The Comox Valley is fast seeing its Garry oak heritage disappear.
Victoria has taken steps to reverse this trend by developing programs to restore native Garry oak ecosystems. In order to foster this initiative, Comox Valley Nature is pleased to host James and Kirsten Miskelly, who are offering restoration courses through Royal Roads University in May.
Together, Kristen and James operate Saanich Native Plants, a native plant nursery and consulting business that they hope will assist others in conserving and enhancing natural habitat on Vancouver Island.
Garry oak ecosystems are found in B.C. from the Courtenay area all the way to Oregon鈥檚 Willamette Valley. They were once a prominent feature of the Comox Valley.
These ecosystems include woodlands, savannah, open prairie, and rocky hillsides. They are among the most endangered habitats in B.C., Washington, and Oregon and support a distinctive suite of plants and animals.
What makes Garry oak ecosystems so special and threatened? What can we learn from successful restoration projects locally and afar?
The Miskellys have travelled throughout the range of Garry oak ecosystems. Join them for an overview of these stunning meadowlands and learn what makes the habitats of the Comox Valley unique and distinctive and what we can do to help them.
Kristen Miskelly is a biologist who specializes in the restoration and botany of southeastern Vancouver Island ecosystems. Kristen also helps co-ordinate the Haliburton Biodiversity project, a volunteer-run wetland and meadow restoration project at Haliburton Farm and teaches courses in botany, ecological restoration, and naturescaping.
James Miskelly is a conservation biologist with expertise in plants, insects, and Garry Oak ecosystems. He works in various capacities in stewardship and restoration and is a research associate in entomology at the Royal BC Museum.
The lecture is on Sunday, April 16 at 7 p.m. in the Rotary Room of the Filberg Seniors Centre 411 Anderton, Courtenay.
Comox Valley Nature is a non-profit society affiliated to BC Nature consisting only of unpaid volunteers. CVN fulfills its educational mandate by hosting monthly lectures, organizing free weekly guided hikes for members, and a free monthly walk open to the public.
Comox Valley Nature also supports specialized groups ( Birding, Botany, Garry Oak Restoration, Wetland Restoration, Photography and Young Naturalists Club) which have separate monthly activities. Membership in BC Nature and Comox Valley Nature is $30 per adult and $40 for a family.
Founded in 1966, it is one of the oldest environmental societies on the North Island. Meetings and lectures of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society are held on the third Sunday of most months at the Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton, Courtenay. Meetings and guided walks are open to the public, including children and youth. Lecture is free, though a $4 contribution from non-members is appreciated. New memberships are always welcomed.
Anyone interested in this lecture or participating in CVNS activities can also contact us at comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca/ or Loys Maingon (CVN Past President) at 250-331-0143.
