Royal Roads - Hemlock Remediation (Vegetation Management)
We successfully led a targeted Poison Hemlock removal program on the grounds of a local university. As a highly toxic invasive species, Poison Hemlock poses serious risks to both human health and local ecosystems. Our team ensured the safe and thorough removal of the plant from high-traffic areas, helping to restore ecological balance while protecting students, staff, and surrounding biodiversity.
As certified IPM specialists, we are trained to effectively remove poison hemlock in accordance with the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia’s guidelines to protect both human health and the surrounding environment.
Tl’ikwe’nung / Trial Island (Restoration)
In September 2023, we were honored to join the ground team for the Trial Islands Restoration Project—a multi-year effort to protect one of Canada’s most ecologically sensitive sites.
Working in close collaboration with PGL Environmental Consulting, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Songhees First Nation, our team oversaw the first season of restoration focused on invasive species removal. This work is essential to safeguarding the unique biodiversity of the island, which hosts the highest density of species at risk in Canada.
By removing aggressive invaders and supporting native regeneration, we’re helping create the conditions for long-term ecological recovery and habitat preservation on these culturally and biologically rich coastal lands.
Ashley (Restoration)
Ongoing large scale invasive species removal with a long-term goal of eliminating invasive species from a forested two-acre property. This costal Douglas fir forest had become overrun with English ivy, blackberry, and daphne. Removal of these species was needed to allow both the native understory and the forest canopy to recover. This project will be worked on seasonally in the future to remove resurfacing invasives, ensuring that the area will be restored completely.
Cole Island (Native Planting)
We chartered a boat to access and plant a remote gabion wall designed to stabilize a steep coastal slope and prevent erosion into adjacent waters. To promote naturalization, we planted native ferns along the top of each gabion layer—helping to initiate vegetative growth that will, over time, soften the structure and allow it to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
This project combines functional slope retention with ecological restoration, using vegetation to both stabilize the site and restore visual harmony with the natural shoreline.
Rivers Crossing (Invasive Management)
We undertook the removal of Scotch broom from a 14,000 ft² hillside through careful cutting and stump treatment. A second pass one year later targeted new growth, and ongoing monitoring ensures the site remains broom-free.
Clearing the invasive broom has allowed the slope to begin reverting to its natural state—a grassy meadowland now supporting the return of native wildflowers. This project highlights how persistent, thoughtful management can open the door for ecological recovery and renewed biodiversity.
Trillium (Reclamation)
Instead of a traditional lawn, we planted a vibrant mix of drought-tolerant native grasses and wildflowers to create a low-maintenance, high-value landscape. These “alternative lawns” require less water and mowing, while offering rich habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.
The result is a biodiverse, climate-adapted meadow that supports ecological resilience and brings seasonal beauty to the space—proving that functional landscapes can also be flourishing ones.
Point Ellice House (Living Wall)
We transformed a 500 ft² retaining wall into a living vertical ecosystem using native ferns and perennial species. This green wall not only softens the visual impact of the hardscape, but also creates valuable microhabitat and food sources for local wildlife.
Beyond its beauty, the wall functions as a natural sponge—absorbing rainwater and gradually releasing it into the garden below. It’s a striking example of how built infrastructure can support biodiversity and watershed health.
Lochside (Slope Stabilization)
This project aimed to naturally stabilize a steep roadside slope in Saanich using native vegetation. After carefully removing invasive plants and unwanted weeds, we planted species such as Salal and Creeping Oregon Grape—both known for their dense, fibrous root systems that help anchor soil and prevent erosion.
By eliminating competition and selecting native plants adapted to local conditions, we’ve given this slope the best chance to stabilize over time. The planting not only protects the integrity of the landscape but also enhances habitat and biodiversity along a busy urban corridor.
Parry (Greenroofing)
We installed a drought-tolerant sedum green roof atop an apartment building to help manage rainwater runoff and increase urban resilience. Green roofs like this can divert up to 50% of annual stormwater through natural retention and evaporation, reducing pressure on municipal systems and improving water quality.
Beyond stormwater management, this project helps mitigate the urban heat island effect, lowers surface temperatures, improves air quality, and contributes to energy efficiency. The result is a living system that supports both ecological function and climate adaptation—right above the city streets.