Hokannen Creek

At Empress Acres in Nanaimo, Peter and Marlene Lewis are restoring a section of Hokkanen Creek that has been heavily impacted by invasive reed canary grass—through the SIRR (PES) program. This tributary of Haslam Creek is an important Pacific Salmon habitat where dense stands of reed canary grass had displaced native vegetation, reduced shade, and limited fish passage. In response, restoration work has focused on re-establishing native riparian vegetation, improving shade, stabilizing banks, and reducing erosion to enhance water quality and habitat function.

Over the past year, 2,500 m² of invasive reed canary grass was treated using an innovative, chemical-free smothering method developed with invasive species specialists, while 300 m² was planted with native wetland species protected by custom tree guards. These efforts have already improved native cover and riparian health. Between 2025 and 2026, the team will monitor suppression success and replant up to 3,000 native shrubs and trees to establish a self-sustaining canopy—further improving water quality, habitat connectivity, and ecological resilience along Hokkanen Creek.

…More to come!