GOERT: Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team

Participants at one of the conference field trips

Photos by Shyanne Smith
A large delegation of GOERT members traveled to Washington State in March 2010 for the Northwest Scientific Association and Cascadia Prairie Oak Partnership (‘CPOP’) 2010 Joint Meeting. With more than 100 oral presentations and an additional 40 posters, the diversity and breadth of topics presented as well as the high quality of presentations was impressive. The state-of-the-art new science facility at Centralia College lent a sophisticated air to the event, plenary and banquet speakers were informative and provocative, and field trips were favoured with clear and warm weather. Perhaps most importantly, over 250 colleagues from throughout the Pacific Northwest came together to hear about each others’ work, share lessons learned, and collaborate on future challenges. (read more…)

Deltoid balsamroot is an Endangered plant in Garry oak ecosystems (photo by Chris Junck)

The groundwork of GOERT is done by its working groups, called ‘RIGs’ (Recovery Implementation Groups). There are about one hundred people involved in seven RIGs. Here is an update from GOERT’s Plants at Risk RIG. Since GOERT’s overall Recovery Strategy was written in 2002, an impressive amount has been accomplished by the RIG toward recovery of the rare plants in Garry oak and associated ecosystems.
(read more…)

Photo journal by Elyse Parchoma
Photos by Elyse except where noted

Western bluebirds have not nested in our region since 1994 (photo by William F. Walker)

Once a common species within Garry oak ecosystems on Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands, western bluebirds thrived until the 1950s, when their numbers began to decline. Since 1994, they have not nested on this region, and are considered extirpated.

Some of the reasons for their absence include the reduction of insect prey due to pesticide use, loss of Garry oak meadows, removal of standing dead trees, and competition for nest holes with exotic bird species such as the European starling and house sparrow. Probably the greatest factor for their decline is urban development.

Western bluebirds are secondary cavity nesters, meaning that they cannot build their own nest cavities, and depend on old woodpecker cavities, deadwood or nestboxes.

Elyse Parchoma peeks inside a nestbox on San Juan Island (photo by Carolyn Masson)

GOERT’s Bring Back the Bluebirds project, led by our Vertebrates at Risk RIG,  is focused on building nestboxes, finding appropriate habitat to host the boxes, and working with volunteers to monitor them during bluebird season (February through September). Once enough nestboxes have been distributed to willing monitors, GOERT, in association with partner organizations, will be transporting bluebirds from Washington State to southern Vancouver Island and possibly Salt Spring Island, hoping to re-establish a population in this region.

A mated pair of western bluebirds (male left, female right) at their home

On July 12th, 2010 Carolyn Masson and I set out for San Juan Island with our bicycles for two days of learning about San Juan Preservation Trust’s western bluebird reintroduction project, in place since 2007. We went to discuss logistics, gain inspiration from their outreach program, and observe bluebird nesting behaviour.

Technician Anna Sample with an aviary that housed translocated bluebirds for a period of time before their release

Once settled into our camp, we went to visit Kathleen Foley at the San Juan Preservation Trust in Friday Harbour. Kathleen, with great enthusiasm, fielded our questions about the project’s vision, development, youth involvement, education and outreach. We learned that the project, before the birds were translocated from nearby Fort Lewis, Washington, had already developed into an island-wide effort. And soon after the first translocations, residents from all of the San Juan Islands (including Orcas and Lopez Islands) were becoming active participants. Today, more than 500 nestboxes have been placed on the San Juan Islands, and bluebirds are returning at exponential rates, with 24 known returns in 2010.

A quick peek at some nestlings (see two yellow bills facing right)

We woke at the crack of dawn the next day to meet with the bluebird field technician Anna Sample, to get a sense of her day-to-day role and observe the bluebirds in their choice habitat. That morning we visited nine nesting sites, all unique in some way, yet all similar in terms of their connection to being in or around fragmented Garry oak ecosystems. Probably the most interesting sightings included seeing a single adult male feed the fledglings of another mated pair, and watching the first clutch of fledged juveniles feeding their parents’ second clutch of nestlings (mimicking their parents’ behaviour). I guess in the bluebird world, the more help the merrier!

Father (centre) flanked by two of his juveniles at their mealworm feeding station

Overall, the trip affirmed for us the success of the San Juan reintroduction program, and helped us to envision GOERT’s planned 2012 reintroduction, with hope for establishing a self-sustaining breeding population in this area.

Read San Juan Preservation Trust’s Summer 2010 newsletter.

Elyse (left) and Lisa (right) show off some of the native plants they’ve been tending in GOERT’s rooftop garden this summer (photo by Carolyn Masson)

No one can say that our summer interns aren’t having fun at their jobs! In addition to participating in ecological surveys and restoration, representing GOERT at outreach events, working on the bluebird project, and tending our rooftop native plant garden, GOERT’s 2010 interns Lisa Dumoulin and Elyse Parchoma have recently taken up modeling some of GOERT’s promo items — oak t-shirts, silver jewellery and eco-friendly tote bags. To shop for the items, please see www.goert.ca/gifts.

