Category Archives: Uncategorized

Ecological Impacts of Dogs in Natural Areas

The following paper, authored by a lifelong dog owner, discusses the current scientific literature available regarding the ecological impacts of dogs in natural areas, with a particular focus on the sensitive and endangered ecosystems encompassing PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park). The … Continue reading

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Saving the Species

Justine Hunter’s article in the Globe and Mail highlights the unique species found in Southern Vancouver Island and how many are found nowhere else in the world, species that are in danger of becoming extinct. This is highlighted in the … Continue reading

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Fire Safety is More Important Than Ever in PKOLS-Mount Douglas

As of mid-June 2023, the Forest Fire Rating for PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) is listed as “High.” The dry conditions and summer temperatures have elevated the risk of wildfires, reminding us to be extra vigilant and proactive in fire prevention … Continue reading

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Volunteers, First Nations work to bring back a disappearing oak prairie: Mongabay News.

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Great Horned Owls

The Great Horned Owl is a large owl that hunts at night. They are about 70 cm tall with a 160cm wing span. The males and females are very similar in appearance, with the females being slightly larger. They lay … Continue reading

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Ground Nesting Birds and Others

We often repeat the protection mantra: please stay on the marked trails. There are several excellent reasons for this. The most obvious is that our feet treading the ground compresses the soil and trample plants. Then, where we walk others … Continue reading

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Spring 2023 Newsletter

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Endangered Coastal Douglas-fir

PKOLS-Mount Douglas is Saanich’s largest protected Coastal Douglas-fir forest. Our nature preserve is in a narrow climatic region with a Mediterranean-like climate that allows these trees to grow; unfortunately, through many factors, these forests in this zone are mostly unprotected … Continue reading

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Only the Sounds of Nature

When did you hear only nature – no traffic or other city noises? Increasing urbanization comes complete with noise from traffic, leaf blowers, lawnmowers, high-pitched backup warning signals, and on and on. At the same time, places of solitude, places … Continue reading

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Rapid Biodiversity Call for Action Petition

The petition below is being circulated by a group of concerned stewards and volunteers, from “Saanich’s Pulling Together program.” We greatly appreciate all the work that Saanich Parks staff do in supporting restoration work and volunteers in this fantastic and … Continue reading

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