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  • Home
    • About Us >
      • Our Team
      • Board of Directors
      • Contact Us
      • Partners
  • History
  • Projects
    • Amphibian Wetlands >
      • Britannia Slough
      • The Living Classroom
      • West Brohm Lake
    • Rivers & Channels >
      • Elaho River Restoration
      • Evans Creek Re-Watering
      • Mamquam River Reunion
    • Salmon >
      • Chinook Research Study
      • Salmon Recovery Plan
      • Salmon in Squamish
    • Squamish River Estuary >
      • About the Estuary
      • Blue Carbon Project
      • CENTRAL ESTUARY RESTORATION >
        • Background
        • Updates
      • Eelgrass Restoration
      • West Wind / West Barr Restoration
    • Wildlife & Heritage Trees
    • Education >
      • About Environmental Education
      • 'Bat' Pack
      • 'Bee' Pack
      • Educational Material
      • Outreach Program
  • Get Involved
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student blogs

Squamish estuary soils:
​a students study

One Step Closer!

14/10/2016

1 Comment

 
To answer my research question, a particle size analysis was conducted on the          samples using the dry sieving method.   

​Below is the step-by-step process used:
  1. 36 samples from the disturbed site were dried at 95ºC on average for approximately 24 hours. This process was repeated another time to ensure that samples were dried properly.
  2. Then the sample was weighed and its final mass compared to its initial mass to ensure that all the water was removed.
  3. Seven sieves (sizes: 4740 µm, 2380 µm, 1680 µm, 841 µm, 297 µm, 149 µm, 63 µm) were arranged in order of largest to smallest with a pan at the bottom to collect remains. Whereas, six sieves (2380 µm, 1680 µm, 841 µm, 297 µm, 149 µm, 63 µm) were used to assess the undisturbed site. Samples were sieved for approximately one minute or until no soil fractions passed through the sieve.
  4. Later the remaining fractions from the sieve and the collecting pan were placed in cups and weighed (Figure 5).
  5. This data was used to calculate the percentage of particles passing through the sieves.

To access the graphs extracted from this analysis, please email me at [email protected]
Picture
Figure 1. Photograph showing an aspect of the initial lab set up
1 Comment

More Sampling

13/6/2016

1 Comment

 
Upon our visit to the section of the estuary that was not affected by log sorting activities,  we observed that there was a rich organic smell at the site. Perhaps this is the smell of decomposing matter which is often observed in other estuaries and wetlands. Interestingly, this is the same smell we encountered when we sampled in areas close to the tidal channel in the old log sorting site. Could this have been our first indicator that is likely that the restoration project was successful seeing that sections of the disturbed site had this rich organic smell ? At the end of our particle size analysis we would be able to further confirm this observation. In addition to the rich organic smell, there were approximately 7 Canada geese feeding and one Heron which was not observed during the sampling process in the disturbed site. This was another indication that this section of the estuary was healthy thus is good "control" site for our research.

Sampling this area was conducted using the same method as the old sorting facility. At this site the area was divided into grids and randomly sampled. We carefully traversed in this area as the soil was generally soggy. Also since the soil was sticky there was more resistance when walking so much care was taken. Nonetheless, we successfully randomly selected and sampled 4 grids out of the 6 grids  !!!

At the end of this field day, we had all our samples to conduct a soil particle size lab analysis which would take place at Quest University under the supervision of Dr. Rich Wildman. ​
1 Comment

Will Vegetation Return?

8/6/2016

1 Comment

 
As an environm​ental science student from Jamaica, I did extensive research on degraded coral reefs along the northern coast of the island. My past experience made it easier to engage in the research at the Squamish Estuary. Working along coastal communities can be fun as there is rich biodiversity in the area. This is clearly seen newly restored site along the Squamish Estuary. 

Now why are we interested in this site? The only visible feature is a cleared area old log sorting facility as seen in the photograph below. I wanted to understand the physical properties of the soil as this will shed light on factors such as particle size. This data would allow us to know whether this brown unattractive area will once again return to an area which is fully vegetated and one that we can enjoy during our evening walks. ​
Picture
Figure 1. Photograph of the site before restoration which was completed by SRWS. Source: Google Maps
1 Comment

A Tour of the Site

8/6/2016

2 Comments

 
Here is a video of the site after remediation which was filmed on February 9, 2016.
The video was filmed and edited by Jordan Ross (Quest University Student).

2 Comments

Happy World Oceans Day!

8/6/2016

0 Comments

 
“Healthy Oceans = Healthy Planet”
​

Our world oceans need to be protected from harmful pollutants that enter from industrial activities. What better place to start than with our estuaries !!!

Estuaries are central for oceans as they filter suspended sediments and other particulates before such particles enter the ocean.  In order to understand whether the old log sorting facility section of the Squamish Estuary will return somewhat to its initial condition, a soil particle size analysis was needed. Conducting this analysis allowed us to know the distribution of sand, silt and clay in the area. Thus being able to predict the likelihood of whether vegetation will regrow and the potential of the presence of chemical contaminants developing at the site in the event that other industrial activities occur in the surrounding area.
​

To understand this myself and a few  Quest University students ventured into the field to collect soil samples. We were fortunate to have a good weather conditions on our first day of data collection. The weather was lovely, 12 °C,  in February and clear blue sky- perfect.

This was a successful day as we were able to make the layout for the grid that matched the GPS as well as collect samples before the high tides came in. 10 grids on our first day of data collection were made however only 7 grids which were randomly chosen and sampled in triplicates. At the end of day 1 we had approximately 40 pounds of soil samples . 

Method used to collect sample were as follows. 

  1. Measured each grid 25m by 25m using 100 ft tape measure
  2. Measured the midpoint of the grids
  3. Placed markers at these areas measured
  4. Walked to the midpoint, take the GPS at this site.
  5. Used measuring tape to measure a 10 feet distance from the midpoint- this area will be one of the 3 soil cores
  6. Repeated step 3 twice.
  7. Took and recorded the GPS for these cores measured
  8. Dug down to 6 inches of soil from the ground and set that soil away
  9. Now that we have a nice deep hole,  we dug a layer of soil from that hole to get a nice sample from top to bottom thus was able to analysize the soil horizon.
  10. Measured  3 inches width of the soil from this layer
  11. Cut the 3 inches width of soil and placed it in zip locked bag
Picture
Figure 1. Photograph of the site with the sample grids highlighted. Photograph taken by Jordan Ross
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    Jhanelle Williams

    Jhanelle is an environmental science student at Quest University with a focus on soil and water quality. She is excited to work with the Squamish Watershed Society in the estuary soils as this provides the basic understanding for the fate and transportation of contaminants in soils. Furthermore seeing that this a relatively new restoration project, understanding the physical characteristics of the soil is central for advancing in the development of the site. Stay tuned for the interesting research forthcoming!

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