Victoria West: 521 Craigflower Road
Ivy control is the major restoration initiative at this park.
Contact Gary Schaan, Banfield Anti-Ivy League | schaan@islandnet.comBordered by Cook Street, Dallas Road, and Douglas Street
Projects at this park include broom and gorse removal, seed collection and plant propagation, species at risk inventory and mapping.
Contact Environmental Technician, City of Victoria ParksView A Guide to Parks in Victoria (map)
The City of Victoria is undertaking daphne removal in all major parks except Beacon Hill.
Contact Environmental Technician, City of Victoria Parks1843 Crescent Road, Victoria
A residential seaside native plant garden, featured in the April 2007 issue of House and Home magazine. Plants in the seaside garden include: Saskatoon berry, Indian plum, Oregon grape, Garry oaks, western crabapple, red-osier dogwood, woolly sunflower, coastal strawberry, snowbush, oceanspray, mock-orange, kinnickkinnick, snowberry, sedum, western hawthorn, hairy manzanita, common juniper, native grasses and bulbs. There is also a small Garry oak restoration area to the east of the Boyle property, beside the walkway to Gonzales Beach. The restoration area is accessible from the sidewalk along Crescent Road. The City of Victoria has kindly given permission for work to continue on this site.
Contact Neil Boyle| 250-370-1812This small park offers stunning ocean views from the highest point of land (66m) on the south coast of Vancouver Island, and rocky knolls from which to appreciate them. The sunset views over downtown Victoria and the distant Sooke Hills are particularly spectacular. Come for a visit in the spring, when wildflowers bloom in the Garry oak meadows.
Contact CRD Parks | 250-478-3344Greenways at Oaklands is an initiative (184KB PDF) to create a greenway loop in the Oaklands neighbourhood of Victoria. It features two restoration locations:
Belmont Avenue (across from Oaklands Elementary School), Victoria
Oaklands Green is a park teeming with native plants that was created out of a field of grass (view photos). This is a community project aimed at educating the public about the value of naturescaping and Garry oak ecosystems. Partners include City of Victoria Parks, the Oaklands Community Association, the Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society and Naturescape BC.
Contact Oaklands Community Centre | 250-370-9101Ryan Street, Oaklands neighbourhood of Victoria
The Ryan Greenway is a project to enhance an undeveloped road allowance (which includes an impressive row of large mature Garry oak trees) and Ryan Hill Park (a newly created City of Victoria park which includes some Garry oak habitat). Volunteers are needed for invasive species removal and native plantings.
Contact Ludo Bertsch | 250-592-0487 | webgoert@blockcommunities.comCorner of Kings Road and Roseberry Avenue
This site is a residential native plant garden in the Oaklands neighbourhood of Victoria. Garry oak habitat was restored over a period of four years by volunteers meeting once a week.
Contact info@goert.ca for more information or see our photo essay about this garden.Protection and restoration of a small patch of Garry oak habitat is an ongoing project of the Maddison Lane Stewardship Group and the neighbourhood.
Contact Sylvia von Schuckmann | 250-370-1542 | sylviavs@shaw.ca310 Master Road
Projects at this park include broom removal by local citizens.
Contact Environmental Technician,City of Victoria ParksBeacon Hill Park
Contact Cornelia Lange, Beacon Hill Park Volunteer Coordinator
Between Summit and Finlayson at Blackwood
This site features a striking spring display of camas and buttercup under Garry oaks. Restoration includes some management for native plants, daphne removal and ongoing research.
Contact Environmental Technician, City of Victoria Parks1401 Rockland Avenue, Victoria
The Woodlands volunteers of the Friends of Government House Gardens Society work in the natural Garry oak area of the Government House grounds (below the house), managing, restoring and conserving this rare habitat. Public tours of the area are given to teach about these ecosystems, their value, and our human role in their conservation. There is also a self-guided trail.
Contact GOERT for more information| 250-383-3427 | info@goert.ca
Pedestrian pathways which are part of the green space
that breaks up Brighton Avenue, east of Foul Bay Road
The three pathways are part of Oak Bay’s Centennial Trial, declared by the municipality during its centennial year. Volunteers have been restoring these remnant patches of Garry oak habitat to a more natural aesthetic since early 2006. They have removed invasive Himalayan blackberry and English ivy and have planted native plants associated with Garry oak ecosystems. Volunteers meet Sunday mornings (weather permitting), 9:30 am – 11:30 am. Partners include the Native Plant Study Group, the Municipality of Oak Bay Parks Department, the Friends of Brighton Avenue Walkway, the Canadian Wildlife Federation.
