OUTCOME SUMMARY ...... 11 SIGNIFICANT RESIDENTIAL AND PARK ISSUES ...... 13 Ecosystem fragmentation ...... 13 Soil Maintenance...... 14 Impervious surfaces ...... 14 Landowner perceptions ...... 14 Conifer In-growth...... 14 Weed Invasion...... 15 Synthetic Pesticides and Fertilizers ...... 15 EVALUATION ...... 17

COMMENTS FROM PROJECT PARTICIPANTS ...... 17 LESSONS LEARNED...... 17 LIMITING FACTORS ...... 17 ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY ...... 18 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 20

RELEVANT RESOURCES...... 21

APPENDIX A: OUTREACH MATERIALS ...... 22

APPENDIX B: MEDIA MATERIALS ...... 27

~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 2

List of Figures

Figure 1: Knockan Hill Park and surrounding areas...... 5

Figure 2: Habitat Steward Sign. Stewards may post this sign on their property demonstrating their commitment to ecological-land care practices...... 8

Figure 3: HAT hosted a speaker series featuring land managers including Ron Carter...... 9

Figure 4: Locations of project activities including community outreach events hosted, information packages delivered and landowners visited...... 12

Figure 5. Flow Chart of Knockan Hill Outreach Results...... 13

Figure 6: Many Garry oak woodland species of Knockan Hill Park are dying in the shade of faster growing conifers...... 14

Figure 7: A dead tree in Knockan Hill Park covered by invasive exotic species...... 15

Figure 8: Dr. Brenda Beckwith at a May Speakers’ Series Event explaining the ecology of Camas lilies; a Garry oak ecosystem wildflower and traditional First Nations food resource. .... 16

Figure 9: Local resident describing her woodland property to other residents ...... 17

Figure 10: Cub scouts paint yellow fish at storm drains to promote awareness of sensitive salmon habitats downstream from the east side Knockan Hill Park Neighbourhood...... 18

List of Tables

Table 1: Comparison of the performance indicators established prior to the project and the actual results achieved...... 11

Table 2: Knockan Hill Good Neighbours Project actual expenses versus budgeted funds...... 19

3~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 3

Summary

From January to June 2008, Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT) worked with local residents, the Friends of Knockan Hill Park Society (FKHPS), Royal Roads University, the District of Saanich and the Town of View Royal to protect and restore the ecologically significant Garry oak ecosystems and Douglas fir forest of Knockan Hill Park in Victoria, British Columbia. Land trust staff co-ordinated a series of activities in the Knockan Hill Park community to raise awareness of local biodiversity, habitat values, park issues, and conservation strategies. HAT is a regional land trust established in 1996 to enhance the protection and stewardship of regionally significant habitats on southern Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands. We do this through: • Community projects promoting environmental education and stewardship; • Legal mechanisms such as conservation covenants; and, • Acquisition of ecologically significant habitats.

HAT is committed to creating a conservation legacy for current and future generations. Since 2002, our award-winning Good Neighbours project has assisted hundreds of property owners to protect water quality and enhance wildlife habitats from Sooke to Galiano Island.

During the months of May and June 2008, HAT staff delivered postcards to 530 residential addresses in the Knockan Hill Park area. HAT spoke with over 150 landholders by telephone resulting in 97 residents accepting land care packages. Of those, 37 landholders opted for land care visits and received naturescaping prescriptions for their property. HAT signed 25 Land Care Agreements with visited landowners and posted 21 permanent Habitat Steward signs on participating properties. The project attracted new community volunteers to assist the ongoing efforts of HAT and the Friends of Knockan Hill Park Society. The Knockan Hill Park Speaker Series and conservation activities with local cub scouts generated television and local newsletter coverage. Activities co-ordinated by the project included storm drain marking, a four-part Speaker Series, and 40 hours of community volunteer weed control.

HAT staff identified several common activities and trends that may have significant cumulative effects on the ecosystem integrity of Knockan Hill Park:

1. Vegetation clearing and soil depletion: replacing native vegetation with turf, asphalt, and buildings resulting in excessive areas of impervious drainage; 2. Loss of parkland functions: loss of biodiversity, water purification, storage, and infiltration due to past agricultural disturbance perpetuated by increasing suburban density; 3. Weed invasion: exotic species cultivated and spread by planting/dumping in natural areas; 4. Fertilizer and nutrients: dog waste, compost runoff, and fertilizer leachate entering streams; 5. Pesticides, herbicides, and other poisons: common in lawn treatments, cleaners and car fluids; 6. Inappropriate recreational use of parkland: unofficial trails, excessive wildlife disturbance by pets at large, and nutrient pollution from dog waste.

HAT recommends that future outreach to landowners focus on key messages from the above list (see all recommendations on pg. 24).

~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 4

Introduction to Knockan Hill Park

Knockan Hill Park occupies the western boundary of the District of Saanich and the eastern boundary of the Township of View Royal. The park encompasses the summit and southeast slopes of Knockan Hill and is managed by the parks departments of the two municipalities in co- operation with the Friends of Knockan Hill Park Society (FKHPS). This park contains rare and beautiful examples of threatened Garry oak ecosystems (GOEs) and mature coastal Douglas fir forest.

Although Knockan Hill Park is protected as parkland, this site remains threatened by pets disturbing wildlife, invading exotic plants, and negative impacts from inappropriate recreational uses. Completely surrounded by residential neighbourhoods, the park’s ecological integrity is at risk. However, landowners can reduce these impacts through simple land care techniques and behaviours (Land Care Prescription on pg. 24). Figure 1: Knockan Hill Park and surrounding areas. Base map from CRD Natural Areas Atlas.

Authorities have recognized for years that public outreach to landowners adjacent to Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) is an effective complement to regulation and land use planning to protect the natural environment. Considering the rich natural values and a high percentage of private residential land ownership in the vicinity of Knockan Hill Park public outreach is especially appropriate.

Project Goals The goals of the Knockan Hill Park Good Neighbours project included: 1) fostering sensitive land care on private properties surrounding the park and, 2) bolstering the ongoing efforts of local community groups and park managers.

Staff employed several techniques to reach residents in different ways including; telephone contact, outreach events, mass media, restoration activities, and property visits. We established and met almost all measurable targets for project outcomes. Figure 4 locates some activities. The unqualified success of this project is founded on the full support and collaboration by our funders and community partners. Thank you!

Project Funders: Vancity envirofund VISA; BC Gaming Commission; Corporation of the District of Saanich; Town of View Royal; TD Canada Trust Friends of the Environment Foundation; Shell Environment Fund.

Project Partners: 5th Tsartlip Cub Scouts; Friends of Knockan Hill Park Society; Royal Roads University; Marigold Elementary School.

5~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 5

Project Design

HAT adapted a proven methodology for landowner contact from the Landowner Contact Guide for British Columbia (Duynstee, 1997). Initial contact with area residents was achieved through media exposure and mail outs followed by telephone calls to offer free information packages and confidential property visits. Land care packages and property visits included recommendations on naturescaping, pollution prevention, irrigation, and weed control among other topics. HAT also hosted several public outreach events in the park area with community group partners. Landowner confidence in our services is critical for the success of our projects. As part of HAT’s privacy policy, all land care visits are confidential to ensure that landowners are not concerned that sensitive information about their land be shared with authorities or other groups.

During the planning stage of the project, HAT met with Saanich and View Royal staff, Royal Roads University students, and the Friends of Knockan Hill Park Society (FKHPS) to gain a comprehensive grasp of the history and issues relevant to Knockan Hill Park.

HAT’s focus area included over 530 properties in the Knockan Hill Park area. Staff identified 536 residences, an appropriate number for the project based on HAT’s previous outreach projects and the budgeted timeframe. Saanich and View Royal provided contact information for the identified properties including name and address of the registered owner(s). HAT staff transferred the contact information into a customized Landowner Contact database in Microsoft Access. Staff completed telephone directory searches to find missing/updated contact information. Properties identified as non-residential were removed from the contact list. Non- residential properties were often unoccupied new developments or municipal property holdings.

The timing of our Speaker Series (hosted on four consecutive Saturdays in May and June) strongly influenced our landowner contact process, as did the number of contactable residences. In previous projects, landowner contact was divided into zones in order to reduce the delay between the mail out postcard and telephone contact. For this project, full neighbourhood landowner contact via telephone began immediately following the delivery of project postcards. HAT opted for this process because there were significantly fewer contactable residences, and also to promote the concurrent Speaker Series (speaker dates were on the postcard).

During the project, HAT staff also scheduled meetings by telephone through referrals from other residents in the neighbourhood. For example, Mr. Smith may have mentioned the project to his neighbour Mrs. Jones, and she asked for a visit with us based on his recommendation.

