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.

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.

About the Smile Card Program
GOERT has joined the Thrifty Foods Smile Card program, which provides an easy way for you to help us raise funds between now and May 2010. Here’s how it works: request a card from GOERT, load it with enough cash to cover your shopping expenses, and Thrifty Foods will donate to GOERT every time the card is used, at no cost to you. So far we have raised $554 out of a maximum $2000. Our program ends in May, so please help us reach the maximum by then! (Please hang onto your cards after May though, as we will be re-applying and we’ll notify you when the cards are active again).

How does the Smile Card work?
Take your Smile Card to the Customer Service desk at Thrifty’s and load it with enough cash to cover several shopping trips. Your card will be credited 100% and Thrifty Foods will credit GOERT with an additional 5% on your behalf. When your card is empty, load it again. GOERT will receive another 5% donation and you will never be out of pocket. Use your Smile Card at any Thrifty Foods.

How can I get a card?
Contact Betsy Rose at finance@goert.ca or 250-383-3447. We encourage you to ask for cards for yourself and for family members and friends who shop at Thrifty Foods and who want to make real environmental changes. Many people give loaded Smile Cards to family and friends as gifts.

I can no longer use this card. Can it be recycled?
Please return unused cards to any GOERT staff member or mail them to Betsy at the GOERT office. If there is money remaining on the card we will use it for volunteer appreciation. If no money remains on the card it will be used by a new GOERT supporter. None of your personal information is stored on the card.

Wish List for Restoration Projects
• 2 hook knives or carpet knives
• 2 dandelion weeding tools
• 2 sets of loppers (up to 12 sets needed)
• 2 sets of secateurs (up to 12 sets needed)
• Saw
• Trowels (for planting grass plugs)
• 2 long poles (for sides of broom stretcher)
• Large plastic tub & lid or hockey bag for storing tools
• 2 – 12 pr gloves
• 2 – 12 safety vests
• Hard hats (required at some work sites)
• Gas powered weed whacker (we need a gas-powered model for remote sites)
• Several large tarps (one smaller one for the stretcher and the remaining ones for storing broom)
• A bucket or water backpack (as per fire regulations)
• A shovel
• A rake (for removing thatch)
• Heavy-duty contractor garbage bags
• Wheelbarrow (to make transport of filled garbage bags easier)
• Page wire fencing (as wide as possible – up to 8 feet)
• Small-gauge wire fencing (~1-2 feet wide)
• Heavy duty pliers with wire cutters
• Rebar or metallic garden stakes
• Twine, zap straps or twist ties (to assemble fencing and the stretcher)
• PVC piping (for photo plot frame)
• More metal stakes (8”) (to mark the corners of the photo plots)
• A tripod (for photographing rare plants close-up)
• zinc tags (2”x3” or 3”x4” if possible), wire and screws

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:

7th Annual Research Colloquium
-announcement and call for papers

9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Thursday, March 4th, 2010
Pacific Forestry Centre
506 West Burnside Road, Victoria, BC

Purpose: To allow those planning or conducting research and restoration pertinent to Garry oak ecosystems to make a brief presentation of their studies; to prompt discussion and encourage coordination among agencies; and to facilitate research and its application to the conservation of Garry oak and associated ecosystems.

Format: Presentations are 10-15 minutes each, followed by a brief question period. Presentation abstracts will be compiled into a Proceedings document, to be distributed (via email only) following the Colloquium. Note that persons unable to attend may also submit an abstract for inclusion in the Proceedings. Proceedings from previous colloquia are available here.

Presenters: Those wishing to present are required to register by Friday, February 19th. An abstract (approx. 500 words) will need to be submitted for inclusion in the Proceedings. Please indicate any preference for speaking time (i.e. morning or afternoon) in your registration. A digital projector will be provided and presenters requiring any additional audio-visual support should specify; a slide projector, overhead projector or flip chart are also available upon request. Please send any digital presentations to Kersti Vaino (kersti.vaino@goert.ca) by Friday, February 26th to allow for advance testing. Some travel support is available for student presenters registered in a British Columbia institution.

Registration: Attendance is free, although pre-registration is required to assist in our planning for the day. A cafeteria (cash only) is available for lunch at the participants’ own expense (with the exception of student presenters who will receive a free lunch). If you plan to buy a lunch, please indicate your preferences in your reply. Refreshments will be provided free of charge during the breaks.

