Niagara College students and SER-NC members devised plans to rehabilitate this area. One student team was focused on the rehabilitation of this area into a savanna. The second team was focused on the introduction of a vernal pool to the site. 

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2015/2016

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Phragmites Control​

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Phragmites australis (common reed) easily invades disturbed areas to create monocultures. This invasive species has taken over much of the area surrounding the portion of Six-Mile Creek that runs along the front of the Niagara College Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus. The SER-NC is looking for a solution to this problem. We will start by removing the phragmites during a volunteer event on November 7, 2015. After removal, the SER-NC research team will carry out experiments to determine how best to prevent phragmites from returning to the removal site. Experiments will include planting pussy willows, which are believed to have the ability to outcompete phragmites. Through this research, the SER-NC hopes to expand effective phragmites management to other areas on campus.

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2016/2017

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Fight Against Phragmites

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For the first restoration project of the year, we will be battling one of the biggest invasive species on campus – Phragmites. We'll be working to cut down a bulk of the species over running the pond near the entrance of campus. Teams will be divided in groups: whipper-snippers, pick up crew, and disposal... Don't forget your smiles!

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2017/2018

 

Fort Erie Planting

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For the first restoration project of the year, we planted a channel near Fort Erie. SER Members restored an area of the Willoughby Marsh Wetland Complex, a provincially significant wetland near Fort Erie.

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2018/2019

 

Decew Falls Garbage Cleanup

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For the first club event of the year, members hiked along the Bruce Trail through Decew Falls to cleanup garbage. While also on the hike, members identified and observed various plant species to gain knowledge of plant communities along the Bruce Trail. 

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