2024 Garry Oak Ecosystems Conference
Saturday, October 5th, 2024
8am to 4pm
at University of Victoria
Garry Oak ecosystems are cultural spaces that evolved under the care of local Indigenous Peoples. They are recognized places of Indigenous spirituality, history and knowledge. They are also home to the highest biodiversity of any terrestrial ecosystem in British Columbia and to the most species at risk. In Canada, they are confined to southeastern Vancouver Island, the nearby Gulf Islands and two isolated spots in the Fraser River Valley. Across their full range stretching into California, they are globally imperilled.
The annual Garry Oak Ecosystems Conference brings together researchers, practitioners, governments, community members and students who are actively involved or interested in restoring Garry Oak ecosystems. This year’s conference has been designed to take the first steps in building relationships between our historical membership and the First Nations on whose territory we conduct our work.
The agenda will intermix important speakers with time for questions, discussion and refection. We are excited for Dr. Jennifer Grenz to deliver the keynote address. Other distinguished presenters include:
- Tara Martin, Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences UBC
- Dominique James and Kristen Miskelly of Satinflower Nurseries
- Jim Boulter of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society
- University of Victoria Ecological Restoration Club
- and more…
Registration at 8:00 am and the conference will begin at 8:45 am. Coffee will be available.
The program will include breaks throughout the day with ample time to enjoy refreshments and connect with other participants.
The price of admission includes a delicious boxed lunch catered by Songhees Events and Catering.
Online participation is also offered to those who are not able to attend the conference in person.
As part of the event, field trips to active restoration projects in the Victoria area are being offered the following day (Sunday, October 6). This is an opportunity to see first-hand what people are doing and ask questions. Due to limited space, participants must sign up for field trips on a first-come, first-served basis. To sign up, please visit the field trips page.
Admission is free for Indigenous people. Please ensure you register by selecting the Indigenous participant category (free). We need to keep track of total numbers in order not to exceed room capacity and to ensure enough lunches for all.
Please register here on Eventbrite
* No one will be turned away, please contact us (info@goert.ca) if the cost is a barrier.