A sense of place in a Garry Oak meadow

This Garry Oak is emblematic of Southern Vancouver Island, and while Andrew was teaching Geography and GIS mapping to the Experiential Program students at St. Michaels University School they were able to develop a "sense of place" on Mt. Tolmie in Victoria BC. Developing a sense of place means going beyond drawing maps and counting species, but truly experiencing the sounds, smells, warmth and elements of an ecosystem; it involves imagining what that place might have looked like in generations past, and what it may look like in the future. So stop, sit, listen, feel and reflect. 

From the Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team 
"Collectively, Garry oak and associated ecosystems are among the most endangered in Canada. Once common in coastal areas of southwest British Columbia, less than 5% of these ecosystems remain in near-natural condition. Most of the remnants are in isolated, fragmented communities that have no connection to other Garry oak communities"
Link: Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team

Photo: Andrew Murgatroyd

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