Contact Carol Davies | 250-475-4412 | ecdavies@uvic.caBeach Drive (across from Oak Bay Beach Hotel)
The original native plant garden was donated to the Oak Bay municipality in the 1930s. More recently, restoration efforts to reclaim the garden began in 2001. As well as a restored Garry oak meadow, the garden includes more than 120 plant species from all areas of lower Vancouver Island — many of which were salvaged from development lands. Volunteers meet Friday mornings (weather permitting). Partners include the Native Plant Study Group, the Municipality of Oak Bay Parks Department, the Friends of Oak Bay Native Plant Garden, the Canadian Wildlife Federation.
Contact Parks and Recreation, Oak Bay | 250-592-7275Uplands Park, bordered by Beach Drive, Dorset Road, and Midland Road
Friends of Uplands Park holds regular work parties and community events. In addition to the annual October "Broom Bash" where participants remove invasive plants such as Scotch broom, English ivy, daphne, and Himalayan blackberry; there are guided walks, Tree Day celebrations, and Earth Day celebrations.
Contact Margaret Lidkea or Kathleen MatthewsUplands Park, bordered by Beach Drive, Dorset Road, and Midland Road
The project focuses on conservation of ecosystems and rare species within this 31 hectare park. Following the 2003 report on 20 plant species at risk and threats to their survival, plans are being developed to manage habitat over the next 10 years. For more information, see the Invasive Species Management Plan (2005). Partners include the Municipality of Oak Bay, the UVic Restoration of Natural Systems Program, the Habitat Stewardship Program of Canada, and the Guides and Scouts of Canada.
Contact Chris Hyde-Lay, Parks and Recreation, Oak BayGORP is a public ecological restoration program designed to educate local residents about the value and sensitivity of Garry oak ecosystems. There are nine unique restoration sites on municipal parklands. Many different volunteer opportunities are available including individual and group volunteers, as well as some school group participation. Project sponsors include:
McKenzie Road at Cedar Hill X Road near Camas Court
The rocky knoll between the Pat Bay Highway and Chatterton Way
across from the north end of Rithet’s Bog
On the west side of Mt. Douglas Park off the Mercer Trail
on the south-facing slope called “Little Mount Doug”
Off the Royal Oak section of the Centennial Trail
next to Brydon Park, behind the Royal Oak Shopping Centre
In Mt. Douglas Park on the south-facing slope
near the lookout at the summit
In Mt. Tolmie Park off Cedar Hill X Road, on the north-facing slope
on opposite sides of Mayfair Drive (which runs through the park)
Off Quadra Street between Rock, Kathleen, Judge and Cumberland Roads
A small triangular park located between
Cedar Hill, McRea and Wetherby Roads
Bear Hill covers nearly 49 hectares of rocky landscape atop a hill with an elevation of 220 m. Features of this park include abundant wildflowers in the spring and a mixed woodland of western red cedar, Douglas fir, Garry oak and arbutus.
Contact CRD Parks | 250-478-3344Beckwith Avenue, North Quadra Area
This is a District of Saanich Park. Trails weave through a Garry oak forested area. Friends of Beckwith Park meet bi-weekly to remove invasive plants.
To volunteer contact Saanich Parks | 250-475-5522 | parks@saanich.ca http://www.saanich.ca/webapp/parks/displaypark.jsp?mapNo=11Three sites on the Lansdowne Campus
This site features restoration of three different types of Garry oak ecosystems on the Lansdowne Campus with help from students and volunteers. It is hoped that this project will provide a learning opportunity for students, staff and others associated with the college.
Contact Ian Tol | 250-370-3042 | tol@camosun.bc.caFollows Colquitz River close to intersection of Wilkinson Road and Roy Road.
This is a District of Saanich Park.
www.saanich.ca/webapp/parks/displaypark.jsp?mapNo=32A network run through the University of Victoria's Restoration of Natural Systems program
The Ecological Restoration Volunteer Network connects local restoration projects and environmental groups with those interested in volunteering or learning more about the restoration work going on in their community.
We invite all organizations or projects undergoing restoration work in need of volunteers to send their information, including contact information and details concerning any upcoming restoration events, to nature@uvic.ca to be included in the weekly newsletter and circulated among the volunteer network email list.
If you are interested in being added to the volunteer network email list, learning more about restoration initiatives going on in and around Victoria, or would like to suggest or collaborate on a restoration project, please email us.
