Many thanks to Karen and Eloise for their excellent talk on the restoration of the Garry oak grove at Vanier Nature Park. Much work has been done in the past few years to remove invasive species and improve the surrounding environment to allow this important species and its ecosystem to thrive.
If you are looking for a climate resilient tree, consider planting a Garry oak. They are available at Streamside Native Plants nursery and have also been seen at Outback Nursery. Beware imposters. To identify, here is some help CVHS member Frank H:
Stem on leaf, Oh! what a relief.
Stem on acorn, Oh! I’m so forlorn.
In other words, the Garry oak will have a stem (or petiole) on its leaf (English oak will not). The acorn of a Garry oak will not have a stem (or stalk) and is almost clasping tree stem.
Below, as promised, are some excellent resources provided by Karen and Eloise
Resources for “Stewarding a Living Legacy; the Restoration of the Vanier Garry Oak Grove”
The Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team (GOERT) has a pdf of their Garry Oak Gardener’s Handbook available on their website. They also have links to key publications on invasive species management and a pdf on native plant seed collecting times
Satinflower Nursery sells seeds and plants, and has information on their website about choosing and growing native trees, shrubs and grasses.
MARS Wildlife Rescue centre has a detailed resource page which reference books, websites, seed and plant sources and research links. All of these will help you in creating healthy habitats with Native Plants.
The MARS tool lending library has a complete range of tools for invasive plant removal.
Streamside Native Plants is an excellent source of healthy native plants. Their site also includes a plant selection guide
For more information on Comox Valley Naturalists Society’s projects and interest groups, visit our webpage at comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca
You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram at comoxvalleynature.