Workshop on Kwetlal Food Systems - Prairie-oak (Garry Oak) Restoration at Matson
Saturday April 11 2026 10am to 12pm
Come participate in protecting Indigenous Kwetlal Food Systems!
In this workshop we will be learning about Garry Oak ecosystem restoration while we are among such an ecosystem! These unique ecosystems are among the most biodiverse terrestrial ecosystems in British Columbia, as well as some of the most threatened. Less than 5% of the total area that once contained these meadow ecosystems still remains, and what is left is degraded or in danger of being lost. Garry Oak ecosystems are first and foremost food systems, which are the result of Indigenous stewardship and cultivation since time immemorial. The Kwetlal (camas) food system that we now find in the Matson Conservation Area would not exist without the stewardship of the lək̓ʷəŋən Peoples. Significant both culturally and in terms of biodiversity, we will learn about what it takes to help protect and restore these ecosystems, and what you can do to get involved. We'll even get our hands on some Invasive Species, that the instructor will help you identify and pull them to make space for Native Species.
This workshop is being offered for free in partnership between the Habitat Acquisition Trust and The Compost Education Centre.
The Matson Conservation Area restoration work is made possible in part by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.
The workshop will be happening at Matson Conservation Area on Saturday April 11, directions will be emailed to you via Eventbrite the week of the workshop.
Instructor Bio
Vanessa Brownlee (she/her), Habitat Restoration Coordinator
Vanessa is of primarily German and Scottish ancestry and grew up on the territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). She moved to Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ territories in 2015 to study Environmental Studies, Sociology, and Restoration of Natural Systems at the University of Victoria. Vanessa began working with HAT on the restoration crew in 2022 and is now the Habitat Restoration Coordinator.
About HAT
Habitat Acquisition Trust is a regional land trust that conserves nature on south Vancouver Island. We envision a future where the full array of natural habitats on south Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands are healthy and conserved. HAT works and stewards ecosystems as visitors in the traditional and unceded territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ, SC’IȺNEW, and T'Sou-ke Nations, lək̓ʷəŋən peoples (Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations) and the many other Coast Salish peoples who have lived in relationship with and stewarded these lands since time immemorial and continue to live in relationship to the Land today. HAT supports Indigenous-led conservation by providing support and resources with guidance from elders, knowledge keepers and Indigenous consultants.
How to Register
You must pre-register for this event. You can obtain a free ticket through Eventbrite. You can also register for the event by calling our office at 250 386 9676 or via email by contacting office@compost.bc.ca
VERY IMPORTANT: Please be in touch if you are no longer able to attend but hold a ticket so we can make your space available to someone else.
Accessibility
This workshop will be happening on site at Matson Conservation Area in Esquimalt, outdoors the entire time. Please dress for all types of weather, rain or shine. There will be plenty of standing in this workshop and Invasive species removal which will involve digging, pulling, bending and squating. There is not a public washroom available on site.