Volunteers welcome for fall planting at Kus-kus-sum

Fall planting is set to begin at the Kus-kus-sum restoration site.

The Comox Valley Project Watershed Society worked with K’omoks Economic Development to regrade the streamside site near the 17th Street bridge to natural elevations.

With the levelling done, Project Watershed executive director Caitlin Pierzchalski says they are now set to begin planting and are welcoming volunteers.

Planting days are set for Wednesday and Thursday and next Monday. The society has also partnered with the Ocean Bridge program from Ocean Wise.

Around 5,000 native plants are hoped to be planted before the weather turns to winter, according to the society. They add upland and tidal marsh plants like Sitka spruce, salmonberry and sedges will be included.

The plants account for around one-third of the total plants. They say this is because only one portion of the site is ready for planting and more area will be ready in the spring.

Manager of outreach and education Caila Holbrook says they still require more funding to finish the project.

“While we have raised over 70 per cent of the funds for the restoration process, we still have a way to go,” said Holbrook. “We are still accepting any and all donations to help us raise the remaining funds so that we can complete the restoration.”

More information can be found on the Project Watershed website.