-by Aimée Pelletier, Ecosystem Scientist, Parks Canada Agency
Biologist James Miskelly surveys plants at the translocation site (photo © Nicole Kroeker)
Parks Canada is the lead agency responsible for the protection and recovery of more than 40 species listed under Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA) that inhabit Garry oak and associated ecosystems. One of the goals of the Garry Oak Ecosystem and Species at Risk Recovery (GOESARR) Project is to assist in the recovery of Garry oak species at risk by introducing some of these species to suitable sites in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site. Although there is no substitute for ecosystem protection when it comes to conserving rare species, there are instances where translocation (introduction or re-introduction) of a rare species is the best option for endangered species recovery. (read more…)
The fungus Tubaria punicea growing at the base of an arbutus tree on Observatory Hill
Victoria botanist Oldriska (Oluna) Ceska has been surveying the fungi of Observatory Hill since March 2004. Here is a brief account of her work, adapted from a BEN article, June 2009 (Botanical Electronic News). Her full report for 2008-2009, including many photos, can be found here (PDF 10MB). Oluna can be contacted at aceska@telus.net.
The Macrofungi of Observatory Hill: Long-term Survey and Inventory
November 2004 – March 2009
-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 a site for a large, 1.83 m telescope. The observatory and the telescope were finished in April 1918. Later the top of the hill was developed into an astronomical research and educational facility. Since 1995, Observatory Hill has been the site of the NRC Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics. (read more…)
Kirsten Prior and Vince Hellmann setting up study cage for propertius duskywing caterpillars at the Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve (photos courtesy of the Hellmann Lab)
The Hellmann lab at the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Indiana focuses on the impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, and climate change on the distribution and abundance of insects and their host plants.
Jessica Hellmann and four graduate students are pursuing studies on the geographic range boundaries of several Garry oak species, their genetic structure through British Columbia and North America, and their potential for spread in a future climate.
Anise swallowtail caterpillar on parsley (read more…)