Elyse (left) and Lisa (right) show off some of GOERT’s bling. They are both wearing oak t-shirts by Amy Heggie and sporting our eco-friendly tote bags (photo by Carolyn Masson)

(read more…)

Summit Park (photo by Emrys Miller)

We are looking for a new full-time staff member to join our team!

The GOERT Conservation Specialist will apply their conservation-based skills and expertise to building partnerships and facilitating the protection and recovery of Garry oak and associate ecosystems and species at risk. The position works closely with GOERT’s Recovery Implementation Groups (RIGs) to ensure that their efforts are coordinated and working toward the goals and objectives outlined in the umbrella GOERT strategy, in addition to engaging and providing information and support to other partners. The position also works closely with other GOERT staff on project coordination and implementation.

This is an ongoing position with a competitive salary. Anticipated start date is August 30, 2010. Qualified candidates are invited to apply by emailing Shyanne Smith, Program Manager, by July 25th.

Please see full details here.

City of Victoria Parks staff spot purple sanicle in Beacon Hill Park (photos by Carolyn Masson)

In April 2010, GOERT organized field trips for local government staff to learn about Garry oak habitat and associated rare plants. The project is funded by the federal Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk and Parks Canada. With the funding, GOERT is able to approach municipalities and regional governments that have Garry oak-associated species at risk in their jurisdictions and offer workshops and field trips to educate staff about species at risk and responsibilities for stewardship of them. Indoor workshops were held in March, followed by an opportunity to see the plants in bloom in April. Biologist Matt Fairbarns led the trips to Beacon Hill Park and Saturna Island.

Fern-leaved desert-parsley growing with camas and western buttercup in Beacon Hill Park

On April 21, Matt Fairbarns met City of Victoria Parks staff in Beacon Hill Park and led them to several rare plant locations, teaching them about the biology and habitat requirements of the plants. The staff were keen to learn how to care for these rare plants in their park. (read more…)

Mike Meagher at play with his three grandsons

Acorn Award May 2010: Congratulations to GOERT member Mike Meagher on the receipt of his Acorn Award. He has been with us since day one and has been one of the most active members in the organization, taking on a diversity of tasks over the years. He’s cheerful and welcoming, and probably the most consistent attendee at Team and RIG meetings. If he’s not out of town or playing golf or tennis he’s present. And because he is involved in so many working groups, he functions as a bridge among them.

He has chaired the Research RIG since 2002 and is the organizing force behind the annual Research Colloquium. He is also a member of the Restoration and Management RIG and two of its steering committees. GOERT’s founding Chair Marilyn Fuchs says, “When Mike first proposed a research colloquium, I thought it sounded like an awfully big task. Well, not only did he pull it off, but he has organized it every year but one since 2003 and has consistently improved the quality of the event and drawn a diverse crowd. What I particularly love is the way he encourages students to present their research, makes them feel welcome, and makes it a priority to pay for their lunch and transportation. He often organizes associated social events that are particularly valuable for the students.”

Mike accepts his Acorn Award from GOERT Chair Brian Reader at the Research Colloquium

Biologist James Miskelly puts it this way: “Mike goes out of his way to greet and acknowledge people. He is great at finding out who is new and introducing them to everyone.” The crowd at the colloquium enjoys his wry sense of humour. There have been many moments of hilarity with Mike’s good friend George Edwards trying to moderate the colloquia while fending off banter from Mike. We’ve heard rumours that Mike will soon be retiring as Chair, but we don’t want to believe it.

Mike has enjoyed a long career in forestry, and his interest in trees led him to his volunteer work as Secretary of the Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society (GOMPS) and then to his involvement in the formation of GOERT. He is also President of the Thetis Lake Park Nature Sanctuary Association.

A Career in Forestry
Since finishing his undergrad at UBC in 1957, Mike has worked for the BC Forest Service in regeneration surveys, planting and seed harvesting; done his Masters degree in soils in Toronto; lectured in Forestry; completed his PhD on the genetics of hemlock trees at UBC; worked on tree improvement for the BC Forest Service in Duncan (establishing seed orchards where trees are grown and their cones are collected); done hemlock breeding for the Research Branch of the provincial government in Victoria; he also worked on white pine and blister rust for the federal government at Pacific Forestry Centre (PFC).

GOMPS and GOERT
Mike became a member of GOERT’s partner organization, the Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society (GOMPS) in February 1997. Colleague Tom Gillespie says, “Mike had become familiar with us at PFC as we had been involved with growing thousands of oak seedlings there for several years, and had many consultations with Bob Duncan about the insects associated with oak meadows. We attended workshops there concerning gypsy moths and the overhead spraying of them.”

