Rivershed is implementing a pilot project for our Foodlands Corridor Restoration Program (Foodlands) on the sc̓e:ɬxʷəy̓əm (Salmon River) in Langley, on the shared territory of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo and Matsqui Nations. The project is in collaboration with səýeḿ Qwantlen (the business subsidiary of the Kwantlen First Nation), Langley Environmental Partners Society, Kerr Wood Leidal, and multiple landholders along the river.
Between two private properties and one Crown parcel of land, the combined restoration area is approximately 6,500 sq m of new riparian habitat and 1,200 sq m of new or restored wetted habitat. A key component of the site work is creating off-channel wetted habitat to support Coho salmon over-wintering. These finger-like channels will run through both public (Crown) and privately-held land.
On August 24th, Dennis Leon and Kassandra Antone from Kwantlen First Nation shared a song and blessing as part of an opening ceremony for our sc̓e:ɬxʷəy̓əm (Salmon River) pilot site. Close to 40 people attended the event to celebrate the beginning of the restoration work, including Kwantlen First Nation members, landholders, Rivershed staff and board members, and restoration specialists.
The opening ceremony was an excellent opportunity for folks to connect with the landscape and learn about the important work that the Foodlands team will be doing. The team is looking forward to inviting everyone back to the restored pilot site after the completion of construction and planting, to showcase our hard work and celebrate the continued growth of the Foodlands program.