Contact Postcard HAT staff created and delivered a postcard to all selected addresses (Appendix A). The postcard introduced HAT and Knockan Hill Park. It announced our outreach project including the park Speaker Series and an offer of free naturescape prescriptions for participating landowners. Landowners were offered free information packages on stewardship topics and a visit by HAT staff to discuss any of the following: protecting water quality, naturescaping, water-efficient irrigation, pesticides, fertilizers, organic gardening, attracting/repelling wildlife, and issues related to the park.

Contact List HAT staff hand delivered 536 postcards to residential addresses in the focus area.

~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 6

Some contact information added to the database was obsolete or incorrect. For some residences, phone numbers could not be found (i.e. unlisted number or out of service). If we could not match a residential line with the correct name at the address and we could not find updated information, the entry was labelled “not contactable”. Out of 536 residential entries we confirmed 291 eligible residential addresses with publicly listed phone numbers. The 291 “total contactable entries” include database listings with an accurate name, phone number, and residential address. Staff were not able to contact all of these residences for various reasons (no answer, busy signal, answering machine, disconnection, etc.). Therefore participation statistics are based only on those residences contacted by telephone.

Telephone contact Staff began telephoning the selected residences one week after the postcards were sent. Households were called twice during the day; if we reached voice mail or no one answered, we tried again in the evening. Voice mail often provided the current owner’s correct name(s), but it was not considered an appropriate method of landowner contact because response is very poor. If we were unable to contact the resident based on the above mentioned method, they were listed as “not contactable” at the end of the outreach period.

Landowners living elsewhere with rental properties in the target area were eligible to participate if they personally managed the land. Tenants were not eligible to participate because they tend to be short term residents with little involvement in residential landscaping. Tenant-occupied residences were removed from the contact record if landowners could not be contacted. Landowners planning to sell in the near future were not eligible.

The Knockan Hill Park neighbourhood types included established affluent retirement homes, young families in new high density developments, and larger established rural properties west of Helmcken Rd (some Agricultural Land Reserve). The diversity of these neighbourhoods influenced the nature of our landowner contact. Long time residents in established homes demonstrated greater interest in the project due to their personal attachment to the park. They also proved to be an invaluable resource providing detailed information on the history of the park as well as the land use changes that have occurred in the neighbourhood. Representation of FKHPS members was also greatest in long established neighbourhoods which increased our success in those areas. Residents in new developments or on rural properties proved to be more challenging to reach. Residents in new developments used the park infrequently or never, had less interest in receiving land care information, and were less available for land care visits due to work schedules. They also had smaller yards, more lawn area, immature gardens and more professional landscaping contracts. These conditions may result in a general sense of detachment from their land and less interest in our landowner contact services. Many rural property owners, on the other hand, had a thorough understanding and attachment to their land. However some were sceptical of the information we were offering or felt that it was unnecessary. Over time, HAT developed improved methods of engaging disinterested landowners. For instance, when encountering a resident who felt their land care knowledge was sufficient, HAT staff suggested they become Habitat Stewards for the neighbourhood. This allowed HAT to secure land care visits with landowners who otherwise would not have participated.

People we contacted by phone who were interested in our information, but declined a visit, received land care packages (contents list on pg. 25). In some cases, we had a detailed discussion with landowners by telephone, or while presenting the information package.

7~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 7

Site Visits Site visits are an excellent way to provide landowners with a valuable service while identifying specific private land stewardship opportunities. By establishing relationships with landowners, we are able to promote new land care ideas and ecological awareness that ultimately benefits the community and our environment over the long term.

Visits were scheduled for days, evenings and weekends. Up to six visits were scheduled per day. The site visits ranged from 30 minutes to 60 minutes depending on property qualities and landowner interest. After reviewing the information packages we discussed the following topics and others as directed by the landowner’s interests and particular site characteristics:

• Protecting specific natural features (e.g. native vegetation, trees, water quality); • Concerns about local government land management or planning; • Protecting park biodiversity through private land care actions (eliminating pesticide use, retaining natural vegetation, etc); • Enhancing wildlife habitat by controlling invasive weeds, planting native species, and installing other habitat structures (e.g. bird houses, brush piles); • Legal stewardship options including conservation covenants; and • Concerns about the park, frequency and type of suspect park uses.