Fred Hook, Environmental Technician with City of Victoria Parks, GOERT and GOMPS member adds, “As Secretary, Mike provides the continuity in GOMPS. He knows what tasks need to get done and keeps things moving. He has a marvellous knowledge of every oak on every golf course on Vancouver Island. He is an avid golfer, and it’s remarkable how many of the samples for his extensive research on the genetics of oaks all the way from Comox to California came from golf courses. Read the research paper here.

A Love Story
Mike met his wife Birgitte in Toronto on the day she arrived in Canada from Denmark. Mike likes to joke that “she hit on the first Canadian she met.” Birgitte’s retort: “Well, he fell for it”. Birgitte says that she is very outspoken and direct. She is confident that Mike is strong enough to cope with it and illustrates it with this story:

“On our first dinner out together, my boss allowed me leave for a while and told me to hurry back. Have you ever seen Mike eat? He is the slowest eater in the world and I come from a fast-eating family. The food came and I ate it. I looked up and saw that Mike’s plate was totally full. Had my plate come before his? Had I rudely dived into my meal before his had come? As I watched I realized that the difference was that he was eating very slowly. I watched as he chewed and chewed, and it made no impression on his plate. I sat for what seemed like an eternity and watched him chew. I pulled out a cigarette and lit a match, then thought to ask him, ‘Do you mind if I smoke?’ He looked up and answered ‘Yes’. Oh no, I am going to have to sit here forever and watch this man chewing, I thought. I looked at him in desperation and asked, ‘Are you kidding?’ But he wasn’t, so I put out my match and put my cigarette away. Mike said, ‘If you don’t want my honest opinion, don’t ask for it’. Well, we survived that moment at our first dinner, and we haven’t had a problem since then. I think that having this honest exchange, we don’t run into some of the difficulties that other couples do. It was a great way of starting a relationship, setting the stage that you’re not going to be pretentious.” Mike and Birgitte have a daughter, a son and three grandsons.

Garry oak trunks with moss (photo by Todd Carnahan)

The forest for the trees
Birgitte tells another story: “At a big party for Mike’s 60th birthday our daughter told this story: When she was about 16, she and her father were sharing a chairlift at Forbidden Plateau on a gloriously beautiful clear day. The coast mountains were standing like statues. Our daughter said, ‘Wow, look at that! Isn’t it gorgeous?’ and Mike answered, ‘Yes, look at all the cone buds on that tree!’ At the party there was a loud burst of laughter from a family friend. She is also the daughter of a forester and she could relate to the comical reply from Mike. What the foresters have in common is the love of their jobs. He was lucky to find a profession that really grabs him.”

We appreciate Mike’s dedication to the cause over many years, his energy and thoroughness, his sense of humour and his efforts to modernize in this computer age. Mike was presented with his Acorn Award by GOERT Chair Brian Reader at our 7th Annual Research Colloquium in March 2010. Thank you Mike!

See more about Mike Meagher in his GOERT bio.

Squamanita paradoxa, a rare parasitic fungus living on relatively common Cystoderma amianthinum. This is the first collection in Canada and only the third in North America

Illustration showing Squamanita paradoxa living on Cystoderma amianthinum

Victoria mycologist Oldriska (Oluna) Ceska has been surveying the fungi of Observatory Hill since March 2004. Her full reports, including photos, can be downloaded here:  2009-2010 (NEW PDF 6.5MB) and 2008-2009 (PDF 10MB). Oluna can be contacted at aceska@telus.net.

The Macrofungi of Observatory Hill: Long-term Survey and Inventory
November 2004 – March 2010
-A study by Oldriska Ceska (photos by Adolf Ceska)

Observatory Hill (also known as Little Saanich Mountain) is a hill on the outskirts of Victoria, BC, Canada, elevation 224 m. In 1913, Canadian astronomer J.S. Plaskett selected this hill as the site for a large, 1.83 m telescope. Dominion Astrophysical Observatory and the telescope were completed in April 1918. For about two years the telescope was the largest in the world. Later, the top of the hill was developed into an astronomical research and educational facility. Since 1975, the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory has been one of the sections of the National Research Council’s Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics (NRC/HIA). (read more…)

The view from Matson Conservation Area (MCA) (photo by Todd Carnahan)

We’re happy to have this success story to tell about the conservation of Garry oak habitat during land development. Owned and managed by Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT), Matson Conservation Area along the WestSong Walkway on the Esquimalt waterfront features Victoria Harbour’s last remaining Garry oak ecosystems. Through many partnerships and hours of dedicated community involvement, the land was donated by Mandalay Developments (Swallow’s Landing), and is now managed as a demonstration site for urban habitat conservation and community education.

