Part of the Echo Heights Forest have been classified as Garry Oak Meadow. This is the rarest ecosystem in BC. The Garry Oak Meadow at Echo Heights are some of the most accessible areas of the Forest. In the development planned by North Cowichan, the meadows are surrounded by residential housing. To remain healthy, the need to be surrounded by forest. Why are Garry oak ecosystems at risk? Garry oak ecosystems are restricted primarily to the southeast coast of Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands. These ecosystems occupy only a small portion of the Coastal Douglas-fir zone, which itself comprises only 0.3 percent of the land area of the province. During the past 150 years, agricultural and urban development has consumed substantial areas of natural landscape. Park land and meadows once common are now in extreme peril. What is their present status? What is their present status? They are going fast. Very little of the original Garry oak landscape remains in an unaltered state. They have declined dramatically over the past two decades, and much of what remains has been strongly modified. There is growing public and scientific concern about preservation of the Garry oak ecosystems. Garry oak meadows are one of the most endangered plant communities in British Columbia. In British Columbia, the Garry oak landscape includes a mosaic of woodlands, meadows, grasslands, scattered Douglas-fir stands, and open rocky areas. The term meadows describes the open areas, particularly appropriate in spring and summer when they are lush with bright wildflowers: blue camas, white Easter lily, and yellow western buttercup. The open oak woodlands are home to a diverse bird community, both in summer and winter. Mammals from deer to mice are abundant. Lewis' Woodpecker, once a resident of the open, dry woodlands of southern Vancouver Island, disappeared earlier in the century. Concern is growing for the conservation of a number of other birds for which the ecosystems provide habitat, such as Cooper's Hawk, Western Bluebird, and Band-tailed Pigeon. Nest-holes, acorns, and open country habitat are among the attractions that the oak woodlands provide. What can we do? What can we do? We have the opportunity to think globally, and act locally. Garry oak grows literally in our own backyards. The Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society is sponsoring the collecting and growing of acorns. This program results in real conservation gains by reducing water use, pesticide use and storm sewer discharge. Concerned citizens can also join work bees to remove the introduced Scotch broom, which threatens the Garry oak meadows in many locations. The Boy Scouts having been pulling out broom on Department of National Defence Lands. 5,000 residents working to halt the spread of Scotch broom can make a difference. Adapted from: Garry Oak Ecosystems by Wayne Erickson, 1993 |
Garry Oak ecosystem |