The topics listed above often provided opportunities to address sensitive issues in a non- adversarial and private forum. For example we were able to explain and provide context for the tree cutting work (completed by Saanich crews prior to the project launch) that raised significant concerns among residents. Landowners were encouraged to contact the District of Saanich and the Town of View Royal with land use and land management concerns. Where possible, HAT staff worked with landowners to facilitate communication with the appropriate municipal staff member. Through our Speaker Series, Saanich staff (Ron Carter) and other expert land managers were able to communicate directly with residents who lived around the park. We were able to arrange discussions between landowners interested in park dedication / conservation covenants and municipal representatives.

We were most successful in arranging visits with stay-at-home parents and retired couples. Working singles and couples were less inclined to schedule visits. In several cases, neighbours were referred to the project by residents who had previously hosted site visits.

An improvement we made to this Good Neighbours project was the incorporation of the landowner follow-up letter into the visit itself. In the past this letter was sent after the visit. It included additional information about topics specific to the resident’s property and interests with easy to read land care tips on the reverse. For this project we opted to provide this information to residents during visits referring to it as a personalized “Land Care Prescription” (Appendix A). This approach allowed us to customize our recommendations at the time of the site visit by highlighting elements from a comprehensive list of land care ideas. This way the landowner could peruse the entire list and identify other options for their land in addition to the ones we highlighted. Additional information was sent to landowners after visits as requested.

Figure 2: Habitat Steward Sign. Stewards may post this sign on their property demonstrating their commitment to ecological-land care practices.

~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 8

By establishing relationships with enthusiastic and knowledgeable residents in neighbourhoods, our project recognizes a core group of dedicated residents who can then introduce stewardship ideas to their neighbours. The project’s ultimate goal is to assist the grass roots community initiatives dedicated to the protection and enhancement of their local natural areas.

The landowners we visited were encouraged to sign a Land Care Agreement (Appendix A) with HAT to provide a record of their commitment to habitat protection. The landowner pledges to pursue land care activities on their property and HAT agrees to provide ongoing assistance to the homeowner. The agreement features a painting of the Knockan Hill Park summit by local artist Steven Armstrong.

Along with the agreement, HAT offers to install an 8x15” permanent plastic sign (Figure 2) in a location visible from the road. The “Habitat Steward” signs encourage neighbours to participate in the project and increase awareness of sensitive local habitats. Most land stewards opt for the signs.

Creative Outreach Techniques HAT employed a variety of public activities in order to reach the community. Public displays and demonstrations at the park on several occasions included a volunteer weed pull and a Speaker Series (Figure 3). Techniques used outside the park included cub scouts painting yellow fish on storm drains (Figure 10) and hosting an information booth at the Strawberry Vale Saturday Farmers’ Market before events.

Figure 3: HAT hosted a speaker series featuring land managers including Ron Carter, District of Saanich Tree Protection Officer.

Contact Database An essential component of this project was a landowner contact database using Microsoft Access software. The database is a very concise file on landowners and their properties. This database has the ability to generate reports by filtering the data according to queries on selected fields. Reports can take the form of charts and graphs showing trends and features of the area. Appendix A includes a sample land care visit form used to collect the following information for the database:

• Landowner name and address; • Telephone and email; • Contact log; • Size of the property; • Land uses; • Plans to subdivide or develop; • Proximity to the park/creek; • Natural features of the property;

9~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 9

• Invasive species on the property; • Awareness of park issues, projects, etc.

For example the contact records could be filtered for properties at various stages of the process (i.e. not contacted, visit scheduled, visit complete, land steward, etc.). This enabled staff to manage mailings, visits and follow up actions efficiently. The filter was also useful for generating information derived from the site visits. For example a query on the properties with plans to naturescape in the fall enables us to plan future events easily.

Staff realized during the project that some of the selected properties had greater influence than others on sensitive habitats like Garry oak meadows. Midway through the project, we used the Capital Regional District Natural Areas Atlas (CRD, 2008) to determine which properties would be considered priorities for contact. Actual contact results reflect a greater emphasis on homes near Knockan Hill Park or in areas which may enhance bird and insect mobility corridors.

Newsletter & Website HAT agrees to provide ongoing advice and support for our Habitat Stewards. The database is crucial in maintaining that relationship, and is used to produce a mailing list of Environmental Stewards for our newsletter ‘HAT Chat’ (online copy: www.hat.bc.ca/attachments/HATChat_9_1.pdf ). As a regular reminder that we support our Habitat Stewards, it includes articles on HAT projects, naturescaping, stewardship events, and upcoming activities. The HAT website is also a resource for landowners seeking plant lists, stewardship tips, and other information.