Lexi Fisher | nature@uvic.caFalaise Cresent off Royal Oak Drive
This is a Saanich neighbourhood park containing a remnant Garry oak woodland. A playground sits at the top in a former meadow. In autumn 2010 the playground will be moved and the meadow replanted over time with a diversity of native species. Volunteers wanted.
To volunteer contact Saanich Parks | 250-475-5522 | parks@saanich.ca www.saanich.ca/webapp/parks/displaypark.jsp?mapNo=47These parks are linked together with access from Feltham Road or McKenzie Avenue
These sites are neighbourhood projects to remove invasive plants such as English ivy, holly, daphne laureola, Himalayan blackberry, Scotch broom, and all “garden escapees”. Partners include the Gordon Head Residents’ Association, the Friends of Mt. Douglas Park Society and Saanich Parks.
To volunteer, contact Judy Spearing | 250-472-0515The park features 11 kilometres of gentle woodland trails, Garry oak meadows, a nature centre and meeting room, trail connections to Thetis Lake Regional Park, and the Elsie King Trail, a cedar boardwalk with wheelchair access.
Contact CRD Parks | 250-478-3344University of Victoria campus near Henderson entrance
The GOMER project at the UVic campus is on the berm between Cedar Hill Cross Road and Finnerty Gardens. Students have propagated and planted thousands of native plants and will continue to weed and monitor the site.
Contact Dr. Val Schaefer, UVIC Restoration of Natural Systems ProgramSpectacular coastal bluff location containing several rare species. Past restoration efforts have focused on invasive species removal. Volunteers wanted.
To volunteer contact Saanich Parks | 250-475-5522 | parks@saanich.caBurnside Road West
Knockan Hill Park straddles the Saanich and View Royal border and marks the transition between the suburbs and some of the region's residual farmland. There are several Garry oak meadows surrounding the rock outcrops at the top of the hill, while the lower reaches of the park are forested. The Friends of Knockan Hill Park and Saanich Parks organize broom bashes and are also attempting to halt the spread of ivy, holly, daphne and other invasive species in the park. Connected to the park is Stranton Lodge, a heritage cottage whose gardens are being restored in cooperation with the Friends.
Contact David Trudel | 250-479-2778 | david-trudel@shaw.caThis is a District of Saanich Park located in Ten Mile Point protecting Garry oak rock outcrops, Douglas-fir forest and woodland, and a wetland. There are several trails and boardwalks. An active volunteer group is focusing on invasive plant removal.
To volunteer contact Harry Drage | hdrage@shaw.caMount Tolmie Park
The primary focus for this Garry oak ecosystem restoration project has been to remove Scotch broom seedlings, daphne, ivy and Himalayan blackberry. Restoration work has continued for 13 consecutive years.
Contact Dave Lock | 250-595-2730 | dlock@shaw.caHerzberg Institute of Astrophysics, 5071 West Saanich Road
The National Research Council Canada and Natural Resources Canada are working together to protect species-at-risk on Observatory Hill. A program of ecological restoration has been initiated to improve the health of the Garry oak ecosystem and address threats to many endangered species that depend on this ecosystem for survival. Some of the ecological restoration and enhancement activities that form part of the ongoing management of Observatory Hill include removal of Scotch broom, actions to reduce grazing of rare plants by rabbits and deer, and signage to enhance visitors’ appreciation for the site. Partners include the National Research Council Canada, Natural Resources Canada and the Interdepartmental Recovery Fund.
Contact Art Robinson | 250-363-0729 | arobinson@nrcan.gc.caNative plant gardening and habitat restoration
4564 West Saanich Road
Saanich Community Church, 4566 West Saanich Road
The goal of this small restoration project and native plant garden is to reintroduce species that may have grown on the site before it was developed. The garden is being developed under the mature oak and fir trees at the front of the property, adjacent to West Saanich Road. A description of the project and a list of plants are on the website.
Contact Burl Jantzen | 250-475-0406 | info@saanichcommunity.caAccess from Holland Road, or at end of Roy Road in Saanich
Created by Strawberry Vale Elementary, this park has a beautiful Garry oak knoll with excellent views and a spring display of wildflowers.
Intersection of Mariposa Ave and Santa Anita Ave
This site features restoration of a Garry oak green space located on a Municipality of Saanich Road right-of-way, including removal of English ivy, adding leaf mulch ground cover, and restoring wildflowers. A Garry oak parkland has also been created on the school grounds with the help of Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT). Invasive English ivy and broom is also removed from neighbouring Rosedale Park.
