SAY Lands Office

This section of restoration work was completed in the summer of 2023, with planting supported by school teachers during professional development days, student class visits, and volunteers. To prevent the regrowth of invasive species such as reed canary grass and Himalayan blackberry, we used an innovative two-step method: after removing the invasives, a layer of specialized dense biodegradable cardboard was rolled out over the soil, followed by placing a thick layer of mulch on top. 

This combination effectively suppresses invasive plants while allowing native vegetation to establish and thrive. Since the restoration, the site has required minimal maintenance, demonstrating the success of this approach in creating a sustainable, low-maintenance habitat that supports native plants and local wildlife.

Ts'lhimexósem - Riparian Restoration 3

In 2023, this area was a large, stagnant pool of water, with reduced connectivity due to failing and undersized culverts. The site was heavily overgrown with invasive plants, including reed canary grass and yellow flag iris, which formed a dense mat that was a barrier to fish passage. 

During the summer of 2023, large excavators removed these invasive species and placed the material along the banks. Habitat restoration continued through the summer of 2024, when floodplains were constructed and native trees and shrubs were planted. Floodplains provide slow-moving, shallow water areas that are essential for salmon, offering refuge for juveniles, feeding habitat, and natural sediment filtration. They also help buffer against climate change by disapating floodwaters and reducing downstream erosion.

At the same time, the old culverts were replaced with larger ones lined with spawning gravel to better replicate natural stream conditions. This reconnected the area to Chilliwack Creek, allowing salmon to pass thorugh the site to upstream habiat for the first time in over 75 years. Remarkably, a pair of chum salmon successfully spawned within the culverts themselves in the first year, demonstrating the immediate ecological benefits of these restoration efforts.

Ts'lhimexósem -Chilliwack Creek Reconnection

This station overlooks a section of trail called Salmonberry Pond, where visitors can approach the water and descend the boulder staircase for a closer view of the creek. The pond is deep and cold, creating an ideal resting and refuge area for salmon as they make their journey upstream to spawn.

In addition to supporting salmon, the pond is designed to provide habitat for Salish Sucker, a species at risk that relies on cool, deep pool environments for survival. By maintaining a mix of depth, shade, and clean water, Salmonberry Pond enhances overall aquatic habitat, improves biodiversity, and offers visitors an opportunity to observe and connect with the species that depend on this restored section of the creek.

Ts'lhimexósem - Salmonberry Pond

This section of Chilliwack Creek was restored in the summer of 2025. Before restoration, the creek was fully exposed to the sun and heavily overrun with reed canary grass, a highly invasive species that outcompetes native plants. Reed canary grass lowered oxygen levels in the water overnight creating stressful conditions for fish and other aquatic life.

To address this, the reed canary grass was removed using an excavator, and the area was replanted with a variety of native trees and shrubs. These plants are now establishing and growing, gradually shading the creek, stabilizing the banks, and improving overall habitat conditions. As the vegetation matures, it will help maintain cooler water temperatures, provide cover for fish, enhance biodiversity, and naturally suppress the return of reed canary grass, supporting a healthier, more resilient aquatic ecosystem.

Ts'lhimexósem - Salmon Habitat Enhancement

This restoration site overlooks a section of urban forest that is planned for restoration and planting in the coming years. Once established, this urban forest will play a crucial role in supporting both ecological health and cultural values. It will feature climate-resilient tree species as well as plants that are culturally significant to First Nation communities, helping to preserve traditional knowledge and connections to the land.

Climate-resilient species such as lodgepole pine, Oregon ash, and quaking aspen have been carefully selected for their ability to withstand changing environmental conditions. These trees will provide extensive canopy cover, helping to lower local temperatures and create cooler more comfortable microclimates for people and wildlife alike. In addition to moderating temperature, the forest will improve air quality, stabilize soils, support biodiversity, and offer habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife, making it a vital part of a resilient and thriving urban ecosystem.

Ts'lhimexósem -  Cottonwood Corner

This restoration site is located on land that was formerly used for agriculture and in front of you is a analog house pit constructed for educational purposes. 

Historically, house pits were semi-subterranean structures built using a combination of wood and soil. By being partially dug into the ground, these homes naturally benefited from geothermal insulation, which helped maintain a stable, warmer interior temperature during the cold winter months. This design not only conserved heat but also protected occupants from harsh winds, precipitation, and other challenging environmental conditions. Beyond their practical function, house pits were central to community life, serving as spaces for family gatherings, cultural activities, and the passing down of knowledge across generations. This house pit provides a tangible way for visitors to envision and connect with First Nations culture.

Ts'lhimexósem - House Pit

This section of Chilliwack Creek was restored in the summer of 2025. Previously, the creek flowed directly adjacent to the road, where stormwater runoff carrying brake dust, tire particles, road salt, and other pollutants flowed straight into the creek, degrading water quality and harming aquatic life.

With permits from the Province of British Columbia and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the creek channel was relocated away from the roadway. This relocation allowed the Land Stewardhsip team to establish a healthy riparian buffer of native trees and shrubs. The new vegetation now helps filter pollutants, stabilize the banks, provide shade, and protect water quality, creating a safer, healthier environment for fish and other wildlife while improving the overall resilience of the creek ecosystem.

Ts'lhimexósem - Riparian Restoration 2

We are in the process of creating a new wetland and are monitoring the site to document how species establish and change over time. This includes tracking the removal of invasive plants and observing how native vegetation begins to take hold, helping us understand how biodiversity develops in the restored habitat.

Wetlands are vital ecosystems. Once established, they will act as natural filters, trapping sediments and pollutants before they reach streams and rivers, and help manage water by absorbing excess rainfall and reducing flood risk. They provide essential habitat for a wide range of species, including amphibians, birds, fish, and pollinators. They also play a key role in storing carbon, which supports climate change mitigation. By carefully restoring and monitoring this site, we aim to create a resilient ecosystem that supports wildlife, improves water quality, and improves the ecological health of the surrounding landscape.

Ts'lhimexósem - Wetland  Restoration

This site overlooks a restored section of Chilliwack Creek, where the riparian area has been carefully complexed to recreate natural stream conditions and support local wildlife. Large woody debris, root wads, and wildlife trees have been strategically placed along the banks to stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and provide shelter and habitat for fish, birds, and other animals.

In addition, floodplain habitat has been created and planted with native vegetation. These floodplains serve multiple ecological functions: they slow and spread out floodwaters, reduce downstream erosion, and help maintain cooler water temperatures by providing shade. Cooler water is essential for salmon, which rely on lower temperatures to survive and thrive. The native plants also attract and support protein-rich insects, which are a critical food source for salmon and other aquatic species.

Together, these restoration efforts help create a more resilient habitat that benefits both wildlife and the broader ecosystem.

SAY Lands Office

British Columbia

9 chronologs managed by SAY Lands Office

Ts'lhimexósem -Chilliwack Creek Reconnection

Ts'lhimexósem - House Pit

Ts'lhimexósem - Riparian Restoration 1

Ts'lhimexósem - Salmon Habitat Enhancement

Ts'lhimexósem - Riparian Restoration 2

Ts'lhimexósem - Riparian Restoration 3

Ts'lhimexósem - Salmonberry Pond

Ts'lhimexósem - Cottonwood Corner

Ts'lhimexósem - Wetland Restoration

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