I received a Saanich Parks newsletter and on page 3 is an article in which the Nature Conservancy of Canada is announcing the Garry Oak Meadow Marathon. Throughout February and March parks and conservation groups across southern Vancouver Island are hosting volunteer events to help RESTORE our Garry oak meadows. This multi-partner marathon aims to raise awareness and support restoration efforts of the unique and sensitive Garry oak habitats of southern Vancouver Island. Groups involved in this years Marathon are: Parks Canada, Habitat Acquisition Trust, Friends of Uplands Park, Salt Spring Island Conservancy, Saanich Parks, Saanich Native Plants, Halliburton Farm, Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, Greater Victoria Green Teams and CRD Regional Parks.
So here we are on one hand trying to restore Garry oak habitat and yet CRD is going to (if they haven’t already!) cut down 97 Garry oak trees in order to build the E & N Rail Trail extension. What are we doing? Can we not somehow find a way to do things with out destroying what we are trying to conserve? Cutting down 97 Garry oak trees is outrageous!