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…)
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…)
Staff member Kersti Vaino flashes a Thrifty Foods smile (photo by Carolyn Masson)
GOERT’s Kersti Vaino is flashing the Thrifty smile because since October 1st, you have helped us raise $554 through using your Smile Cards. Thanks to you, we are buying these restoration tools for Kersti and crew: wire fencing, heavy duty pliers with wire cutters, zap straps and rebar, PVC piping, and metal spikes. These items will get lots of use in our restoration projects and will be shared with partner organizations.
Our goal is to make full use of the program and raise the maximum $2000 by May so that we can buy everything on our wish list (see below). If you haven’t got one already, please contact Betsy at 250-383-3447 or finance@goert.ca for your Smile Card, and every time you shop with it, a 5% donation will go to GOERT, at no cost to you.
Going skiing? Buying Valentine’s gifts?
Did you know you can pay for Mt. Washington ski passes with a Smile Card? In February use the card for Valentine’s chocolates and flowers, and a pre-loaded Smile Card makes a great gift any time. (read more…)
Participants at our 6th annual Research Colloquium (photo by Todd Carnahan)
Mark March 4th and 5th in your calendars, as GOERT is hosting two events at the Pacific Forestry Centre on those days. First up is the 7th annual Research Colloquium, a popular all-day event that showcases research on Garry oak ecosystems. The next day, Friday March 5th, GOERT’s Native Plant Propagation Steering Committee is hosting a workshop titled ‘Native Plants in the Urban Landscape.’ Read more for descriptions and registration information for both events: (read more…)
A new deltoid balsamroot subpopulation was discovered summer 2009 (photo by Chris Junck)
Recovery Team News
GOERT and partners were busy in summer 2009 working on many restoration and habitat protection projects and mapping rare species and habitat.
Projects included:
• monitoring the only remaining population of coastal vesper sparrow on Vancouver Island
• surveying more than 40 sites with rare species
• working with landowners from Metchosin to Denman Island to protect rare species on private lands
Dozens of restoration projects were active this summer and remain so into the fall, including:
• Scotch broom removal from bog bird’s-foot trefoil habitat near Nanaimo with assistance from the Friends of Harewood Plains
• restoration on five other private properties with rare plants
• a successful annual ‘broom bash’ on Mill Hill by CRD Parks
• ongoing restoration and monitoring in the Cowichan Valley by NCC
• many other community-led restoration projects throughout the range of Garry oak ecosystems in Canada (read more…)
