42 hectares of oceanfront land on Galiano Island is now a protected nature reserve home to old-growth coastal Douglas-fir Forest.
The reserve is in the territories of the Penelakut, Hwiltsum, and other Hul’qumi’num-speaking peoples.
Dubbed the Talking Trees Nature Reserve, it’s home to Garry Oak woodlands, wetlands and traditional food sources like salmonberry.
The land acquisition was one of 8 projects selected by the Old Growth Nature Fund, a provincial program to protect 25% of land in the province by 2025.
“The Talking Trees Nature Reserve protects one of the last intact tracts of mature forest on Galiano Island, preserving remnant old growth, red-listed ecological communities, vibrant creek and wetland habitats, Garry oak woodlands, and 600 metres of undeveloped coastline in perpetuity,” said Chessi Miltner Executive Director at the Galiano Conservancy Association (GCA).
Many at-risk species like the common Nighthawk, marbled murrelet and red-legged frog frequent the area.
The next steps for the GCA include conducting ecological surveys and creating a management plan with First Nations stakeholders.
The GCA plans to develop new trails through the reserve and upgrade existing community trails for an opening day sometime in 2025.
