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BIODIVERSITY BEGINS AT HOME – Wylie ThomasBiodiversity loss is accelerating worldwide — but meaningful action begins in our own backyards.
By planting native species from our local Garry Oak ecosystems, we can support biodiversity while creating landscapes that are more resilient to climate change — better adapted to longer summer droughts and rising temperatures.
The Duncan area contains some of Canada’s finest remaining Garry Oak ecosystems. In 2021, Maple Mountain was selected for stewardship support from the Province under the federal government’s Priority Places initiative in recognition of its ecological importance. Although that initiative concludes in March 2026, the need for ongoing stewardship and habitat connectivity remains urgent. These ecosystems cannot survive in isolation. Protecting them means creating and maintaining the corridors that link them.
In this presentation, Wylie will explore what makes these ecosystems so special and outline practical steps each of us can take to help ensure their survival.
About the Speaker
Wylie Thomas is a Victoria-based restoration practitioner and botanist working to protect Garry Oak ecosystems across southeast Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Since 2014, he has led a federally funded project restoring and protecting critical habitat for endangered plant species in Oak Bay’s natural areas, helping secure federal support for local stewardship efforts.
He serves on the boards of the Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team (GOERT), Friends of Uplands Park, the Coastal Invasive Species Committee, and the Castilleja Conservation Society, and contributes to several regional conservation working groups.
Wylie holds a Diploma in Restoration of Natural Systems from the University of Victoria,
a B.Sc. in Biology from McGill University, and a Master’s degree from York University.
COMING HOME TO GRANDMOTHER'S GARDEN - Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems have been vital to local Indigenous people, the Quw'ustun Mustimuhw , for thouasands of years for food,trade, and medicine. Enjoy this short film featuring Maiya Modeste (Stqeeye' Learning Society), Siilh'na'mut Ken Elliott, and Dr. Shannon Waters.
FRIENDS OF GARRY OAK SYSTEMS PROGRAM - bring it all home by learning about a local stewardship program that you can get involved in!
Stephanie Cottell (MSc Education for Sustainability) is the executive director of the Cowichan Communty Land Trust. A third generation (as far is she knows!) hwunitum/ newcomer born in Snuneymuxw territory, she has a deep love for this beautiful island home we all live in relationship with. She is a grateful tender of the land and waters in unceded Coast Salish territory.
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Event Venue
Maple Bay Rowing Club, 6735 Beaumont Ave,Crofton, British Columbia, Canada
Tickets
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