Please fill out the registration form and return it via email by February 19th to BOTH:

Mike Meagher (mmeagher@pfc.forestry.ca, 250-363-6066), and
Kersti Vaino (kersti.vaino@goert.ca, 250-383-5449).

Please note that both Mike and Kersti will be away from February 3-15 and so will not be able to respond to any inquiries or confirm registration during this time. If you have any general questions in the meantime, please send them to info@goert.ca.

Louise Goulet’s Garry oak garden in Oak Bay (photo by Louise Goulet)

Native Plants in the Urban Landscape
-for urban landscape managers and landscape and nursery professionals

Join us to learn how to use native plants in commercial and institutional landscaping, in restoration, and in home gardens. Understand and enjoy the values, benefits, and beauty of our outstanding native plants. This workshop is aimed at managers, landscape and nursery professionals, and those making planting decisions in an urban context. A tour of the PFC grounds with its extensive use of native plants and the greenhouse & header house facility will be part of the program.

8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Friday March 5, 2010
Pacific Forestry Centre (PFC)
506 West Burnside Road, Victoria, BC
Phone: 363-0600 (switchboard)

Topics and speakers
Restoration Planting of Grasses and other Plants; Chris Adams, Adams Environmental Solutions

Green Roofs; Adam Weir, Paradise Cityscapes

Converting an Urban Garden to Native Plants; Dr. Louise Goulet, Wildlife Biologist

Genetic Integrity of Native Plants; Dr. Terry McIntosh, Botanist

Design Principles for Natural Processes; Dave Polster, Polster Environmental Services

Tour of PFC Grounds and Nursery; Rob Hagel and assistants

Living Proof: Resource Efficient Landscaping; Karen Cummins, Groundskeeper, Storey Creek Golf Course, Campbell River

Pre- and Post-Planting Care of Nursery Grown Native Plants; Richard Wahlgren, Streamside Native Plants

Registration
The $40 registration fee includes lunch, refreshments, and a copy of the second edition of The Garry Oak Gardener’s Handbook. Please pay by cheque or money order as we have no facilities for credit cards. Registration must be received prior to February 26th for catering purposes. Please complete the registration form and return it to Rob Hagel at PFC. Registration is limited to the first 75 people. No refunds will be issued; unused registrations will be donated to GOERT.

Rob Hagel, Co-Chair
Native Plant Propagation Steering Committee of GOERT
Direct phone: 250-363-0764
Email: rhagel@pfc.forestry.ca

Dr. Andrew MacDougall (University of Guelph) speaking about his grazing exclosure experiment at Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve (photo by Carolyn Masson)

Last fall out of the blue, GOERT received notice that we had been awarded The Paul McGaw Memorial Conservation Award from the North American Native Plant Society (NANPS). The award recognizes the extraordinary contribution of an individual or group to the conservation, protection or restoration of the natural heritage/native flora of North America at the community, regional, provincial, national or continental level.

Specifically, GOERT was recognized for its ‘dedication in working towards the protection and recovery of Garry oak and associated ecosystems, and for creating public awareness of the value of — and threats to — this endangered ecosystem.’

GOERT’s Program Manager Shyanne Smith says ‘It’s great to see that NANPS acknowledges the ecosystem approach to the conservation of native flora. And it’s nice to be recognized for the way we work with partners and produce materials that partners can use for their conservation work, such as our upcoming Restoration Compendium, the Native Plant Propagation Guidelines, resources for managing invasive species, field manual on species at risk, annual research colloquium proceedings, resources for local governments and developers, and The Garry Oak Gardener’s Handbook.’

NANPS then asked whether we’d like to give a presentation about our work at their October AGM in Markham, Ontario. It’s a bit far to go, but fortunately we have a member at the University of Guelph, Dr. Andrew MacDougall. Andrew willingly went to the meeting and related information about his research at Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve as well as speaking on behalf of GOERT. Thank you Andrew, and thank you NANPS for recognizing our work. We received a plaque which now hangs on our office wall, and a most welcome cheque, which now resides in the bank.