Contact Lenny Ross | 250-479-40143873 Swan Lake Road, Victoria
There are restoration opportunities every Thursday and Saturday at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, including removal of broom, blackberry, ivy and daphne on Christmas Hill. A comprehensive habitat management plan is in progress. There is a Garry oak native plant garden surrounding the nature house. For more information, or to be added to the volunteer list, please send an email.
Contact the Restoration AssistantAccess from Rockheights Avenue or Matheson Avenue
Camas planting (using seeds and bulbs cultivated by Esquimalt Parks) took place near the summit in spring 2006 with assistance from Scouts.
Contact Parks Manager Andy KatschorEast side of park
With funding from the Federal Species at Risk program, broom removal work parties have occurred, California lupin is being removed on an ongoing basis, a snake fence was installed to protect the species at risk, and an interpretive sign was placed at the restoration site in 2006.
Contact Parks Manager Andy KatschorWaterfront conservation area along the WestSong Walkway in Esquimalt
Owned and managed by Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT), this waterfront conservation area along the WestSong Walkway in Esquimalt features Victoria Harbour’s last remaining Garry oak ecosystems. The MCA is a demonstration site for urban habitat conservation and community education. The management plan includes a restoration strategy fueled by community groups and neighbours. Meadows, rock balds, and vernal seeps are fringed by arbutus woods and wet ravine forest. Camas and other native plants grow beneath the floating walkway that leads up to a unique view of the city and Inner Harbour. At the top, a drought-proofed naturescape garden planted by volunteers still contains remnants of the European meadow gardens dating from the colonial period. Habitat restoration volunteers are welcome — please contact us! Partners include Mandalay Developments, the Township of Esquimalt, Friends of Matson Lands, and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. See GOERT's story about Matson Conservation Area.
Contact Todd Carnahan, property manager | 250-995-2428 | hatmail@hat.bc.caThe Park is at the South end of Fraser Street
The restoration focus at this site includes removal of some broom and holly.
Contact Parks Manager Andy KatschorAt the end of Six Mile Road off Island Highway
Restoration at this site is carried out by the Thetis Park Nature Sanctuary Association.
Contact Mike Meagher | 250-727-7675 | info@goert.ca (attn: M. Meagher)Mill Hill Regional Park
This site features restoration of Garry oak ecosystems and associated plant species at risk through removal of invasive species such as Scotch broom and daphne, improving trails and signage to encourage park visitors to remain on designated trails, and monitoring of rare plants and the vegetation community to track ecosystem responses to management treatments. See GOERT's story about this project.
For more information about the project, contact Marilyn Fuchs, CRD Parks 250-360-3365 | mfuchs@crd.bc.ca To inquire about volunteering, contact Volunteer Coordinator, CRD Parks 250-478-3344 | parksvolunteer@crd.bc.caFort Rodd Hill National Historic Site of Canada, Colwood, B.C.
Parks Canada is working to restore Garry oak ecosystems at Fort Rodd Hill. Introduced invasive plants such as Scotch broom, daphne, and ivy are being removed to improve general ecosystem health and give rare and “at risk” plants a chance to recover. This is a good area to teach about Garry oak ecosystems as a number of Garry oak patches are visible from public areas and designated trails. The site is home to seven plant species at risk.
Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year. Phone or email to help restore Garry oak ecosystems at one of Parks Canada's most beautiful sites.
Contact Susan MacIsaac | susan.macisaac@pc.gc.ca | 250-478-5122Royal Roads University (adjacent to Colwood Elementary School)
The staff and students of Colwood Elementary School are working to restore a remnant Garry oak ecosystem on the grounds of Royal Roads University which has been severely disturbed and overgrown with invasive species such as Scotch broom, daphne, and Himalayan blackberry. Students are learning first-hand about native and non-native species, and endangered ecosystems. Partners include Royal Roads University and the Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team.
Contact Murray Goode | 250-478-2332Devonian Regional Park, Metchosin
Projects at this site include restoration of Garry oak rocky moss covered bluffs. Future stream restoration is planned at Sherwood Creek. Partners include CRD Parks, local residents, Victoria Men’s Group and Boy Scouts.
Contact Volunteer Coordinator, CRD Parks | 250-478-3344Contact your neighbourhood association, local land trust, or naturalist group for additional projects near you.
Add your project to this list! This is a growing list of Garry oak ecosystems sites undergoing ecological restoration. Suggest an addition or correction.