GOERT: Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

Located on the Southern Gulf Islands, including numerous islets and reefs

Invasive species removal is performed on some islands within the Reserve. Volunteer work parties are organized occasionally.

The following three properties totaling 830 acres (some of which is Garry oak habitat) are held in trust for the community by the Galiano Club, a community association.

Bluff Park

Galiano Island

Restoration at this site includes broom removal.

Heritage Forest

Galiano Island

This site features some Garry oak habitat. In summer 2006, a fire that started on a neighbouring property swept through 24 hectares that had been heavily logged. There is an opportunity to observe natural regeneration at this research site. No replanting is planned, except for some native grasses that have been planted to impede erosion. Partners include the Galiano Conservancy and Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT).

Mount Galiano

Galiano Island

The Galiano Conservancy and volunteers perform broom removal at this site.

Mount Sutil (Galiano Conservancy)

Galiano Island

Invasive species removal (broom and rose campion) is performed on this 7 hectare site with Garry oak habitat.

Retreat Island (Galiano Conservancy)

Retreat Cove, Galiano Island

Retreat Island is a small island in Retreat Cove, Galiano Island. A portion of the island with Garry oak bluffs and meadows was donated to the Galiano Conservancy, and is further protected by a covenant held by the Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society (GOMPS) and Islands Trust Fund. Removal of broom and other invasive species is performed at this site.

Helliwell Provincial Park

In partnership with BC Parks, the Hornby Island Provincial Parks Committee undertakes ecosystem restoration in Helliwell Provincial Park, including management of invasive English holly, recruitment of Garry oak trees, and delineation of trails.

Pender Island Garry Oak Meadow Covenants

The Pender Island Conservancy Association (PICA) supports local landowners in their efforts to place covenants on Garry oak meadows on their properties. Annual broom bashes are coordinated with the Pender Island Parks Commission and volunteers. Partners include the Pender Islands Conservancy Association (PICA), the Pender Island Parks Commission, local landowners and volunteers.

Andreas Vogt Nature Reserve and Manzanita Ridge Nature Reserve

These restoration projects are managed by the Salt Spring Island Conservancy Land Stewardship Program. The program educates Salt Spring Islanders about land stewardship and assists interested property owners in identifying, sustaining, and enhancing natural habitats on their property through public education, individual site visits, written recommendations and eventually land protection mechanisms such as covenants. The program targets properties that contain Garry oak and associated ecosystems, and Species at Risk (SAR). Partners include the Land Trust Alliance of BC, the SSI Water Preservation Society, the Salt Spring Parks Arts and Recreation Commission, the Islands Trust Fund and the Island Stream & Salmon Enhancement Society.

Ruckle Park

Located on southeastern Salt Spring Island along Swanson Channel

Crow’s Nest Ecological Research Area

This site features 72.7 acres of ecologically significant land containing several Garry oak meadows, donated to Trinity Western University (TWU) in 2000. Professors and students at TWU have been involved in a number of research projects on the property, including the threat of invasive species, the impact of grazing on the vegetation, the affect of Douglas-fir encroachment, dendrochronology, landscape ecology, and research on propertius duskywing (Erynnis propertius), a blue-listed butterfly found onsite. Some of the research has been done in conjunction with students and faculty from UBC. TWU has also taken advantage of this setting and offers a month-long travel study based on Salt Spring Island, where students take courses in plant and marine ecology. Contact Professor Karen Steensma or Dr. David Clements for more information on this travel study.

Mt. Maxwell Ecological Reserve/Burgoyne Bay

Restricted public access. See BC Parks website for more information.

There are 258 hectares of Garry oak habitat at Burgoyne Bay (southwest side of Salt Spring Island). Management as a provincial Ecological Reserve restricts public access, and any on-site research activities require permits from BC Parks. Two fenced exclosures eliminate grazing by feral livestock and deer; the exclosures are monitored to track vegetation patterns, particularly Garry oak regeneration, where grazing has been eliminated. There are ongoing efforts to control invasive species, particularly Scotch broom.

Salt Spring Island Conservancy Land Stewardship Program

The program educates Salt Spring Islanders about land stewardship and assists interested property owners in identifying, sustaining, and enhancing natural habitats on their property through public education, individual site visits, written recommendations and eventually land protection mechanisms such as covenants. The program will target properties that contain Garry oak associated ecosystems and species at risk. Partners include the Land Trust Alliance of BC, the SSI Water Preservation Society, the Salt Spring Parks Arts and Recreation Commission, the Islands Trust Fund, the Island Stream & Salmon Enhancement Society.