Tucked within Vanier Nature Park is a small but remarkable grove of Garry oak trees, growing at the northern edge of their natural range. These trees are remnants of a culturally modified ecosystem that once covered an estimated 160 square kilometres of the Comox Valley.

Join Karen Cummins and Eloise Holland of Comox Valley Nature, project coordinators for the restoration of this special site, for a walk exploring the history and evolution of the Garry oak ecosystem and the work underway to help it thrive. Along the way, discover how invasive plants are being removed to restore light around the oaks, and learn about new approaches being used to improve soil health and encourage greater native plant diversity.

This is a chance to see ecological restoration in action and learn about the ongoing efforts to protect one of the Comox Valley’s unique and increasingly rare ecosystems.

The Vanier Nature Park project is co-managed by Comox Valley Nature and the City of Courtenay, with funding from BC Nature, the City of Courtenay, and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.

Meeting Location:

Comox Valley Sports Centre parking lot, by the Vanier Turf Field. (map)

Important Information:

• Dress for the weather and bring water
• Dog is not permitted
• Requires sturdy footwear
• The 1.5 km walk travels over level ground with some gentle to moderate uphill walking on a forest trail that has some uneven footing. 

If your plans change, please remember to cancel your registration to open up a spot for others, as this event often fills up quickly. To change or cancel your registration, click here.

For questions about walk details, please email Françoise, our field program coordinator.