2025 Garry Oak Ecosystems Gathering
Schedule
Sat, 01 Nov, 2025 at 09:00 am
UTC-07:00Location
University of Victoria | Victoria, BC
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Garry Oak ecosystems are cultural spaces that evolved under the care of local Indigenous Peoples. They are recognized places of Indigenous spirituality, knowledge, history and sustenance. They are also home to the highest biodiversity of any terrestrial ecosystem in British Columbia and to the most species at risk. In Canada, they are confined to southeastern Vancouver Island, the nearby Gulf Islands and two isolated spots in the Fraser River Valley. Across their full range stretching into California, they are globally imperilled.The annual Garry Oak Ecosystems Gathering aims to bring together researchers, practitioners, governments, community members and students who are actively involved or interested in restoring oak and associated ecosystems. This year's event continues the important work towards building relationships between our historical membership and the First Nations on whose traditional territories we conduct our work.
Our desire is to help nurture an ethical space in which our community can come together and be united in doing our work in a good way. The day will weave together important teachings from presenters with time for questions, discussion and refection.
We are excited for Elder SELILIYE (Belinda Claxton) and Dr. Nancy Turner to deliver the keynote address: Looking after the Meadows, working together.
Other distinguished presenters include:
-Sulatiye’ (Maiya Modest) - P’hwulhp Restoration Project
-Nava Sachs and Alyssa Zandvliet - UBC Indigenous Ecology Lab
-Marlow Pellatt - Parks Canada
-Emily Clark, Sofie McComb & Madeline Woodley - UBC Conservation Decisions Lab
The program will include breaks throughout the day with ample time to enjoy refreshments and connect with other participants.
The price of admission includes a delicious premium boxed lunch catered by Songhees Events and Catering. Participants will be able to chose their preferred lunch protein, and notify us of any dietary restrictions at check-out.
Registration begins at 8:00 am and the gathering will begin at 9:00 am. Coffee will be available.
As part of the event, field trips and skill building workshops (indoors) are being offered the following day (Sunday, November 2). This day offers on-the-ground opportunities to learn from local restoration practitioners and naturalists while continuing to connect as a community. Due to limited space, participants must sign up for field trips on a first-come, first-served basis. To sign up, please visit the field trips page.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2025-garry-oak-ecosystems-gathering-field-trips-tickets-1661685458939?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Participation in the gathering and field trips is being offered to Indigenous persons free of charge. To access this option, please select the Indigenous (free) option when registering.
Online participation is also being offered at a discount to those who are not able to attend the event in person. To access this option, please select the Online option when registering.
* No one will be turned away, please contact us ([email protected]) if the cost is a barrier.
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Where is it happening?
University of Victoria, Victoria, CanadaEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
