Lecture: Garry Oak Ecosystems

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Wednesday, March 12th, 2014
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Garry oak ecosystems were tended by First Nations for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans to BC's coast. Today, less than 4% of these ecosystems remain intact. Maleea Acker, author of Gardens Aflame: Garry Oak Meadows of BC's South Coast, will present examples of the resurgence of these "gardening" efforts, including controlled burning on the Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve, the ethical and scientific issues and dilemmas associated with restoration projects and the story of her contentious efforts to recreate a meadow in her own front yard. Despite obstacles, restoration efforts are proving the resilience of these ecosystems in the face of climate change, and that native plant restoration and gardening is a viable alternative both in
urban and rural areas.

The presentation will include images from the author's research for her book.

Maleea Acker is the author of two books of poems, The Reflecting Pool and Air-Proof Green (Pedlar Press, 2009 & 2013), and one book of essays, Gardens Aflame: Garry Oak Meadows of BC�s South Coast (New Star Books, 2012). She holds an MFA in Writing and has received fellowships to arts residencies in Canada, the US, Spain and Mexico. She is currently completing an MA in English at the University of Victoria and lives and works as a freelance journalist in Victoria.