Garry Oak Restoration

To close out 2024, the Preservation Trust’s stewardship department teamed up with long-time SJPT volunteer and retired forester Thom Pence to advance an ongoing Garry oak restoration project at the Shooting Star Meadow Preserve on San Juan Island.

The Garry oak is a keystone species that is essential in maintaining the structure of an ecological community. Nearly 200 different species, including native wildlife and many rare plants, depend on the Garry oak and its associated ecosystems for survival. However, these species are increasingly at risk as Garry oak habitat in the San Juan Islands has shrunk to less than 1% of its historic range. Our restoration efforts include the removal of encroaching tree species that crowd out Garry oak habitats, enhancing the oaks’ ability to support a wider array of local flora and fauna.

A special thanks to Thom Pence for lending his expertise in the field and on camera to help explain the significance of this ongoing restoration work!