GOERT: Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team

The project focuses on conservation of ecosystems and rare species within this 31 hectare park. Following the 2003 report on 20 plant species at risk and threats to their survival, plans are being developed to manage habitat over the next 10 years. For more information, see the Invasive Species Management Plan (2005). Partners include the Municipality of Oak Bay, the UVic Restoration of Natural Systems Program, the Habitat Stewardship Program of Canada, and the Guides and Scouts of Canada.

Friends of Uplands Park holds regular work parties and community events. In addition to the annual October “Broom Bash” where participants remove invasive plants such as Scotch broom, English ivy, daphne, and Himalayan blackberry; there are guided walks, Tree Day celebrations, and Earth Day celebrations.

The original native plant garden was donated to the Oak Bay municipality in the 1930s. More recently, restoration efforts to reclaim the garden began in 2001. As well as a restored Garry oak meadow, the garden includes more than 120 plant species from all areas of lower Vancouver Island — many of which were salvaged from development lands. Volunteers meet Friday mornings (weather permitting). Partners include the Native Plant Study Group, the Municipality of Oak Bay Parks Department, the Friends of Oak Bay Native Plant Garden, the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

The three pathways are part of Oak Bay’s Centennial Trial, declared by the municipality during its centennial year. Volunteers have been restoring these remnant patches of Garry oak habitat to a more natural aesthetic since early 2006. They have removed invasive Himalayan blackberry and English ivy and have planted native plants associated with Garry oak ecosystems. Volunteers meet Sunday mornings (weather permitting), 9:30 am – 11:30 am. Partners include the Native Plant Study Group, the Municipality of Oak Bay Parks Department, the Friends of Brighton Avenue Walkway, the Canadian Wildlife Federation.