Co-ordinators: (Tuesday and Thursday) Kathleen Martin
Rosemary Balfour, Dave Clark
The Woodlands is one of the last untouched Garry Oak meadows on southern Vancouver Island. The meadows, approximately 22 acres, or 2/3 of the property, lie behind and below the House.The best time to view the Woodlands is from March to early June. Restoration information, flora illustrations, and nine numbered trailside viewpoints, which include a rare trembling aspen grove are shown on an interpretive board at the trailhead.
The Woodlanders (as the volunteers call themselves) have worked since 1991 to create a habitat for plants, birds, bees, and butterflies. They consider themselves stewards of this unique ecosystem. They remove invasive species and encourage native plants such as salal, sword ferns, Nootka rose, and Oregon grape to restore the native habitat.
Spring blooms range from – satin-flowers, spring-gold and the dangling blossoms of Indian plums, followed by oak buds, white fawn lilies, purple-blue camas, shooting stars, western buttercups – to ground orchids and delicate harvest broadiaea. Fall rains bring mosses and licorice ferns.
Where the Wild Things Grow
The Princess Royal’s May visit coincided with the best time to see the Woodlands in all its glory. Volunteers were especially pleased at her positive comments about the area. Princess Anne also took photos of the camas and the Coronation Walkway from the Terraces. Woodlanders removed invasive species at the lookout to encourage the growth of native plants such as salal, sword ferns, Nootka rose, and Oregon grape. Volunteers were especially pleased at her positive comments about the area. Princess Anne also took photos of the camas and the Coronation Walkway from the Terraces.
Pathway Named in Honour of King Charles III
“King Charles III has been a strong champion of environmental causes long before they became an important focus for many of us,” says past president Patty Grant.
The trail has been improved to better withstand winter’s inclement weather. It is bordered by a split rail fence which will encourage visitors to protect the woodland ecosystem.
