Events

  • Thank you Seedy Saturday, February 14, 2026

    Giving tree at Seedy Saturday

    Thank you all so much for visiting GOMPS at this year’s Seedy Saturday!

    Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society table at Seedy Saturday on February 14, 2026. It was wonderful to connect with so many people who care deeply about Garry oak ecosystems, native plants, and the future of food systems and biodiversity in our region.

    We were especially pleased to soft-launch our new website at the event, and we’re thrilled to welcome many new members to GOMPS. Your interest, conversations, and support help strengthen the growing community working to protect and restore Garry oak trees and the food ecosystem services they provide.

    Events like Seedy Saturday remind us how much knowledge, curiosity, and stewardship already exists in this community. We’re grateful to be part of it and look forward to continuing the work together.

    Thank you for supporting Garry oak ecosystems. 🌿

    Booth ready to meet you at Seedy Saturday, February 14, 2026

  • 2025 Garry Oak Ecosystems Gathering hosted Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team (GOERT)

    2025 Garry Oak Ecosystems Gathering hosted Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team (GOERT)

    On November 1st, GOMPS Board members Ryan Senechal, Carollyne Yardley and Jacklyn Jolicoeur participated in the 2025 Garry Oak Ecosystems Gathering at the University of Victoria, hosted by GOERT.  GOMPS provided one of the informational displays available to visitors keen to learn more about the natural environment at our doorstep and the various organizations working to protect and support ecosystem health, especially with so many current threats. Three Garry oak seedlings grown at the nursery were collected for planting. The keynote address was made by Elder SELILIYE Belinda Claxton and Dr. Nancy Turner. With many thanks to the organizers, presenters, and participants. GOMPS looks forward to next year.

    Photo by Jacklyn Jolicoeur. GOMPS Board member Carollyne Yardley (left) with Saanich Councillor, Nathalie Chambers at the GOMPS informational display.

  • Ryan Senechal. Urban Forest, City of Victoria OCP Public Hearing, Sept 11 2025.

  • Community Event / Spring Lecture: The Urban Forest in Saanich – Strategy and Stewardship

    The Camosun Community Associations presents a free lecture in partnership with the Mount Tolmie Community Association, featuring guest speaker, Ryan Senechal.
    Ryan Senechal is an educator and a practicing consulting arborist/ urban forester with experience across municipal, commercial, education and nonprofit sectors. He is a lecturer in the Bachelor of Urban Forestry and Master of Urban Forestry Leadership programs at University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Forestry. 

    Speaker: Ryan Senechal
    When: Wednesday, May 7th
    Time: Doors open at 6:45 pm – Lecture 7-9 pm – includes Q&A
    Where: Broad View United Church – 3703 St. Aidan’s St. (enter at lower level at back of church)Cookies, coffee and tea will be provided.
    You may read online about Ryan to get a notion of what keeps him active locally using these links:

    Spring Lecture: "The Urban Forest in Saanich: Strategy & Stewardship"

  • Kwetlal (Camas) Day, on Sunday, May 4, from 12 pm to 3 pm.

    Kwetlal (Camas) Day, on Sunday, May 4, from 12 pm to 3 pm.

    Uplands Park, Beach Drive on grassy field at the Cattle Point entrance

    Friends of Uplands Park Society is having its annual celebration. Come by and say hello, enjoy the displays, music, free refreshments, prizes, family activities and Wildflower Meadow Walks of 1 hour will begin at 12:30 pm. 

    More info: https://friendsofuplandspark.org/event/camas-kwetlal-day-sunday-may-4-1200-300pm/

  • Seedy Saturday Victoria, on Saturday, February 15, from 11 am – 4 pm. 

    Seedy Saturday Victoria, on Saturday, February 15, from 11 am – 4 pm. 

    On February 15th GOMPS Directors and Members set up a booth to join over 50+ incredible vendors for Seedy Saturday this year! From seeds, plants, and garden supplies to non-profits and more. Thanks to all the visitors who came by to say hello, and signed up for our Enews!

  • Annual General Meeting

    Picture

    Annual General Meeting

    GOMPS 2023-24 AGM will be held:
    
    DATE: Sunday, November 17, 2024
    TIME: 3:00 to 5:00pm
    LOCATION: Banquet Room, Cedar Hill Golf Course, 1400 Derby Rd, Saanich.

    Our meeting will include:
    ·      Presentation of various reports – President, Nursery, Treasurer & Volunteer
    ·      Election of officers, and 
    ·      An open discussion about Garry oak issues with focus on future directions
     
    As per GOMPS bylaws, there are 7 board members’ positions including:
    ·      President,
    ·      Vice-President,
    ·      Secretary,
    ·      Treasurer, and 
    ·      3 Directors at Large. 
     
    3 Director positions are up for election this year as 4 Directors continue in their 2-year terms and 1 Director becomes a Director Emeritus. Please consider joining our board or nominate someone for a board position by sending nominations to: Judith Carder (Secretary) at judeathome at shaw.ca by Friday, November 8th, 5:00 pm.
     
    In order to vote at meetings and to run for election to the board, you must have a current GOMPS membership.  
     
    The opportunity to purchase or renew your membership will be available at the AGM (cash or cheque only, at this time).
     
    Your attendance and input during the discussion period at our meeting will be greatly welcomed and appreciated!

  • Kwetlal (Camas) Day at Uplands Park, May 04, 2024

    Kwetlal (Camas) Day at Uplands Park, May 04, 2024

    Thanks to everyone who came out and connected today at Kwetlal (Camas) day at Uplands Park, hosted by the friends of Uplands Park.

  • Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society response to COVID-19

    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!

  • Celebration of Life for Moralea Milne, former GOMPS Director

    Moralea Milne

    Moralea Milne was a former Director with our Society and one of the most devoted and passionate voices in our struggle to save Garry oak ecosystems.

    Milne, a member of Metchosin council since 2008, was known for her leadership and her commitment to environmental issues.

    Her celebration of life was held at 2 p.m on Sunday August 5th at  the Metchosin Community Hall, 4401 William Head Rd.

    In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Metchosin Foundation.

    Text adapted from the Times Colonist, August 6, 2018 and photo from http://camashill.blogspot.com

Categories

Archives