The North American Native Plant Society is dedicated to the study, conservation, cultivation and restoration of native plants. ]]> http://www.goert.ca/news/2010/01/22/nanps-award/feed/ 0 http://www.goert.ca/news/2009/12/19/compendium/ http://www.goert.ca/news/2009/12/19/compendium/#comments Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:48:25 +0000 Carolyn Masson http://www.goert.ca/news/?p=864

Workshop participants Mike Meagher, Tom Wheeler and Conan Webb

Restoration Compendium Comments Still Welcome
Organizations and individuals engaged in Garry oak ecosystems restoration were invited to a workshop November 13, 2009 hosted by GOERT’s Restoration and Management Recovery Implementation Group on our upcoming publication Garry Oak Ecosystems Restoration Compendium.

Participants Carolyn MacDonald, Brittany Dewar, Brenda Costanzo and Don Eastman

The workshop, held at Pacific Forestry Centre, drew 37 attendees from a wide variety of backgrounds in ecological restoration. The Restoration and Management RIG would like to thank those who were able to attend and provide valuable feedback on the production of this document.

For those who were unable to attend but would still like to provide input, comments are welcome until January 29th, 2010. The results from the workshop have been summarized in the ‘workshop notes’ document below. The RIG will now focus on incorporating these comments and developing a complete draft by next spring. Please check this page for announcements about future workshops and training sessions on the use of the compendium.

Workshop Notes (PDF  589KB)

Project Description (PDF  12KB)

Chapter Outline (PDF  12KB)

Chapter 2 – Distribution and Description DRAFT (PDF  2.48MB)

Chapter 3 – Ecosystem Disturbance Regimes DRAFT (PDF 454KB)

Chapter 4 – Species and Ecosystems at Risk DRAFT (PDF  967KB)

Chapter 5 – Restoration Strategies DRAFT (PDF  371KB)

Chapter 6 – Species Propagation and Supply DRAFT (PDF 1.20MB)

Chapter 7 – Alien Invasive Species DRAFT (PDF  787KB)

Chapter 8 – Outreach and Public Involvement DRAFT (PDF 433KB)

Chapter 9 – Inventory and Monitoring DRAFT (PDF  413KB)

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.

For example, the endangered golden paintbrush (Castilleja levisecta) is restricted to only two small island populations off of Victoria, BC in Canada and to nine populations in the United States. The Recovery Strategy for Multi-Species at Risk in Maritime Meadows Associated with Garry Oak Ecosystems in Canada identifies as a recovery goal for this species the establishment of at least 7 new populations. Surveys of potential golden paintbrush habitat in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve determined that  a small islet located at the south end of the park reserve is the best available site for supporting a new population.

Endangered golden paintbrush (photo © Nicole Kroeker)

Golden paintbrush seed was collected from a Canadian donor population near Victoria in August 2008 and entrusted to a local nursery for germination testing and propagation with fingers crossed that the seed would be viable (it was!). Once fall rains moisten the islet’s soil, a small team of hopeful biologists will be transplanting 250 precious seedlings into experimental plots. While several translocation attempts (some successful) have been made in the United States, this will be the first experimental translocation attempt in Canada.

Unlike the rich and protected greenhouse environment where the seedlings have been raised, these tender shoots will face a number of challenges in their new location, including potential trampling and herbivory by river otters (Lontra canadensis) and Canada geese (Branta canadensis) that use the island, competition with invasive species, and summer drought conditions. Research indicates that the limiting factor for seedling survival after transplanting is the drought conditions they face during their first summer in the field. This is why a third of the transplanted seedlings will receive supplemental watering treatment during the hot, dry summer months. Another third will receive supplemental fertilization in addition to water. A control group will receive neither water nor fertilizer.

Golden paintbrush seedlings (photo © Paulus Vrijmoed)

The survival, growth, and reproductive output of the seedlings, as well as signs of trampling, herbivory, disease and competition with invasive species, will be monitored closely over the next several years to assess project success. If necessary, invasive species will be managed within the experimental plots. It is hoped that the information gained from this small-scale experimental translocation will not only inform future translocation efforts to establish long-term persistent populations at this and other Canadian locations but may also help determine management options for existing populations, some of which appear to be in decline.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed that these tender green shoots make it through the many challenges ahead! For more information about this project, contact Aimée Pelletier at Parks Canada Agency.

