The Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society (GOMPS) was formed in 1992. Local citizens were concerned that native Garry oak woodlands and meadows were rapidly disappearing in the Capital Regional District. Development and human actions have caused and continue to be the leading cause of destruction of Garry oak ecosystems. With less than 5% left of the habitat that was here 200 years ago, Garry oak and associated ecosystems are among the most endangered in Canada.
GOMPS is a registered non-profit society with CRA charitable status. It is 100% operated by volunteers, having no paid staff or any official office space. The Society is dedicated to the preservation, protection and restoration of Garry oak stands and their natural habitats.
For the past 27 years GOMPS has been on the forefront of responding to citizens inquiries and concerns about Garry oak trees and their habitats. Its lobbying and educational efforts have produced tree-protection By-Laws in most local municipalities. Also, it played a significant role in founding the Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team. GOERT has made a major impact on educating politicians, business people and citizens about the many special features of the ecosystems by assembling information and supporting research on the species at risk.
For the past four years GOMPS has been operating a nursery in which they produce Garry oak trees of local genetic stock for large public landowners (ie municipalities), organizations and restoration projects for a small donation based on the tree’s size. Each spring volunteers sow acorns collected by volunteers during the previous autumn. In 2018 over 2000 acorns were planted! More are in store, growing to a suitable size.
For more information about GOMPS check out its website at www.garryoak.info. Memberships are available for $15 a year and they are always looking for volunteers in the nursery.