PKOLS - Mount Douglas Conservancy

Pulling Together Restoration Work Party
2026-01-31 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-24 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-17 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Whittaker Restoration Site (Access off Cedar Hill Rd), 48°29'15.9"N 123°20'26.2"W, Saanich, BC, V8N 5L8, Canada
There will be a Pulling Together restoration work party in PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) this Saturday, January 17th from 10:00am – 12:00pm.
We will meet at the fire lane access on Cedar Hill Road just before 10am and continue working at the fenced restoration site along Whittaker trail (there are quite a few parking spots available at this site).
We will continue to remove Broom and Blackberry regrowth, as well as control the invasive grasses and forbs that have moved into the site.
Please wear clothes suitable for the weather and ensure you have steady footwear and a water bottle.
There will be gloves and tools available but you are welcome to bring your own gloves and pruners if you have them.
Saanich Parks Pulling Together Webpage

24th Annual Carcass Transplant
2026-01-10 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Douglas Creek Bridge, FMV8+28R Saanich, British Columbia
Join the PKOLS-Mount Douglas Conservancy to help restore the ecological balance of Douglas Creek by transplanting salmon carcasses back into the ecosystem. This hands-on activity supports the recovery of this important salmon habitat and provides an educational experience for all ages.
When: Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM Where: Douglas Creek Bridge and Outdoor Classroom (https://maps.app.goo.gl/5y5XbXykrDKcv1TS7)

PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) and Douglas Creek lies within the territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ (represented by the W̱JOȽEȽP, BOḰEĆEN, SȾÁUTW̱, W̱SIḴEM and MÁLEXEȽ Nations) as well as the the lək ̓wəŋən peoples, represented by the Songhees and Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) Nations. The W̱SÁNEĆ and lək ̓wəŋən peoples have been here since time immemorial, and their relationship with the land and water is long and rich.
Enjoy speakers, educational displays, hot beverages, and learn more about our efforts at the Conservancy’s membership table.
The event will happen rain or shine (the salmon don’t care). Please dress for the outdoors, but leave your favourite winter coat at home — this can be slimy but rewarding experience!
This is a family-friendly event. Children are most welcome, but for safety reasons, each child must be accompanied/supervised by a responsible parent or guardian.
We can’t wait to see you there!

This event is made possible by our good friends at the Goldstream Volunteer Salmonid Enhancement Association. To learn more about the incredible work that GVSEA does, please visit: www.goldstreamhatchery.ca

How transplanting salmon carcasses helps bridge the gap between marine and terrestrial ecosystems:
Transplanting salmon carcasses into Douglas Creek simulates the ecological process that would naturally occur in a healthy stream ecosystem when salmon return to their natal creeks to spawn en masse, complete their life cycle and die, leaving behind carcasses that are incredibly nutrient-rich. This natural process is how marine nutrients find their way back into terrestrial ecosystems, through the breakdown of these returning salmon carcasses that have spent years feeding in the Pacific Ocean.
Although Douglas Creek has seen returns of salmon each year since restoration work began, including record-breaking return in the fall of 2024, the numbers have not (yet!) reached their full potential, so the annual Douglas Creek Salmon Carcass Transplant continues. The transplanted carcasses also attract scavengers like river otters, racoons, eagles, and ravens, who help distribute the nutrients deeper into PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park), enriching the ecosystem further.
A remarkable study* published in 2023 by researchers at Simon Fraser University looked at the impact that nutrients from salmon carcasses had on the growth of native coastal plants. The research showed that wildflowers (including Douglas’ aster, Common red paintbrush, Common yarrow, and Silverweed) in areas where salmon carcasses had been dispersed grew larger leaves and bigger flowers, directly benefiting the pollinators dependent on these plant species.
Salmon (SĆÁÁNEW̱ in SENĆOŦEN / kʷáyəx̣ in lək̓ʷəŋiʔnəŋ) are sacred.
Western science is beginning to recognize the insights of Traditional Ecological Knowledge that Coast Salish First Nations have held for millennia. These findings underscore the vital connection between marine and terrestrial ecosystems, reminding us that salmon are a keystone species working to bridge the gap between land and sea even after death.
*[Dennert, A.M., Elle, E. and Reynolds, J.D. (2023) ‘Experimental addition of marine-derived nutrients affects wildflower traits in a coastal meta-ecosystem’, Royal Society Open Science, 10(1). doi:10.1098/rsos.221008.

