Tackling water quality at Lost Lagoon with artificial islands

(Photo of a heron at Lost Lagoon by Rees Tucker)

SPES has an exciting and ambitious project to begin revitalizing Lost Lagoon and improve water quality and habitat through the installation of floating islands and logs for wildlife. SPES has been busy with volunteers at work removing invasive flora around Lost Lagoon and Ceperley Meadow for this project since fall 2022 and hope to start planting in fall 2023. 

The poor water quality in the Lagoon causes annual algae blooms that lead to die-offs of various fish and plant species within the Lagoon. SPES plans to install six floating islands, which will be planted with numerous native plant species with the intention of restoring habitat and water quality by capturing the excess nutrients and pollutants that causes algae and harm aquatic life. “These islands serve as a pilot project for us, as we attempt to work to address water quality issues within the Lagoon including excess nutrient accumulation, anoxic water conditions, and excess pollutants causing harm to the local ecosystem” says SPES Conservation Projects Manager Dacyn Holinda.  

“SPES will also anchor six floating logs which will serve as refuge for wildlife on the Lagoon, and to give Park visitors new wildlife viewing opportunities.” adds Dacyn. Tricia Collingham, SPES Executive Director, says “This project is a unique opportunity to engage local small businesses and their patrons in freshwater ecosystem protection and action to foster an appreciation for freshwater ecosystems and build a community of stewards.  SPES is actively seeking engagement from small business to come out with their teams and roll up their sleeves in stewardship activities in and around Lost Lagoon.” 

This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change. 

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