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

GOERT is currently organizing a series of winter workshops and meetings including:
• a restoration workshop November 13th
• a series of species at risk workshops
• our annual research colloquium
• a native plant propagation workshop in February
• an international Garry oak ecosystem-wide meeting in Washington state in March

Shyanne Smith and Kersti Vaino survey rare plants (photo by Chris Junck)

Opportunities to donate and volunteer
GOERT received its charitable status in August, so you’ll now receive a tax-deductible receipt for your donations. Please consider making a donation to support the work we do to protect rare habitat and species. For more about our work, read our 2008-2009 Annual Report or contact us if you’d like a copy mailed to you. You may also consider partnering with GOERT on one of our working groups or volunteering your time to help us or one of our partner organizations. It’s only with your help that we can achieve our ambitious goals of establishing a network of Garry oak and associated ecosystem sites and protecting nearly 120 at-risk species. Please contact Shyanne Smith or Betsy Rose about donation options or volunteer opportunities.

Dave receives his acorn award from Garry Oakley at GOERT’s AGM (photo by Neil Boyle)

Acorn Award October 2009: It’s high time we presented an Acorn Award to GOERT member Dave Polster. Dave volunteers on the Restoration and Management RIG as well on as both of its committees: he is a member of the Native Plant Propagation Steering Committee and co-chairs the Invasive Species Steering Committee. He also volunteers on our board of directors. Dave has an amazing ability to be in several places at once, working to restore Garry oak habitat while simultaneously directing mine reclamation in far-flung places and dropping by to give advice on small-scale restoration projects.

“You never know where you’re going to run into Dave. One day I stopped in at Rathtrevor Park and there was Dave with his tiger torch”, says GOERT staff member Chris Junck. “He’s like a terrier the way he latches onto something and sticks with it.” Besides being hot on the trail of new invasive plants, Dave is a lead author for our upcoming restoration compendium, coordinates the restoration and research at Somenos Garry Oak Protected Area and has been involved in restoration projects at many other locations, including Mt. Tzuhalem Ecological Reserve as a consultant and pro bono.

Beanies and Bread
Dave is very adept with a tiger torch (a propane torch that he uses for spot torching invasive species), and he is an inventor. He invented a GPS beanie, which is a GPS unit (Global Positioning System) attached by wire and clip to a tin can lid that is then duct-taped to a ball cap. The tin apparently helps the wearer and the GPS commune better with the celestial satellites overhead while doing surveys in the field. It’s a very becoming field fashion statement.

Biologist Tracy Fleming wears Dave’s GPS beanie invention while surveying (photo by Dave Polster)

Biologist Tracy Fleming has worn the beanie and has worked with Dave often. “The great thing about Dave and the vast amount of work (paid and volunteer) that he does is that he is a man in his prime and will be around for a long time to come to do scads more of the same! When I think of Dave I think of how he chortles during and after relating a story. And I am convinced that his GPS beanie has ‘augmented reality’ qualities that help him multi-task and be in several places at once. The beanie must also have a sensor on it that alerts him to eco-offenses because he is a first responder to new invasive plants in our area, oak tree cutting and gatherings of other eco-defenders.”

Chris Adams of Adams Environmental Solutions adds: “Dave’s experience and knowledge is vast, and his sharing of the two with me has been instrumental in the growth of me personally and of my company. He is a valued mentor and I thank and respect him greatly.”

Dave is known for promoting social activities within GOERT. Chris Junck adds: “He once emailed to say that he was baking bread and wondered who it was that had asked for some. He was offering to bring it to the next meeting.”

Dave and Genevieve with their four children

Home-based business
Dave and his wife Genevieve Singleton, a natural history interpreter, run a home-based consulting business, Polster Environmental Services. While Genevieve manages the business, Dave keeps busy with environmental surveys, reclamation, road deactivation, ecological restoration and soil bioengineering for park developments, hydroelectric developments and mines, the transportation sector, forest sites, gravel pits and industrial developments. He contributed to the Best Management Practices for Urban and Rural Land Development (2006 edition) and is a pioneer in soil bioengineering solutions for the treatment of steep and unstable slopes in western Canada. Dave has his Master’s degree in Ecology and is a Registered Professional Biologist. He teaches and advises at UVic’s Restoration of Natural Systems program and teaches at Vancouver Island University’s Natural Resources Extension Program.