Wild Salmon Day in PKOLS
2025-06-01 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | PKOLS (Mount Douglas) Parking Lot (Churchill Dr), PKOLS (Mount Douglas) Parking Lot, Victoria, BC, V8N 3G4, Canada
Join the PKOLS-Mount Douglas Conservancy on BC Wild Salmon Day!
Discover how salmon habitat is being restored in Douglas Creek and learn about the Conservancy’s ongoing efforts to protect this vital ecosystem. Enjoy educational displays, connect with others who care about the future of wild salmon, and learn how you can get involved!
Look for our information tent set up at the lower Churchill Drive Parking Lot.

Salmon Carcass Transplant, Sat Jan. 18, 2025
2025-01-18 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver) | Douglas Creek Bridge, FMV8+28R Saanich, British Columbia
Join the PKOLS-Mount Douglas Conservancy to help restore the ecological balance of Douglas Creek by transplanting salmon carcasses back into the ecosystem. This hands-on activity supports the recovery of this important salmon habitat and provides an educational experience for all ages.
When: Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM
Where: Douglas Creek Bridge and Outdoor Classroom
PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) lies within the territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ (represented by the W̱JOȽEȽP, BOḰEĆEN, SȾÁUTW̱, W̱SIḴEM and MÁLEXEȽ Nations) as well as the the lək ̓wəŋən peoples, represented by the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. The W̱SÁNEĆ and lək ̓wəŋən peoples have been here since time immemorial, and their relationship with the land and water is long and rich.
Enjoy speakers, educational displays, hot beverages, and learn more about our efforts at the Conservancy’s membership table.
The event will happen rain or shine (the salmon don’t care). Please dress for the outdoors, but leave your favourite winter coat at home — this can be slimy but rewarding experience!
This is a family-friendly event. Children are most welcome, but for safety reasons, each child must be accompanied/supervised by a responsible parent or guardian.
We can’t wait to see you there!
—
How transplanting salmon carcasses helps bridge the gap between marine and terrestrial ecosystems:
Transplanting salmon carcasses into Douglas Creek simulates the ecological process that would naturally occur in a healthy stream ecosystem when salmon return to their natal creeks to spawn en masse, complete their life cycle and die, leaving behind carcasses that are incredibly nutrient-rich. This natural process is how marine nutrients find their way back into terrestrial ecosystems, through the breakdown of these returning salmon carcasses that have spent years feeding in the Pacific Ocean.
Although Douglas Creek has seen returns of salmon each year since restoration work began, including a record-breaking return in the Fall of 2024, the numbers have not (yet!) reached their full potential, so the annual Douglas Creek Salmon Carcass Transplant continues. The transplanted carcasses also attract scavengers like river otters, racoons, eagles, and ravens, who help distribute the nutrients deeper into PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park), enriching the ecosystem further.
A remarkable study* published last year by researchers at Simon Fraser University looked at the impact that nutrients from salmon carcasses had on the growth of native coastal plants. The research showed that wildflowers (including Douglas’ aster, Common red paintbrush, Common yarrow, and Silverweed) in areas where salmon carcasses had been dispersed grew larger leaves and bigger flowers, directly benefiting the pollinators dependent on these plant species.
Salmon (SĆÁÁNEW̱ in SENĆOŦEN / kʷáyəx̣ in lək̓ʷəŋiʔnəŋ) are sacred. Western science is beginning to recognize the insights of Traditional Ecological Knowledge that Coast Salish Nations have held for millennia. These findings underscore the vital connection between marine and terrestrial ecosystems, reminding us that salmon are a keystone species working to bridge the gap between land and sea even after death.
*[Dennert, A.M., Elle, E. and Reynolds, J.D. (2023) ‘Experimental addition of marine-derived nutrients affects wildflower traits in a coastal meta-ecosystem’, Royal Society Open Science, 10(1). doi:10.1098/rsos.221008. ]

Salmon Carcass Transplant
2024-03-16 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Douglas Creek Bridge, FMV8+28R Saanich, British Columbia
Please join us for our annual salmon carcass transplant.
Saturday, 16 March 2024, at 10:00 am at the Outdoor Classroom / Douglas Creek Bridge.
The Howard English Hatchery at Goldstream has previously provided us with chum carcasses. This year, they will be bringing Coho salmon. An explanation for the switch will be included in the presentations. The event proceeds rain or shine (the salmon don’t care!). Also, with the warmer weather, the carcasses should be nice and slimy, so leave that lovely new winter coat at home!

