Three Thursdays starting October 9. Pre-register on the University of Victoria Continuing Studies website.
Nature in cities is shaped by the built environment and the activities of people. Impervious surfaces, invasive species, structural soils and other factors contribute to the formation of new communities not natural to the area. These are new or “novel” ecosystems that recently are the subject of intense study and scrutiny. This speaker series examines three of these novel ecosystems in Victoria.
Rain Gardens October 9, 2014.
Managing ran water is increasingly a challenge as the region as the region continually urbanizes and replaces a landscape of vegetation with roads and rooftops. The increased runoff this creates is approaching the limit of the capacity of existing storm drains. Low impact development is one strategy to accommodate the increased volumes and rain gardens are an important option. Rain gardens are variable. They can be a little area on a private house property, small roadside infiltration structures (Atrium Building), small wetlands that include elements of environmental education or nature play (Oak and Orca Community School), small wetlands (BMW dealership in Vic West), larger wetlands with greater wildlife value (Fisherman’s Wharf), elaborate structures with mechanical drainage incorporated into the system. Paul de Greeff. Murdoch de Greef Inc.
Urban Farms October 16, 2014.
Although their primary role is to grow local produce, urban farms are increasingly created and managed to benefit wildlife as well. Madrona Farm is sensitive to the benefits of encouraging songbird habitat to help with the control of insect pests, leaving grassy borders around their fields that support bumblebees that pollinate their crops and established a corridor of trees connecting to forest patches on the property. At Haliburton Farm a wetland was created to encourage amphibians and bird boxes, bat boxes and salamander boards were placed around in the forest to enhance biodiversity. The chain link fence surrounding the farm is also being converted into a hedgerow. Purnima Govindarajulu, Haliburton Farm
Lakes in Garry Oak Ecosystems October 23, 2014.
Summit Park is one of the remnant Garry Oak ecosystems in Victoria. Located on top of a hill it has a panoramic view of the city and the Olympic Mountains. The branching patterns of the oaks are particularly picturesque. The hilltop has a large Smith Hill water reservoir, built in 1908, that is frequented by ducks. There is a lookout at the Telus tower that also has an attractive installation of community art depicting a Garry Oak ecosystem. We can find a lake in another Garry Oak ecosystem, Goodacre Lake in Beacon Hill Park. Thomas Munson, City of Victoria Parks.
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