GOERT: Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team

The primary focus for this Garry oak ecosystem restoration project has been to remove Scotch broom seedlings, daphne, ivy and Himalayan blackberry. Restoration work has continued for 13 consecutive years.

Spectacular coastal bluff location containing several rare species. Past restoration efforts have focused on invasive species removal. Volunteers wanted.

The Ecological Restoration Volunteer Network connects local restoration projects and environmental groups with those interested in volunteering or learning more about the restoration work going on in their community.

We invite all organizations or projects undergoing restoration work in need of volunteers to send their information, including contact information and details concerning any upcoming restoration events, to nature@uvic.ca to be included in the weekly newsletter and circulated among the volunteer network email list.

If you are interested in being added to the volunteer network email list, learning more about restoration initiatives going on in and around Victoria, or would like to suggest or collaborate on a restoration project, please email us.

There are restoration opportunities every Thursday and Saturday at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, including removal of broom, blackberry, ivy and daphne on Christmas Hill. A comprehensive habitat management plan is in progress. There is a Garry oak native plant garden surrounding the nature house. For more information, or to be added to the volunteer list, please send an email.

This site features restoration of a Garry oak green space located on a Municipality of Saanich Road right-of-way, including removal of English ivy, adding leaf mulch ground cover, and restoring wildflowers. A Garry oak parkland has also been created on the school grounds with the help of Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT). Invasive English ivy and broom is also removed from neighbouring Rosedale Park.

Created by Strawberry Vale Elementary, this park has a beautiful Garry oak knoll with excellent views and a spring display of wildflowers.

The goal of this small restoration project and native plant garden is to reintroduce species that may have grown on the site before it was developed. The garden is being developed under the mature oak and fir trees at the front of the property, adjacent to West Saanich Road. A description of the project and a list of plants are on the website.

Native plant gardening and habitat restoration

The National Research Council Canada and Natural Resources Canada are working together to protect species-at-risk on Observatory Hill. A program of ecological restoration has been initiated to improve the health of the Garry oak ecosystem and address threats to many endangered species that depend on this ecosystem for survival. Some of the ecological restoration and enhancement activities that form part of the ongoing management of Observatory Hill include removal of Scotch broom, actions to reduce grazing of rare plants by rabbits and deer, and signage to enhance visitors’ appreciation for the site. Partners include the National Research Council Canada, Natural Resources Canada and the Interdepartmental Recovery Fund.

The primary focus for this Garry oak ecosystem restoration project has been to remove Scotch broom seedlings, daphne, ivy and Himalayan blackberry. Restoration work has continued for 13 consecutive years.