From the Forest to the Sea Watershed Education - Ecological Restoration Activities and Programs

The Galiano Conservancy has developed a successful restoration program helping to shift plantations towards healthy functioning forests, to re-establish sustainable salmon runs in local creeks, to establish native vegetation on heavily impacted sites and re-establish native plant communities in Garry oak ecosystems.

Hands-on restoration components - such as removing invasive species, planting native vegetation, and monitoring and maintaining new seedlings - can be included in any of the following programs: Adventures at the Great Beaver Swamp, A Walk in the Watershed, and Secrets of the Forest. Or visit our Native Plant Nursery, which lies adjacent to the Greig Creek Watershed, for a deeper understanding of native vegetation.

The hands-on component has proven to be very successful - the practical activity reinforces concepts learned during the program and adds another layer to the outdoor experience. Most importantly, youth are empowered and inspired through their contribution to a project that is helping the earth heal.

Restoration Programs

Secrets of the Forest

Students learn the secrets of forest restoration through our unique techniques of hand tools, pulleys and chains. The Pebble Beach Reserve contains a 30 year old plantation forest that has been undergoing restoration since 2002. It is located next to a healthy mature forest allowing students to compare and contrast functioning ecosystems with those in need of help. View our 6-minute film ‘Let it Rot’ featuring our unique Forest Restoration Project. Suitable for Grades 4-12. Offered year round.

Before Treatment

After Treatment

Ecological Restoration Field School

Enter the forest and learn the basic field skills of ecological restoration through our 2 day technical intensive program. Students will gain scientific techniques such as: soil sampling, site characteristics, photomonitoring, and vegetation inventory. Learn to compare and contrast between healthy forest reference sites, control plantation sites, and restored areas. Gain a fuller understanding of what ecological restoration is, how to approach it and how to do it!

Suitable for grades 8-12. Offered October to April

Bring it On Home

This program, although still in its pilot phase, has proven extremely successful. Upon completion of a Restoration Program on Galiano, the Galiano Conservancy staff will facilitate a restoration project in your home community with your group and a local organization. If you are interested in this concept, please contact us for further details.