Oak Haven Park protects a remnant Garry Oak meadow and woodland complex, an ecosystem of exceptional ecological and cultural importance for the W̱SÁNEĆ Nations. The open meadows and rocky bluffs host a diverse assemblage of native grasses and wildflowers, including a rare population of slimleaf onion, camas, shooting stars, and woolly sunflower, which provide essential habitat for native pollinators such as the endangered western bumblebee observed at this park. These ecosystems support high biodiversity with 102 bird species observed, and several species at risk, including barn swallows, common nighthawk and olive-sided flycatcher. Oak Haven Park also functions as a key habitat within the broader regional network of conservation areas, supporting connectivity for wildlife that depend on these increasingly isolated habitats in an urbanized environment.  

Oak Haven faces ongoing ecological pressures, including invasive plant encroachment (particularly from Scotch broom and shiny geranium), habitat fragmentation and impacts from nearby developments, and the effects of climate change, such as drought and altered precipitation patterns. HAT’s stewardship efforts focus on controlling invasive species, restoring native plant communities, and improving ecosystem resilience through targeted habitat enhancement. Oak Haven provides critical wildlife habitat and ecosystem services in its region. They also offer opportunities for community connection to nature and culturally grounded stewardship, advancing regional conservation goals and supporting Indigenous-led restoration principles within W̱SÁNEĆ traditional territories.