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Because of its location, size, and history, Saanich is fortunate to have many natural areas. These wetlands, meadows, woodlands, forests, and rock outcrops are places that have most elements of a healthy ecosystem. Some even have endangered plant and animal species. Many natural areas are on private land, but there are more than 30 in our parks throughout Saanich.
In recent years, people have become more concerned about the need to protect and improve the health of these natural places. Saanich Parks has responded to this concern by focusing more resources on managing our natural areas, which range in size from less than a hectare, such as Camas Park, to more than 170 hectares at Mount Douglas Park. In 2009, staff spent more than 2300 hours removing invasive plant species in an effort to reduce threats to native ecosystems.
With so much natural legacy to care for, Saanich also relies heavily on volunteers. Many volunteers have organized into groups that hold regular work parties, and Saanich Parks offers a Volunteer Training Program.
 Invasive plants such as garlic mustard, English ivy, Himalayan blackberry, Scotch broom, as well as some pasture grasses are a major threat to natural areas. For example, many invasive plant species replace native plants but do not offer the same quality or quantity of important food sources for wildlife. Often, invasive plants completely smother native plant communities, robbing them of moisture, light, and nutrients. Once invasive plants are removed, the space left behind is either replanted with native plants that are suited to the ecosystem, or allowed to naturally re-vegetate with nearby native plants.
 This autumn there are work events ("broom and blackberry bashes") nearly every weekend, including Cuthbert Holmes, Knockan Hill, Bow-Brodick, Mount Douglas Park, Konuckson, Colquitz at Rolston Crescent, and Playfair. Also, a core group of volunteers also works at nine specially managed sites under the Garry Oak Restoration Project (GORP). Next time you're walking your dog in a local park, remember that natural area volunteers might be working just off the trail.
We are always looking for more help. If you would like to get involved in one of these groups, or would like to start a group to help improve the health of a natural area in your neighbourhood, please contact Saanich Parks at 250-475-5522 or Marian McCoy, Natural Areas Technician at 250-475-5539.
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