As the health & safety of our members, volunteers & interested public are paramount, the Garry Oak Meadows Preservation Society (GOMPS) has POSTPONED our Annual General Meeting in accordance with Government Health directives.  GOMPS Board of Directors will be in touch with members when we have determined how best to proceed in this regard.

While our Garry Oak Nursery no longer has official volunteer work parties, our Board members work to ensure the nursery continues to function. We have just finished planting the collected fall 2019 sprouting acorns!  The Nursery work area is structured to ensure social distancing, so interested volunteers are welcome to join us weekly on Sunday mornings from 10am to 1pm.

During this challenging time, GOMPS deeply appreciates the SUPPORT shown by our members & interested public through their memberships and donations. 

Even though there is uncertainty, please know that we continue to advocate for Garry oaks and their associated ecosystems as well as growing Garry oak seedlings for planting in our communities!

If you are concerned about Garry oak trees (and other mature trees too) please consult our links to the Tree Protection Bylaws in your municipality or electoral region.

As a resident, voter and tax payer you hold the power to help stop the decline of trees in your region. Get started by consulting with our FAQ page and learn more about protecting and caring for Garry oak trees.

Hello Garry oak growers,

This is a gentle reminder of the upcoming Garry Oak Nursery work party on Sunday, April 28th from 10am to 1pm. We've just begun the push to get all the acorns planted: we have 375 in the soil so far! Come join in the particularly pleasant task of planting these acorns and soon we'll be able to see their cute little leaves sprouting out of the soil!

As a reminder, there is a proper toilet (porta-potty type) on the premises.  Gloves, tools & refreshments are provided. Weather appropriate clothing & good work boots are recommended!

Learn more about volunteering here!

Hello again, Garry oak growers!

The schedule of upcoming work parties has been confirmed. They will continue weekly on alternating Saturdays and Sundays. The Saturday work parties will be from 2pm to 5pm and the Sundays will be from 10am to 1pm.

See the schedule below:

• Saturday, April 20th from 2pm - 5pm
• Sunday, April 28th from 10am - 1pm
• Saturday, May 4th from 2pm - 5pm 
• Sunday, May 12th from 10am - 1pm
• Saturday, May 18th from 2pm - 5pm 
• Sunday, May 26th from 10am - 1pm

Learn more about volunteering here!

Hello Garry oak growers,

This is a gentle reminder of the work party tomorrow on Sunday, April 14th from 10am to 1pm. Judith will be hosting this volunteer event.

We're almost finished potting up the last of the 4" seedlings from their styroblocks to 1-gallon pots so most of the work party will be focused on planting acorns.

Learn more about volunteering here!

Hello and happy spring to all you Garry oak growers!

The GOMPS Garry oak nursery is back up and running smoothly, with a new shelter erected and the irrigation system turned back on. A recent visit to the Nursery saw slightly dry pots but otherwise healthy oaks with no signs of winter damage.

Work parties are scheduled for the following dates:

• Sunday, March 31st, 10am to 1pm
• Saturday, April 6th, 2pm to 5pm
• Sunday, April 14th, 10am to 1pm
  

Judith and Judy will be hosting the upcoming work party on Sunday, March 31st from 10am to 1pm.

As a reminder, there is a proper toilet (porta-potty type) on the premises.  Gloves, tools & refreshments are provided. Weather appropriate clothing & good work boots are recommended!

Learn more about volunteering here!

Due to February's snowstorm, the frequent below 0° temperatures and some infrastructure upgrades on site, we have temporarily put our Nursery work parties on hold.

Now that the snow is gone we're in the process of installing a new work shelter that will make future work parties more comfortable and efficient.

We will recommence work parties shortly, though we don't have a date set yet. There are a few different consideration to take into account as we plan for our next volunteer event at the Nursery. As summarized by our resident forestry expert:

"I see no need to hasten work parties for other than weed removal. Cold weather can return at nearly any time, compromising the benefit of re-potting any of the 2018 germinants in the small cavities.  I suggest mid-late April as a better time. By then warmer temps will favour root development into the new soil material and larger cavity size. Leaf emergence likely will need more time – likely a month later.
Assuming we do not have such a heat blast as last May’s, we should have top growth regulated by the healthy roots and our tending: weeding, watering and fertilizing."

What that means for us is that we likely won't be planting acorns or repotting our oaks until the weather warms up enough. Weeding can still happen in the meantime, so that might mean work parties will start again pretty soon once the new shelter is up and ready.

Stay tuned as we'll be back soon with more info!

Hello Garry oak growers,

I am sad to say that our first Saturday work party of the new year has to be cancelled to due unfavorable weather. The Saturday, February 9th 1pm to 4pm work party will therefore be rescheduled. Our resident forestry expert has warned us against re-potting our oaks during this freezing weather, so we will abide by his recommendations. We don't yet have a date set to recommence the work parties, but I will keep you informed!

I look forward to seeing you at the Nursery again soon!

Please email the volunteer coordinator at jenny.gomps@gmail.com for more information.

Hello volunteers,

This is a reminder of our upcoming work party this Saturday, February 9th from 1pm to 4pm. I will finally be back out getting my hands dirty on the Saturday. I hope to see you there!

Last Sunday we had brave volunteers out in the cold to pot up our sweet little 4" Garry oaks into roomier 1-gallon pots. Thank you for your hard work and chilly fingers - we have purchased lined gloves for the upcoming work parties to keep our hands nice and toasty!

We are still in the process of replacing our shelter, but we have plans for something new and improved. Stay tuned to fine out more..

As a reminder, there is a proper toilet (porta-potty type) on the premises.  Gloves, tools & refreshments are provided. Weather appropriate clothing & good work boots are recommended.

Please email the volunteer coordinator at jenny.gomps@gmail.com for more information.