Belkin Gallery Fireweed Fields

I am surprised that this decolonial 'fireweed field' is set up to prevent the dispersal of the fireweed. It seems more a controlled containment of the Indigenous, not a celebration of Indigenous resilience. 

UBC staff deeply respects the project’s philosophy and looks forward to its physical manifestation. We believe it will enrich the experience of visiting both the gallery and Main Mall. However, staff also believes there is a need to balance natural succession strategies for the meadow with the practical implications related to seed spread from the fireweed plants to adjacent properties. We recognize there is an inherent contradiction in imposing constraints upon a field of indigenous plantings but with participation from representatives from the Belkin, Musqueam, horticultural, and landscape staff, the team intends to work together to support and integrate natural plant succession with the practical aspects of managing impacts.

I am delighted to read of this installation with the objective of establishing a native plant meadow that will begin with fireweed as predominant. The plans look well thought through. I wonder about the missing description of the dormant season appearance, and whether the effect will be similar to University Blvd median and verges to the east of Wesbrook Mall. I believe the first year appearance with the fireweed in bloom will be magnificent. When the seasonal growth is cut before fireweed seed dispersal, what will the state be of the lupines and other species? It does not seem reasonable to attempt selective cutting. But will the other plants still be in bloom or maturing their seeds. I think the boardwalk will work well in all seasons. Best wishes with finalizing the plan details. This will be an interesting project for me to observe, as it is on my daily walking route. Thank you for the opportunity to offer comments. 

Fireweed Fields will be mowed in the fall and left dormant over the winter. It will appear similar to the Beaty Biodiversity meadow in the winter, which is green and lush, not too unlike the lawns around campus. Fireweed, yarrow and lupins are perennials so they will come back in the spring. Yarrow and lupins bloom in early summer, so it is anticipated they will produce seed prior to the fireweed.