Exploring the Uncommon and Rare Species of Garry Oak Ecosystems with Hunter Jarratt

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Exploring the Uncommon and Rare Species of Garry Oak Ecosystems with Hunter Jarrat

Presentation Description: “Garry Oak and associated ecosystems are among the most Endangered in Canada. Less than 5% remains in near natural condition in Southwestern British Columbia, while facing ongoing existential challenges and threats. As a result, this ecosystem is often completely overlooked and unrecognized, given their continued erasure overtime, and most people are unfamiliar with the now uncommon and rare species they host. In this presentation, we will learn about many of these obscured species, expanding our local floristic knowledge and identification skills. The audience will walk away feeling empowered, and motivated to help protect these important places.”

Bio: “Hunter Jarratt is a local conservationist who graduated from the Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection Program at Vancouver Island University in 2023, and is currently a student in the Restoration of Natural Systems Certificate Program at the University of Victoria. In recent years, he has worked with a number of local environmental organizations in both workplace and volunteer capacities and now owns an ecological restoration consulting business. He is known as the “Invasive Species Guy” on social media where he creates educational content focusing on invasive species management, particularly in Garry Oak and associated ecosystems. Hunter was the recipient of the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia’s 2025 Together in Action Rising Star Award, and helped lead the advocacy efforts last year that resulted in the City of Nanaimo being officially tasked with drafting a bylaw banning the sale of invasive species.”