Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team (GOERT)

Where Do They Exist?

In Canada, Garry oak ecosystems exist only in British Columbia — almost exclusively within a narrow coastal strip of southeast Vancouver Island, in the nearby Gulf Islands, and in two areas of the Fraser River Valley.

map © Province of British Columbia

The current global distribution of Garry oak ecosystems spans an extensive north-south range, from southwestern British Columbia to southern California. It should be noted that the distribution of Garry oak ecosystems is much patchier than the map below suggests.

map © Province of British Columbia

Restoration Projects & Places to Visit

There are many locations with excellent opportunities for volunteers and visitors alike. Many of these are green spaces with Garry oak ecosystems, providing gardening inspiration and the opportunity to view beautiful wildflower displays. See our Native Plant Flowering Times (PDF) to help with timing of your visit. When visiting the sites, please stay on designated paths and trails in order to avoid disturbing these ecologically sensitive areas.

Explore an interactive map of restoration sites, which focuses on conversation, but features more than 100 locations, many of which are open to the public.

A small sampling of public parks near Victoria that feature Garry oak ecosystems include:

• Beacon Hill Park
• Christmas Hill (part of Swan Lake Park)
• Devonian Park
• Mill Hill Park
• Summit Park
• Uplands Park