The Vanier Forest Garry Oak Restoration and Stewardship Pilot Project is an initiative started by the Society in 2019 to protect and promote a rare example of a wetland Garry oak ecosystem that is endangered in Courtenay’s Vanier Nature Park.
Restoration and conservation
CVN has proposed a plan to protect the Garry oaks within the City of Courtenay’s Vanier Nature Park that are at risk of dying due to overtopping conifer trees. These conifers shade the oaks, reducing the oaks’ vigour and reproduction, resulting in their eventual death.
The project involves:
- Subordinating a total of 21 conifers to the south and west of the oak grove to prevent further shading. These conifers would be topped and trimmed and left to die and become wildlife trees.
- Eliminating a number of invasive species which are preventing the establishment of oak seedlings, including sweet cherries, English holly, ivy, daphne and blackberry.
- Creating a local stewardship group dedicated to the oaks’ continued survival.
Key project documents
Vanier Nature Park Garry Oak Tree Survey (CVN, 2022)
Vanier Nature Park Invasive Species Survey and Garry Oak Mapping Report (CVN, 2023)
Vanier Woods Garry Oak Grove (CVN brochure, 2023)
For more information
