As part of the City of Charlottetown’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, climate resilience, and urban biodiversity, several exciting ecological restoration and greening projects are underway in the West Royalty Community Centre/Ellen’s Creek area. These initiatives aim to restore natural habitats, support native wildlife, expand the city’s urban canopy, and create educational and inspiring green spaces for the community to enjoy. From forest restoration and naturalized plantings to demonstration gardens, each project plays a vital role in enhancing the health and beauty of our urban environment.
New Forest Area Creation
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The Ellen’s Creek Restoration Project includes the transformation of a mowed grass area into a vibrant, naturalized forest module. This new forested space is designed to support wildlife habitat, increase canopy cover, enhance the riparian buffer, and extend a public walking path to encourage park use.
The planting design mimics natural ecosystems using a diverse selection of long-lived native tree and shrub species suited to the Wabanaki-Acadian Forest Region, complemented by a few non-native, non-invasive magnolia species for seasonal interest. Most trees planted will be 10–15-gallon potted stock, with smaller trees used for infill, along with native shrubs and herbaceous plants to create a complete and resilient ecosystem.
Forest Restoration
In addition to new forest creation, restoration work is being carried out in the existing forested area along Ellen’s Creek. This area has been affected by invasive species and damage from Hurricane Fiona. Targeted removal of invasive plants and redistribution of woody debris will prepare the site for planting later-successional native species, including Eastern hemlock, sugar maple, and yellow birch.
These efforts will restore ecological balance, support biodiversity, and ensure the long-term health and function of the forest, creating a more resilient and climate-adapted green space for Charlottetown.
Demonstration Hedgerow Garden Bed
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As part of our urban greening efforts and with support from the Climate Action Fund, the City of Charlottetown has created a demonstration hedgerow garden bed along Ellen’s Creek near the West Royalty Community Centre. This project showcases how native and hardy plant species can replicate the structure and ecological benefits of traditional hedgerows—dense plantings typically found along field edges and rural roads.
Designed for urban settings, this demonstration hedgerow features species native to the Wabanaki–Acadian Forest Region that are tolerant of wind, salt, and urban stress and selected non-native species to complement the structure, providing canopy cover that does not interact with powerlines . From spring blooms to fall colors and winter berries, these plants provide year-round ecological value. Urban hedgerows offer habitat and shelter for birds and pollinators, reduce wind and noise, improve air and water quality, and enhance the visual appeal of our neighborhoods.
This installation serves as a learning opportunity and source of inspiration for residents interested in creating their own climate-resilient, biodiversity-friendly hedgerows.
Community Pollinator Garden Project
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With generous support from the Rotary Club of Charlottetown, the City has established a community pollinator garden along Ellen’s Creek near the West Royalty Community Centre. Featuring 120 native plants from 15 different species, this garden provides a continuous and diverse food source for essential pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Pollinator gardens are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems. They support plant reproduction, contribute to food security, and increase the ecological function of urban spaces. In addition to their environmental benefits, these gardens offer aesthetic beauty and valuable educational opportunities for the community.
This project was completed through a collaborative community planting effort and serves as a practical model for residents interested in supporting pollinators in their own yards.