Lecture Series: Garry Oak Prairie, a Unique Habitat

— from Katherine Dietzman —

What are Garry Oaks and how do Garry Oak habitats support the ecology of the San Juan Islands and the Pacific Northwest? Join experts from San Juan Island and beyond March 8,15, 22 and 29 at the San Juan Island Grange to learn about the history of Garry Oaks in the Pacific Northwest, their extraordinary ecological significance in the San Juans, and steps the steps you can take to promote Garry Oak habitat in your very own backyard!.

Sarah Hamman of the Center for National Lands Management will begin the lecture series speaking on what drives conservation of the unique prairie-oak communities of the Pacific Northwest.

SJC Land Bank San Juan Island Preserve Steward, Doug McCutchen will then host a tour the following day (March 9, 1-4pm) showcasing various locations around San Juan Island that are home to some of the most beautiful Garry Oak habitats.

Kathleen Foley of the San Juan Preservation Trust, along with Ruth Milner of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will then lead a discussion regarding the important wildlife that Garry Oak habitats encourage.

Eliza Habegger of the SJC Land Bank will then speak about restoration strategies and techniques that can help landowners restore the Garry Oak habitat in their backyards.

The fourth and final lecture will address the traditional and current cultural significance of Garry Oaks to indigenous folks in the Pacific Northwest Region. Speaker TBD.

The event will take place Fridays, March 8, 15, 22 and 29 at the San Juan
Island Grange,152 1st St, Friday Harbor at 6:00pm. There will also be a tour on Saturday, March 9 meeting at the Friday Harbor High School parking lot on Guard St at 1 p.m.

Garry Oak Prairie: A Unique Habitat is part of the Grange Lecture Series, which strives to foster social and political engagement, discussion, and to maintain our historical Hall as a home for celebrations and programs. The San Juan Island Grange has been a community of growers, makers, and keepers since 1931. The Grange is nonpartisan, and so is this event. All are welcome, including kids.