In 1974 Dave and Genevieve met at the University of Victoria in a plant ecology class taught by Marc Bell where Dave was the lab assistant. They now refer to Marc as the honorary godfather of their children. Dave is a committed family man, devoted son, and father to four children ages 18-26. He is very active in his faith community as a Quaker and is a long time peace activist. In his rare free moments he enjoys opera and symphony with his mother, birding and botanizing with Genevieve, photography and astronomy. He can occasionally be spied at local hockey games.

Says Genevieve, “What would be our recreation room is Dave’s office and it’s full of his plant presses, photos, writing, and papers. Has has written the equivalent of many novels with all the reports he does. “Dave has a bit of the mad scientist in him. His passion for the outdoors and saving ecosystems knows no boundaries. He is one of those rare people who has found what he loves to do and just does it. He works very hard in many areas to make a positive difference in the world.”

Dave Polster out standing in his field (photo by Carolyn Masson)

Dave has an interesting family background. He was born in Philadelphia and his family moved to Argenta, BC in 1967 because of the politics during the Vietnam War. He became a Canadian citizen many years ago. He has been a Quaker most of his life, and Genevieve became a Quaker after she met him. His mother was very active in the peace movement and worked with Martin Luther King. Dave remembers his father carrying him on his shoulders at a peace rally around the White House.

In his spare time
In addition to serving on the GOERT board and working groups, Dave is also on the board of the Association of Professional Biologists of BC, the BC Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration and the Invasive Plant Council of BC, the Association of Professional Biologists of BC, and is the past-president of the Canadian Land Reclamation Association. He was recently appointed to the advisory committee for the restoration of the storm damage in Stanley Park.

Dave can add his Acorn Award to his Noranda Land Reclamation Award from the Canadian Land Reclamation Association in recognition of excellence in and contribution to the profession of land reclamation (2007), and his CRD Ecostar Research and Technology Award (2004).

GOERT Chair Brian Reader says: “Dave is indeed a friend of the environment and its most imperilled species, devoting himself at work and leisure to environmental restoration and education. Dave is always there to lend a hand and has been a steadfast and long-serving member of GOERT and its many committees. We should really have bought Dave a new car for his award as he wore out old ‘trusty rusty’, his valiant Toyota station wagon, dashing around to meetings and restoration sites. However he beat us to it and today you can see Dave sporting around in his appropriately economical and eminently practical new Toyota; perhaps tricked out with his Acorn Award on the dashboard. Keep on cruisin’ Dave!”

Congratulations Dave, and thank you for your many generous contributions to Garry oak ecosystems recovery!

Dave Polster demonstrates cutting invasive daphne below ground (photo by Chris Junck)

Some of GOERT’s founders and early recovery team members, from left: Mike Meagher, Marilyn Fuchs, Joel Ussery and Raj Prasad (photo by Neil Boyle)

GOERT turned 10 this year! We held a celebration the evening of September 30th, 2009 at the Pacific Forestry Centre. Almost 100 people attended, including many who were present at GOERT’s founding meeting in June 1999 and many who were recovery team members during GOERT’s first year. Marilyn Fuchs spoke about the early years and succeeded in getting people up to the front of the room to be recognized. Joel Ussery said a few words, and then Richard Hebda gave a rousing impromptu talk from crib notes written on a grocery receipt!

More of GOERT’s founders and early recovery team members, from left: Richard Hebda, Tom Gillespie, Brenda Costanzo, Tracy Fleming and Ted Lea (photo by Neil Boyle)

Still more of GOERT’s founders and early recovery team members, from left: Adolf Ceska, Hal Gibbard, Pat Johnston, and Fran Spencer (photo by Neil Boyle)

Two of GOERT’s working groups gave short presentations about what they have been up to: Trudy Chatwin showed us the Vertebrates at Risk RIG’s projects on western bluebirds and coastal vesper sparrows, and Brenda Costanzo updated us on the Plants at Risk RIG’s recovery planning. Habitat Acquisition Trust’s Garry Oakley made a surprise appearance to present Acorn Awards to Dave Polster and Pat Boyle. When invited by the organizers to make an appearance, Garry replied: “I wood be honoured to bestow acorns. But I might have to leaf early — knot that I’d be board by your speakers.” Briony Penn and Guy Dauncey gave us inspirational stories and hope for grassroots and worldwide solutions to climate change.

