Over the past several weeks stewardship staff have planted Garry oak acorns and sowed native seed at Turtleback Mountain and Kellett Bluff Preserves. Garry oak (Quercus garryana), also known as Oregon white oak, is Washington’s only native oak tree and plays an important role in supporting many animal and insect species.
Garry oak habitat areas have been in decline for generations; embracing the islands historic landscape is a focus of Land Bank restoration efforts at several preserves. Common restoration activities include removing invasive weeds and encroaching Douglas fir trees, caging oak seedlings to protect from deer browse, spreading native seed, and planting grasses, forbs, as well as acorns.
Interested in learning more about Garry oak ecosystems? Our neighbors in BC, Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team are a great resource OR join a volunteer planting party!
Our next scheduled volunteer planting party is December 1st at Turtleback Mountain Preserve on Orcas Island. Visit our events calendar for more information.