From collaboration to restoration: the wrap-up of Saanich Biodiversity Partners
In September 2024, we launched the Good Neighbours: Saanich Biodiversity Partners pilot project in partnership with the District of Saanich. As we wrap up this pilot, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and helped bring this project to life!
Starting with a small focus area, we connected with local landowners through a survey mailout and special community events. We were thrilled by the level of interest and engagement, and grateful to be able to hear from landowners about barriers to private land stewardship in Saanich. This input is invaluable in helping us understand how to better support stewardship work on private lands.
HAT team & outreach table at Saanich native plant walk.
As part of this project, we hosted two plant walks in Saanich parks led by Dominique James, who shared W̱SÁNEĆ knowledge and SENĆOŦEN language teachings with residents of the neighbourhood. These events offered amazing opportunities for landowners and land stewards to connect, share knowledge, and learn together in nature. With the support of our partners at the District of Saanich, residents also got hands-on experience with invasive species removal—an empowering way to build stewardship skills while making a visible difference in their neighbourhoods.
Site visit on Saanich property.
Throughout this pilot, we had the pleasure of meeting incredible Saanich landowners who truly embody what the Good Neighbours program is all about. It was inspiring to connect with people who were enthusiastic to learn about land stewardship, or were already working on restoration projects on their properties. Eligible residents received a range of support, which included site consultations, personalized reports with recommendations, help with invasive species removal, and gift cards to purchase native plants and seeds. We’re very grateful to the landowners who welcomed us onto their properties!
Here’s what Lana, Saanich resident and Good Neighbour, had to say about being involved in the project:
“I discovered the Good Neighbours: Saanich Biodiversity Partners project when a questionnaire was posted on Saanich's homepage. After submitting my response, I heard back from HAT and have been so grateful for this connection ever since.
I live on the traditional and unceded territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ and Lək̓ʷəŋən peoples and value my role of being a good land steward. The land around me takes my breath away every day, as I can watch nesting eagles, migratory birds, hummingbirds, bumblebees, and even salmon spawning in a creek at the back [of my property]. I have not seen the elusive beaver, but their gnaw marks on the base of nearby trees tell a story.
Anna’s hummingbird.
These animals are part of an intricate ecosystem and rely on the Douglas fir, Garry oaks, moss, ferns, and flowering native bushes such as the red current, just to name a few. Colonial style gardening, while beautiful in its own way, has taken a toll on the land. It often requires excessive amounts of water to maintain and reduces natural wildlife habitat. Invasive species such as blackberry, ivy and periwinkle have been introduced and slowly taken over.
The restoration process was initially overwhelming, while navigating rocky steep slopes and relentless established ivy. It was difficult to know where to start but this soon changed with the help of HAT. I now have a plan and am already seeing results by starting with small sections. As invasive species are removed, dormant wildflowers and small ferns are re-emerging.
I'm excited about the process and caring for rehabilitated land. Nature is healing and now, more than ever, we need places like this to care for our mental health. I also look forward to sharing the space and educating neighbourhood children, who will continue being thoughtful and caring land stewards.
If you have a similar desire to rehabilitate land, know that there are communities and resources out there to help you. Start small and enjoy the process. It's so worth it.”
Are you interested in participating in the Good Neighbours program?
Saanich residents exploring Marigold Park with Dominique.
Visit the Saanich Website here.
This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change.