Speaker Series: Garry Oak Trees and Ecosystems – Rockland Neighbourhood Association

with Ryan Senechal, President of the Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society

Many thanks to Ryan Senechal, President of the Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society, and everyone who attended this speaker series presentation. The event was recorded and is posted below (PPT slides are coming soon). We have also posted instructions on how to best collect Garry oak acorns and deliver to the GOMPS nursery to help with the preservation of the Garry oak tree.

Tuesday, March 14th, 2023: Video of presentation

Presentation Slides (.pdf)

Presentation Slides click to open

Garry Oak Acorn Collection for fall 2023

Here are helpful guidelines that include tips on collection, sorting and testing as well as labeling and storage. After collecting acorns, please take the time to float test them – toss out the floaters! Those which sink can be delivered to a central location in Saanich where you will find drop off containers marked with our GOMPS name.

Please limit the volume of acorns/nuts to a total of 1 litre per person per region. Imagine a milk carton full of clean, float tested acorns/nuts! We want diversity – not quantity. Our nursery project aims to protect the genetics of Garry oak (Quercus garryana) trees in all areas of the CRD.

Acorns with caps are not ripe and should not be collected.

If you have questions or comments for us please email grow.oaks@gmail.com and someone will connect with you using either email or telephone.
Please note: We are only calling for acorns/nuts – if you have seedlings to donate please read our GOMPS Seedling Donation Policy.

Drop-off locations for 2023

1545 Eric Road

Follow Mt. Douglas Cross Road to Livingstone Avenue, turn left on Beam Crescent and then right on Eric Road.
Leave acorns at front corner of left side of garage.

Garry oak seedling found sprouting March 2014

Are all the oaks I see in BC Garry oaks (Quercus garryana)?

In short, no – but knowing what to look for can help to keep the task of acorn/nut collecting simple. Please click through to the Garry Oak Meadow Preservation website for more information.

Speaker Series Event

The Rockland Neighbourhood Association invites you to join us for a presentation on the native Garry oak (Quercus garryana) woodlands and meadows and the preservation, protection and restoration of a key part of Victoria’s natural ecosystem.

Tuesday, March 14th, 2023
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Grace Lutheran Church