This is a combination of educational and fun events with environmental benefits. It’s a family event, and children are most welcome, but for safety reasons, each child must be accompanied/supervised by a responsible parent or guardian.
See you on Saturday!

Annual Douglas Creek Salmon Transplant
2023-01-14 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Douglas Creek Bridge, FMV8+28R Saanich, British Columbia
You are invited to help us transplant 100+ dead salmon to help restore the ecological balance of Douglas Creek.
Meet at the new bridge/outdoor classroom site on Saturday, January 14, 2023 beginning at 10:00am
Park at either the Beach parking area and walk the Douglas Trail across Ash Rd to the Bridge, or you can park on Edgemont to access the bridge.
Note that each child must be accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian.
We very much hope you will be able to join us!

Garry Oak Restoration Work Party
2022-12-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2022-12-01 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | PKOLS (Mt. Douglas Park), Saanich, British Columbia, Canada
Work parties – Thursday mornings. Registered volunteers are updated by email when change/cancellation occurs.To confirm work party details for a specific date, please contact Judy, per info below.
Fall 2019 we started work in this Garry Oak area removing Himalayan Blackberry. Now that the bulk of that biomass is gone we are focused on digging out all and any missed root balls and root fragments to minimize subsequent regrowth.When this phase of our work is done we’ll plant out a variety of appropriate native trees, shrubs, and forbs linked to Garry Oak ecosystems. This restored site is now partially protected with split rail fencing to minimize human and canine incursion to prevent trampling of vegetation. We’ve also installed wire exclosures around species vulnerable to deer browsing. Saanich Parks is providing regular watering to increase long term survival of planted natives.
Parking near this site is available on the west side of Cedar Hill Road, Elnido Road (not Elnido Crescent please) and Harvest Lane.
The work site is next to the Park directory/map at the top of the Fire lane in the 4300 block of Cedar Hill Road.
Plant identification, tools, gloves, & work instruction provided on-site.
Phone Judy at 250-472-0515 or email to jandd_spearing@shaw.ca for further information.

30th Anniversary Celebration and Tree Planting Event
2022-11-26 09:30 - 12:30 UTC | PKOLS (Mt. Douglas Park) Beach Parking Lot, 4553 Cordova Bay Rd, Victoria, BC, V8N 4Y9, Canada
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Province of B.C. granting PKOLS (Mount Douglas) to the District of Saanich, the Friends of Mount Douglas Park Society will host a community event on Saturday, November 26, 2022 from 9:30am to 12:30pm, beginning at the PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) beach parking lot.
The event will feature tree planting at two restoration sites, unveiling of new interpretive signage at the Douglas Creek Bridge/Outdoor Classroom, and a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the newly-constructed beach stairs. The Society will also present a cheque to Saanich for $10,000 as part of a $25,000 donation for the Bridge and Outdoor Classroom work. The Friends of Mt Douglas Park will also announce their new society name.
Saanich Mayor Dean Murdoch, Saanich Councillors, Saanich Parks Employees, and Friends of Mount Douglas Park Society members will be in attendance. The event is open to the general public.

Garry Oak Restoration Work Party
2022-11-24 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | BC

Photography Contest
2022-07-27 08:00 - 2022-10-31 17:00 UTC | PKOLS (Mt. Douglas Park), Saanich, British Columbia, Canada
The Friends of Mt. Douglas Park Society are sponsoring a photography contest to help increase awareness of the park and its fragile, unique environment. As the Saanich website states: “Many fragile ecosystems exist within the park – from the rock outcrops at the summit to down between the tide lines on the beach.” “Please treat Mount Douglas Park with respect and preserve these sensitive habitats.” It is hoped that this contest will bring greater awareness of how unique and fragile the park is and how we can ensure the ecology of the park is protected and thrives. It is also hoped that new members will be inspired to join the society increasing the “friends” who are actively helping to preserve and maintain the park.
Contest Rules
