A History of Degradation and Loss
During the last 150 years, agricultural and urban development have overtaken
most Garry Oak ecosystems. Construction has damaged roots, causing
tree fatalities. Fire suppression has opened Garry oak regions to
invading species. Overgrazing by domestic and feral livestock has
impaired Garry oak regeneration and enabled non-native plant species such
as Scotch broom and orchard grass to take over. As a consequence,
unaltered Garry oak meadow is difficult to find in British Columbia today.
Much of what remains has been strongly modified or corrupted by invasive
species.
Estimates are that only 1-5% of original Garry oak ecosystems are left
in British Columbia. A conservative estimate is that only 0.5% of
original habitat is currently protected. And as oak meadows disappear,
we lose essential habitat for plants, birds, invertebrates, and other creatures
that enhance our lives and world.
Against this backdrop, the Nature Conservancy of Canada is committed
to finding and preserving the best remaining Garry oak habitats in BC before
it is too late.
The Best of the Last
Prior to its' protection, the BC Conservation Data Centre expertly described
the 30-acre family estate of Cowichan pioneer Gerald Erlam Elkington, located
at Maple Bay, as being the number one unprotected Garry oak site in the
province. Nowhere is there a finer remaining example of an intact Garry
oak ecosystem. Its the best of the last.
Rarest of the Rare
Of all the ecosystems in British Columbia, Garry oak (Quercus garryana)
is among the most rare and endangered. A mosaic of woodlands, meadows,
grasslands, and open rocky areas, biologically rich Garry oak ecosystems
are the most threatened component of BC’s precious Coastal Douglas fir
region. Garry oak habitats now occupy much less than 1% of the land
base of BC, yet are still under relentless siege from urban development
and agriculture.
Garry oak landscapes reflect the climate and topography of south-eastern
Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands where the moderating ocean and mountain
rain shadows produce near Mediterranean conditions. Here we find
blue Camas, white Easter lily, shooting star, Hooker’s onion and chocolate
lily. Rare species include Howell’s triteleia, yellow montane violet,
deltoid balsamroot, and dozens of others.
Sadly, Garry oak ecosystems are in steady decline largely as a consequence
of their attractiveness for human habitation. They are red-listed
by the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, indicating they are considered
endangered and greatly at risk of extirpation from BC.
Working to Save Garry Oak Habitat
To forestall the inevitable loss of a remarkable natural habitat The
Nature Conservancy of Canada concluded a purchase agreement with the Elkington
family, and worked with the Cowichan Community Land Trust Society, the
Cowichan Valley Naturalists’ Society and community residents, to raise
the funds needed to complete the purchase by June 1999. The community was
very supportive and all came through - the Elkington property was purchased
and is now protected.
You are invited to join the Cowichan Community Land Trust Society, The
Nature Conservancy of Canada, and our community partners in our effort
to protect and manage the Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve. Your financial
support is continually needed to help maintain this special area.
Contact:
