Wild for Wetlands

The Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve is the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s flagship property in the Cowichan Valley, located just 7.5 km northeast of Duncan. This 23 hectare (57 ac.) preserve is one the last, best examples of deep soil Garry oak ecosystem left in Canada. The meadow and woodland portion of the preserve features centuries-old Garry oak trees towering over grassy meadows full of native wildflowers, including the endangered upland yellow violet. Dozens of rare and at-risk species thrive here, including many types of bees and butterflies, delicate flowers and small woodland animals.

Volunteers will fix and replace wire tree guards to protect seedlings from deer and encroaching weeds. We'll also net insects in the water, and take inventory of what lives here after just a few years of open water onsite.

Experience this amazing landscape, normally closed to the public to protect sensitive ecosystems. Volunteers will tour the site and learn about the restoration efforts NCC has taken to bring this habitat to life.

Contact Todd Carnahan: bc@conservationvolunteers.ca