Interventions & adaptive management
Green Links represents a landscape-scale intervention for increasing ecological connectivity in a fragmented urban environment. Island biogeography theory suggests that island populations are comprised of species that migrate from the closest region of colonization (usually the mainland) and that the probability of migration to an island is dependent upon the distance of this island from the mainland (Ehrlich, Dobkins & Wheye, 1988). In applying this theory to the fragmented ecosystem patches in Coquitlam, it is likely that without intervention, wildlife species would not have sufficient opportunity to move from larger, more intact landscapes (“the mainland”) to smaller, more isolated habitats (“islands”); therefore, the likelihood of many wildlife species maintaining viable populations would remain diminished (Young, Boyle & Brown, 1996; Anderson, Fog & Damgaard, 2004). Green Links serves to provide pathways along which species would be enabled to travel between habitat patches, which would, in theory, increase wildlife population ranges, and in turn, gene pools. This would effectively improve biodiversity and species resilience (Schaefer & Sulek, 1997a). The idea of connectivity-based restoration in the urban was adapted from examples seen in forest ecosystems, where efforts were geared toward connecting wildlife habitat fragmented by clear cutting. Dr. Schaefer and his colleagues recognized the nature of urban fragmentation as analogous to clear-cut forests, and looked to apply the same theory in connecting urban green spaces (Schaefer, V., personal communication, February 23, 2015).
The vision that “every plant mattered” allowed for a more adaptive approach to connectivity (Schaefer, V., personal communication, February 23, 2015). Green Links recognized existing green spaces (utility corridor, riparian zones and urban parks) and also introduced new sites to its roster (private backyards, boulevards, smaller green spaces). The use of native plants was encouraged primarily for their resilience and adaptation to local conditions, rather than for the purpose of maintaining historical fidelity. The contribution of non-native plants allowed for a more flexible approach to the project and was evaluated to be an essential component of regional connectivity. For example, non-native species in private backyards were encouraged as part of the project because of their essential contribution to connectivity (Rudd, Vala & Schaefer, 2002). Eventually, balcony planters in multi-family homes were also incorporated to foster social and ecological networks within Coquitlam. The height of mature plantings and planting designs were limited by overlying power lines and maintenance regimes along public trails. Safety precautions were also taken into consideration in planting designs; less-dense shrub groupings and low-lying vegetation along trail edges reduced blind spots and increased pedestrian safety (Schaefer, V., personal communication, February 23, 2015).
The vision that “every plant mattered” allowed for a more adaptive approach to connectivity (Schaefer, V., personal communication, February 23, 2015). Green Links recognized existing green spaces (utility corridor, riparian zones and urban parks) and also introduced new sites to its roster (private backyards, boulevards, smaller green spaces). The use of native plants was encouraged primarily for their resilience and adaptation to local conditions, rather than for the purpose of maintaining historical fidelity. The contribution of non-native plants allowed for a more flexible approach to the project and was evaluated to be an essential component of regional connectivity. For example, non-native species in private backyards were encouraged as part of the project because of their essential contribution to connectivity (Rudd, Vala & Schaefer, 2002). Eventually, balcony planters in multi-family homes were also incorporated to foster social and ecological networks within Coquitlam. The height of mature plantings and planting designs were limited by overlying power lines and maintenance regimes along public trails. Safety precautions were also taken into consideration in planting designs; less-dense shrub groupings and low-lying vegetation along trail edges reduced blind spots and increased pedestrian safety (Schaefer, V., personal communication, February 23, 2015).