3000 Garry Oaks

An art+science project that doubled the Canadian population of the endangered Garry Oak (Quercus garryana).

01-09.1998

Concept, Development and Management
A. Traviss Corry

Support:
• The Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society
• Camosun College Horticulture Department
• The Pacific Forestry Sciences & Research Centre
• Special thanks to the patronage & guidance of Mark Segal

Locations:
• Private, Municipal and Crown Lands on Southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

In 1998 A. Traviss Corry conceived and lead this one year project to improve the ecology and social environment of Southern Vancouver Island. Using the techniques of art and cultural fundraising and promotion, multiple parties were solicited; government, academic, and non-profit, as well as funding from the Pacific Forestry Sciences and Research Centre, which propagated 3000 seedlings in their greenhouses.

Traviss then gathered passionate volunteer advocates who lobbied for permits and permissions for planting. The Garry Oak Meadow preservation Society brought the labour of their volunteer members, planting seedling trees in protected locations around southern Vancouver Island. Traviss then enlisted his College Alumni of Camosun College to maintain the 3000 planted seedlings by weeding and watering until safely established. These trees remain, hopefully in perpetuity, increasing the biodiversity, stability, and richness of the unique flora of the Garry Oak Bioregions of British Columbia, Canada.