Dave Polster gets a hug from HAT’s Garry Oakley (photo by Neil Boyle)

Pat Boyle gets a surprise from Garry Oakley (photo by Neil Boyle)

Richard Hebda speaks eloquently from notes written on a grocery receipt (photo by Neil Boyle)

Local artists Mayumi Nogami, Jeffrey Boron and Ron Wilson were present to speak about their artwork that graced the room. Mayumi created some Garry oak pieces especially for the event. Says Mayumi, “I create paintings, greeting cards and illustrations using gouache and ink. My artistic aim is to create work that conveys a sense of this diverse world and also work that can be shared and understood by all people”.

There were four new volunteers for the board of directors: Jan Kirkby, Pat Boyle, Adriane Pollard and Carolyn MacDonald (Adriane and Carolyn will be sharing one position); Dave Polster returned for a second term.

At last the prize draw came at the end of the evening. Appropriately, Pat Boyle won the gardening tools and Ted Lea and Brenda Costanzo won the wine. A mystery man won the collapsible gardening basket (you’ll know who you are), and is now easily carrying heavy loads in his fall garden.

Thanks to all who participated and made it such a great event!

Sea blush, arbutus and Garry oak at Mill Hill Regional Park (photos courtesy of CRD Regional Parks)

Come and see the wildflowers in spring!
The Capital Regional District is in its eighth year of a project to restore the Garry oak ecosystems at Mill Hill Regional Park. Up on the hill above the conifer forest are about 20 hectares of Garry oak ecosystems. If you’ve climbed Mill Hill in spring you’ve seen the fabulous display of wildflowers under Garry oak and arbutus trees – camas, spring-gold, shootingstar and satin-flower, just to name a few. Now that much of the Scotch broom has been removed, this lovely hilltop has become even more spectacular.

Removing invasive Scotch broom
In Garry oak ecosystems, invasive species are a big problem. Plant species that are not native to our region are now spreading aggressively and displacing native species. Scotch broom is an abundant and vigorous invader of Garry oak ecosystems. It produces thousands of seeds every year that lie dormant in the soil, waiting for the right conditions to germinate. Even when CRD Regional Parks staff and volunteers remove the visible broom, we know it is not gone. With increased light to the ground surface, seeds in the soil are stimulated to grow. That’s why we follow a long-term restoration plan.

CRD Parks staff prepare a giant broom bundle for removal by helicopter

Restoration plan
The restoration project aims to restore and sustain the ecological integrity of the park’s ecosystems and halt the loss and restore populations of rare and endangered plant species. Project activities include removal of invasive Scotch broom, daphne, gorse, sweetbrier and orchard grass; rare plant and habitat monitoring; and trail delineation and re-routing.

Rare plants benefit from restoration
This science-based and award-winning restoration project has garnered national recognition. Before the project started, seven rare plant species were known to occur at 32 sites in the park. Today, 14 rare species have been found at 206 sites. To date, approximately 46 metric tonnes of invasive species have been removed from about 16 hectares of the park. The annual helicopter lift to get the plant biomass off the hill is an exciting event. The success of the project is the result of the dedicated work of volunteers and staff.

CRD Parks volunteer removes broom from Mill Hill

Participate!
Mill Hill Regional Park is a treasure worth protecting. Volunteer for the annual Broom Sweep in the fall and be part of an enthusiastic and fun group of volunteers helping to restore threatened Garry Oak ecosystems, which include resident populations of rare and endangered plants.

“The Capital Regional District is in its eighth year of the Garry Oak Ecosystem Restoration Project at the park,” said Regional Parks General Manager Lloyd Rushton in 2009. “This project brings passionate community members together with Regional Parks staff under the common goal of preserving this important site. Mill Hill is a treasure worth protecting.”

The long term project is funded by the Government of Canada Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk and CRD Regional Parks. Before the project started, seven rare plant species were known to occur at 32 sites in the park. Today, 13 rare species have been found at about 200 sites! Approximately 46 metric tonnes of invasive species have been removed from the park since 2002.

For more information, click here.
To volunteer call 250-478-3344 or email.

For the CRD nature programs schedule, click here.
For more about Mill Hill Regional Park, click here.