Who We Are
The Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team (GOERT) is dedicated to the recovery of Garry oak and associated ecosystems in Canada and the species at risk that inhabit them. While the Society was incorporated in BC in 2007 and received charitable status in 2009, the organization has its roots in a long-standing multi-stakeholder partnership comprised of experts from all levels of government, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, First Nations, volunteers and consultants who first came together in 1999 out of a common interest in conserving and restoring these unique ecosystems and the species that comprise them.
The Recovery Team and its committees — organized into specialized Recovery Implementation Groups, implement the Recovery Strategy for the Recovery of Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems.
Recovery Team
The Recovery Team is made up of advisors brought together to coordinate the tasks of recovering Garry oak and associated ecosystems and their associated species at risk in Canada. Each member is committed to the cause and brings valuable expertise to the table, and most are affiliated with agencies already involved in Garry oak ecosystems recovery. The team develops recovery strategies, evaluates the success of recovery efforts, advises responsible jurisdictions on recovery, and coordinates the activities of the RIGs and steering committees. These are our team members:
- Trudy Chatwin — Rare and Endangered Species Biologist, BC Ministry of Environment
- Holly Clermont — Social Scientist, Registered Professional Biologist
- Brenda Costanzo — Senior Vegetation Specialist, Conservation Science Section, BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
- Matt Fairbarns — Conservation Biologist, Aruncus Consulting
- Nathan Fisk — Resource Management Officer, Parks Canada
- David Fraser — Species at Risk Specialist, Conservation Planning Section, BC Ministry of Environment
- Hal Gibbard — Volunteer, Friends of Mt. Douglas Park Society; Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society; Garry Oak Restoration Project
- Michelle Gorman — Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, City of Victoria Parks
- Richard Hebda — Curator (Retired), Botany and Earth History, Royal BC Museum; University of Victoria
- Jennifer Heron — Invertebrate Species at Risk Specialist, BC Ministry of Environment; University of British Columbia
- Chris Junck — Conservation Biologist
- Jan Kirkby — Landscape Ecologist
- Michael Meagher — Volunteer, Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society; Thetis Park Nature Sanctuary Association
- James Miskelly — Biologist & Forestry Officer, Pacific Forestry Centre
- Thomas Munson — Senior Environmental Planner, District of Saanich
- Adriane Pollard (Carolyn Richman, alternate) — Manager of Environmental Services, Municipality of Saanich
- Aimee Pelletier — Ecosystem Scientist, Parks Canada
- Dave Polster — Consultant, Polster Environmental Services Ltd.; Society for Ecological Restoration, BC Chapter; Cowichan Valley Naturalists Society
- Brian Reader — Parks Canada Agency
- Kella Sadler — Recovery Specialist, Canadian Wildlife Service
- Andrea Schiller — Federal Lands Natural Resources Specialist, Pacific Forestry Centre
- Wylie Thomas — Consulting restoration practitioner, invasive species specialist
- Conan Webb — Consulting Biologist