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2015 Workshop is November 23rd and 24th The course is now full. Thank you for your interest. Soil bioengineering is an applied science that uses live plant materials to perform an engineering function such as slope stabilization, soil erosion control, or seepage control. This two day course will focus on soil bioengineering techniques and options involved in restoration and reclamation of damaged ecosystems using a combination of structural materials, vegetative cuttings and other specialized methods. Topics to be covered include: Factors involved in successful restoration Successional reclamation Soil bioengineering techniques Regional differences in climate, soils, hydrology, plant types, and growing seasons Maintenance and monitoring. David Polster is a plant ecologist with over thirty years of experience in vegetation studies and reclamation. He has developed a wide variety of reclamation techniques for the re-establishment of riparian and aquatic habitats. Participants will need to bring work clothes, gloves, work boots, rain gear,and an assortment of tools (shovels, loppers, adzes, etc., to be shared by the group; a list will be sent out beforehand). Eye protection is highly recommended as there will be people walking around with branches and sharpened stakes. Who should attend? Anyone wanting to learn more about restoration options with an emphasis on bioengineering techniques This workshop is part of the Friends of Cowichan Creeks project which is working to monitor, protect, and enhance creeks throughout the Cowichan Region by facilitating the work of streamkeeper groups. This project is generously funded by Environment Canada’s EcoAction Community Funding Program, the Junior League of Greater Vancouver Legacy Fund, the McGill Family Fund and the Brink Family Fund. In addition, a small grant received by Pacific Salmon Foundation allows us to keep the registration fees for this course at a fraction of the actual workshop costs! Pictures from our February 2012 workshop Building a wattle fence to help protect the bank We attracted a young helper to install live stakes Pulling the dirt back to support the fence and keep the cuttings moist Pictures from our February 2011 workshop Before: River bank was getting undercut during high flow During: Willow “fence posts” go in for the wattle fence During: Long willows get placed horizontal to the bank for stability  During: Dirt gets dragged from above to protect the willow cuttings

With classroom sessions and field work in a local stream, participants learn the skills required to evaluate, measure, and monitor potential fish-bearing streams. Upon completion, participants will be ready to join a local streamkeepers group or to care for a creek on their property. The course will cover modules 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, & 11 of the streamkeepers handbook. More information about the streamkeepers modules can be found at www.pskf.ca. Most of the cost is covered by grants though participants are asked to help cover expenses with a donation of $60 for members and $90 for non-members which is to be paid at the time of registration. They can also purchase the streamkeepers manual at the workshop for a discount price of $20. Lunch and refreshments are provided. **The next course is May 24 and 25, 2014**    Check out pictures from our February 2011 course Collecting invertebrates to determine water quality Catching and separating them from the water Checking out what was found!