Matson Conservation Area is an ecologically diverse native urban landscape demonstrating an innovative balance of habitat protection and development where visitors and the community learn about habitat values and actively care for the land.

Camas and sea blush bloom at MCA below Swallow’s Landing (photo by Todd Carnahan)

The one hectare site features meadows, rock balds, and vernal seeps, fringed by arbutus woods and wet ravine forest. Camas and other native plants grow beneath the perched walkway that leads up to a unique view of the city and Inner Harbour. At the top, a drought-resistant naturescape garden planted by volunteers requires no irrigation.

The management plan for this area focuses on two goals: to restore the integrity of ecological processes, structures, and functions through ongoing community land care activities; and to protect cultural and historic features while providing no-impact community access for education and appreciation.

The Friends of Matson Lands have been caring for this site and protecting it from insensitive development proposals for twenty years, and now residents of Swallow’s Landing are joining the conservation activities.

Several events are hosted every year including naturescaping, weed control, and nature tours. Please contact HAT for a group tour, upcoming events, and ongoing volunteer opportunities.

Matson Conservation Area and other case histories are featured in our Success stories: benefits of protecting Garry oak areas during land development.

Partners: Mandalay Developments, Township of Esquimalt, Friends of Matson Lands, and Nature Conservancy of Canada.

Restoration for Species at Risk, Somenos Style
-from a PowerPoint presentation by Dave Polster

Biologist Tracy Fleming conducts a plant survey at Somenos Garry Oak Protected Area

Garry oak ecosystem restoration is a relatively new field and we are gradually figuring out what works. This is a project I have been involved with for about 15 years – mostly trying to keep this rare deep soil Garry oak site in Duncan, BC from becoming a housing development. After a lot of effort, eventually BC Parks forged a deal with the owner and the site became protected parkland. We didn’t want it to become an ecological reserve because we knew that we would need to do some experimenting to develop effective restoration strategies for this and other Garry oak sites, so it remains ‘Somenos Garry Oak Protected Area’.

When we began to consider restoration, the first thing that was obvious was that the non-native shrubs Scotch broom and English hawthorn had invaded the site. Over the first few years literally tonnes of invading woody plants were removed.

Biologist Carrina Maslovat conducts a survey

Experimental Plots
We then divided the area into four large experimental treatment blocks, one which served as a control, one where we would mow once per year only, one where we would mow and burn once, and the final block were we would mow and burn twice. Instead of creating square plots, we designed the plots to mimic the irregular shapes that might be created if the area were burned. First Nations burning has been recognized as a critical part of the natural disturbance regime that has sustained Garry oak ecosystems historically, along with camas harvest. However, although we had everything lined up for burning in the summer of 2003, it was not to be. Because of the raging fires in Kelowna that summer, we were not able to gain permission to burn and we have still not burned the plots but have used mowing as a surrogate.

Endangered yellow montane violet

Monitoring Species at Risk
There have been up to eight species at risk at the Somenos site and the impacts of our restoration treatments on these species have been subject of much study. Somenos is the home of one of the largest populations of endangered yellow montane violet (Viola praemorsa) in Canada. Its population at Somenos has fluctuated over the years. The population of endangered Howell’s triteleia (Triteleia howellii) has increased, but blue-listed Howell’s violet (Viola howellii) seems to have declined. It may be due to the nature of this species. We don’t know. At this point we are continuing with the assumption that if we re-establish the ecosystem that operated here in pre-contact times we will probably benefit the rare species and other native species of the ecosystem. We have been monitoring the rare plant populations in detail as well as conducting detailed assessments of the vegetation over the years.

Re-establishment of large herbivores is another thought we have had for the Somenos site, but it is surrounded by urban areas and the Island Highway so this is not likely to happen. Blue-listed Roosevelt elk were seen at Somenos in September 2006.

Biologists Matt Fairbarns and Hans Roemer survey rare plants

Complexity
The yellow montane violet population has varied so much, it is clear that we need to know more about the ecology of this species. For example, how does its relationship with ants influence its population? Ants are attracted to a sweet part of the seed. And the relationship of the violets to the rest of the ecosystem is equally dynamic. Of course, one of the issues of being out on the edge of restoration ecology is that the ideas we are working with have not been fully tested. We are learning as we go. We continue counting and measuring and planting of common native species. Over the years more than 60,000 native grasses and forbs have been planted in an effort to re-stitch the fabric of the ecosystem.

Planting native grasses to re-stitch the fabric of the ecosystem

Are we doing the right thing? It is clear that the more we know about these complex ecosystems the less we understand, but we are hopeful that we are making a difference, at least in terms of increasing awareness of these wonderful ecosystems with the knowledge we are gaining in the face of continued urban threats.

Results of the detailed vegetation studies of this site are available through GOERT.