GOERT: Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team

The restoration focus at this site includes removal of some broom and holly.

Owned and managed by Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT), this waterfront conservation area along the WestSong Walkway in Esquimalt features Victoria Harbour’s last remaining Garry oak ecosystems. The MCA is a demonstration site for urban habitat conservation and community education. The management plan includes a restoration strategy fueled by community groups and neighbours. Meadows, rock balds, and vernal seeps are fringed by arbutus woods and wet ravine forest. Camas and other native plants grow beneath the floating walkway that leads up to a unique view of the city and Inner Harbour. At the top, a drought-proofed naturescape garden planted by volunteers still contains remnants of the European meadow gardens dating from the colonial period. Habitat restoration volunteers are welcome — please contact us! Partners include Mandalay Developments, the Township of Esquimalt, Friends of Matson Lands, and the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

With funding from the Federal Species at Risk program, broom removal work parties have occurred, California lupin is being removed on an ongoing basis, a snake fence was installed to protect the species at risk, and an interpretive sign was placed at the restoration site in 2006.

Camas planting (using seeds and bulbs cultivated by Esquimalt Parks) took place near the summit in spring 2006 with assistance from Scouts.