Planting biologically diverse hedgerows is one of the best ways to improve biodiversity on farmland.  Hedgerows, which are made up of rows of trees and shrubs planted along field margins, provide habitat, forage and nesting sites for a variety of wildlife, especially migrating and wintering birds.  They also provide habitat for wild pollinators and beneficial insects which can benefit crop production by enhancing crop pollination and reducing pressure from crop pests. Additionally, hedgerows add carbon to the soil and act as windbreaks to reduce soil erosion and mitigate wind damage to crops.   

In 2019, through the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust (DFWT)’s Hedgerow Stewardship Program,  a 315m long hedgerow was installed along the south side of the WCS property. A total of 76 trees and 559 shrubs were planted, from 27 different native species. The plants included tall trees such as Black Cottonwood and Big-leaf Maple, as well as shorter trees like Pacific Crabapple and willows. Many shrubs that produce berries were included, such as snowberries, Saskatoon berries and salmon berries, as well as species with beautiful flowers, such as Nootka rose, hardhack and Pacific Ninebark. The WCS hedgerow is now well established and will continue to provide important habitat and ecosystem services for the surrounding farmland for generations to come.  

For more information on the DFWT Hedgerow Stewardship Program visit deltafarmland.ca.