Garry Oak Ecosystems & The Western Bluebird
The Importance Of Garry Oak Ecosystems
Walking through a Garry oak meadow in May, you will be delighted to see gnarled oak trees swaying in the warm spring wind. You will be surrounded by a gorgeous array of wildflowers and if you are very lucky, you will see a pair of Western Bluebirds.
This ecosystem is classified as culturally modified lands and has been traditionally managed by the QUW’UTSUN & Coast Salish Peoples from the beginning of time. Through the practices of burning and the cultivation of Common camas (Camassia quamash), the lands were modified to large meadow ecosystems. When visiting these sites, it's important to acknowledge that if you are in the Cowichan valley, you are on the Unceded Territories of the Quw’utsun Peoples.
Endangered Western Bluebird
These ecosystems are important to many species of birds, plants and insects. Unfortunately less than 5% of Garry oak meadows are now remaining. Urbanization and large scale agriculture contributes to habitat loss and fragmentation, leaving small, isolated pockets of the ecosystem, causing many species to decline in populations.
One of the species affected is the Western Bluebird. Once abundant throughout southern Vancouver Island and Coast Salish Territories, by 1995 populations had dwindled so low that they were considered extirpated (locally extinct) from the area. The loss of Garry oak habitat, use of pesticides, and the lack of dead standing trees that the birds rely on for nesting sites has aided in the decline of this species. The introduction of invasive cavity nesting bird species such as the House Sparrow have also had detrimental impacts on the bluebirds.
The Bring Back The Bluebird Project
The Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team started the Bring Back the Bluebird Project in 2012. The Cowichan Valley Naturalists and then the BC Conservation Foundation have carried forward with the project. With the combined efforts of like minded organizations, local community and landowners, The Cowichan Bring Back the Bluebirds Project is an species recovery project aiming to help reestablish bluebird populations on Vancouver Island. The prime focus of the project involves setting up nesting boxes in Garry oak meadows, reintroducing birds from stable populations in Washington State and monitoring the nesting boxes throughout the season. This project is filled with so many passionate, enthusiastic people that are not only having a wonderfully positive impact on blue bird populations, but are also educating on the importance of Garry oak habitat and how we can best support all the species that reside there.
Stewarding The Land To Support Garry Oak Meadows
Some ways you can support this ecosystem is by planting native plants that contribute to a happy and healthy Garry oak meadow. This is especially relevant if you live on acreages with open fields, agricultural land or have existing Garry oaks.
Some of my favourite plants to include in your meadow are:
Common Yarrow
Nodding Onion
Pearly Everlasting
Common Cammas
Menzies Larkspur
Red Columbine
Broad-leaved shooting star
Chocolate Lily
Slender toothwort
Fawn Lily
and of course, Garry oak.
Habitat Features
Habitat features are beneficial structures that help increase nesting and feeding opportunities for the birds and the bees. leaving large stump cut offs on your property is a natural way to provide habitat for cavity nesting birds.
Bird houses can be a fun and educational way to monitor and help the bluebird and other important species. Some of these species include swallows, wrens and chickadees.
There are certain size requirements for the bluebird nesting box that are crucial for the success of this species. Make sure to do your research and check out www. cowichanbluebird.wordpress.com for more information on the bluebirds.
Landowners play a critical role in environmental stewardship and protecting the species that live there! If you are interested in learning more about how you can steward your own Garry oak ecosystem or want a more in depth plant list please reach out!
Through restoration, habitat features and community, we can help restore these unique ecosystems and build strong, biodiverse landscapes for future generations to come.