Enhance Your Pond for Wildlife Using Live Stakes: A Workshop for Land Owners

Outdoor – Learn, Clip, Stake, Enhance 

Do you manage a property with a pond that could benefit from enhancements for wildlife? Join the Fraser Valley Conservancy, together with the City of Abbotsford, for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn to use live tree stakes to support native species and riparian ecosystems.

This workshop is perfect for landowners or others who manage properties with ponds and want to make a difference in supporting local wildlife and conserving riparian areas.

What Are Live Stakes?

“Live stakes are dormant stem cuttings from live trees and shrubs. They are inserted directly into stream banks or areas prone to erosion. These cuttings will eventually grow into new trees and shrubs, helping to stabilize soil and prevent further soil loss.” – Penn State Extension 

The Fraser Valley Conservancy uses live stakes to not only improve pond and wetland soil stability, but also to create habitat for wildlife! Live stakes harvested from native trees and shrubs are a quick, easy, and cost-effective way to improve your pond at home.

What Will You Learn?

This workshop is led by our Habitat Enhancement Coordinator, Jon Blais. You will learn how to identify native trees and shrubs that are suitable for creating live stakes, such as willows and red osiers. You will then learn how to clip branches for stakes, how to install them, and things you need to know to create stable shorelines and good habitat. Participants are encouraged to bring questions about their own ponds for Jon to answer.

What Will You Do?

This is a hands-on workshop that will take place at Gladwin Pond Trail in Abbotsford. After watching Jon’s demonstrations, you will be clipping and installing stakes, and putting up beaver cages to protect them. This workshop takes place rain or shine, so expect to get dirty!

Takeaways:

🌿 Learn about native trees and shrubs and their importance for riparian habitats.

🌿 Watch live demonstrations and practice harvesting branches, installing live stakes, and protecting them with beaver cages.

🌿 Gain hands-on experience in creating habitats that benefit local wildlife.

🌿 Learn practical techniques that can improve the health of your pond and surrounding areas.

This is an adult-oriented event, not intended for participants under 16.

$10 registration fee. Registration required.

If you have any questions about this event, please email Jon: jon@fraservalleyconservancy.ca