Chase Woods – the Mossy Winter Wonderland
Event Details
December 12th, 2016, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Chase Woods (Duncan), British Columbia
Habitat Restoration
Join us for a hike up to the magnificent Mt. Tzouhalem, while we learn about plant ID, wintering wildlife, and our on-going native tree and shrub restoration project on the Chase Woods Nature Preserve.
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More Information
A living example of old-growth, coastal Douglas-fir forests, Chase Woods is located on Mt. Tzouhalem of southeastern Vancouver Island. Made up of spectacular cliffs and sensitive wetlands, the 41 hectare (101 ac.) preserve is home to several rare species, including peregrine falcons, sharp-tailed snakes and Oregon white oak plant communities.
NCC acquired Chase Woods with the assistance of the Government of Canada’s Natural Areas Conservation Program (NACP), a unique public-private partnership to accelerate the pace of land conservation across southern Canada.
What you will be doing
The group will start on a short hike up Mt Zhouhalem in search of moss pillows, winter animal signs, tracks and other evidence of our wild neighbours. Identifying plants in the winter is a great way to compare their less obvious characteristics. On the way down, the group will stop at the restoration site we've been working on, to check up on things and lay down some mulch. There is a small patch of blackberry that we can tackle too!
Why you will love itThe views of Cowichan Bay from the very special Mt Zhouhalem are reason enough to love it, but throw in some plant ID, animal tracking, and habitat restoration, and you have a perfectly fun outdoor morning activity!
Questions?Contact Melanie Kuzyk: bc@conservationvolunteers.ca
Where to meet: Chase Woods Nature Preserve, Duncan.
Directions: Turn onto Khenipsen Rd. off Tzouhalem Rd, then turn left onto the first lane. The road will cross the the flats and go up the steep hill to parking lot at the end of the lane. We will meet there, in the parking lot.
While we do our best to provide you with the tools you need to participate, please bring the following items if you have them:
- Dress in layers, including raingear (if necessary). Please bring gardening gloves, if you have them.
- Reusable water bottle