~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 10

Results and Discussion

Outcome Summary Table 1: Comparison between the performance indicators established prior to the project and the actual results achieved. Almost all measures were met or exceeded

Performance Indicator Actual Results

Contact 450 homeowners by direct mail with key The entire Knockan Hill Park neighbourhood with land care messages and of those; 536 residential addresses were contacted by mail. Contact 200 landholders by telephone. Over 150 landowners were contacted via telephone. Provide 100 landowners and maintenance 97 landowners received land care information contractors in the area with tailored land care packages with contents tailored to the residents’ information packages. Packages provide interests (Figure 4). Naturescaping prescriptions information on alternatives to petrochemical provided to 37 landowners. pesticides and fertilizers and techniques for organic gardening. Visit 35 private landowners at or near the park Visited 37 landowners to provide site boundary and provide land care information for assessments. their property and Knockan Hill Park. A site assessment and restoration plan for their property are to be included in the visit. Up to 25 Land Care Agreements signed with HAT. 25 landowners signed agreements with HAT. Increase community awareness of HAT’s work A video segment featuring a land care visit in in Knockan Hill Park and the surrounding Knockan Hill was broadcast repeatedly on Shaw community. Daily TV. The Telus Community Fund also filmed a segment featuring students from Marigold Elementary School. These regional broadcasts reached at least 50,000 people with our conservation message. HAT also sent a press release and received publication in the FKHPS newsletter (Appendix B). In partnership with FKHPS, View Royal and Three work parties totalling 40 volunteer hours in Saanich, hold two work parties to maintain the park with 5th Tsartlip Cub Scouts, Telus native biodiversity of threatened woodland and volunteers, and FKHPS. Scouts painted yellow forest habitats. fish at storm drains and two weeding events were hosted with the help of FKHPS, 10 Telus volunteers and local residents. Increased membership in HAT and the FKHPS. During work parties new residents were brought into contact with the FKHPS. Landowners receiving land care packages were provided with membership information on HAT and FKHPS. Members and volunteers were also recruited during outreach events and guided nature walks.

Hold at least two public outreach events in the HAT attended the Strawberry Vale Pocket Market Park area highlighting woodland restoration on two Saturdays during the Speaker Series. HAT activities, watershed models, displays and and FKHPS will be presenting the final results workshops including partner organizations (e.g. along with the RRU management plan at a UVic, FKHPS, CRD Water, Royal Roads, etc.). community BBQ on Saturday August 23rd 2008. Host three guided nature walks with a HAT held a Speaker Series in the park on four professional naturalist in partnership with FKHPS, consecutive Saturdays featuring talks from fire Sierra Club and/or Victoria Natural History Society to ecologist Dr. Beckwith, Saanich arborist Ron promote low impact recreation in the Park. Carter, naturalists Darren and Claudia Copley and nature photographer Todd Carnahan. 11~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 11

Figure 4: Locations of project activities including community outreach events hosted, information packages delivered and landowners visited. Base map from CRD Natural Areas Atlas.

Almost all measurable outcome targets were met or exceeded during this project. Some activities were not planned initially but resulted from contacts and opportunities encountered during the project. Outcome highlights included; increased membership in HAT and FKHPS, 37 landowner visits, 25 signed Land Care Agreements, 40 volunteer hours completed, and 1 landowner interested in a conservation covenant (Table 1 and Figure 5). Interest in conservation covenants was considered a significant highlight as this would create an opportunity to effectively increase the total protected park area. It is also a subject seldom discussed during land care visits and therefore demonstrates the landowner’s genuine enthusiasm for conservation.

The number of people contacted via telephone (151) was fewer than anticipated. Although 200 people were the original goal for telephone contact HAT outreach specialists were limited by the number of contactable residents (Figure 5). With respect to past projects our ability to communicate with over 50% of contactable residents is still considered a success. Furthermore, when deciding on a goal for telephone contact HAT specialists were unaware of how many residents would be available for contact.

~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 12

Significant Residential and Park Issues Several significant residential and park issues were identified during HAT’s outreach work in the Knockan Hill Park neighbourhood. These issues threatening the ecological integrity of the park include; ecosystem fragmentation, soil loss, landowner perceptions, conifer in- growth, weed invasion and use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Through landowner contact HAT addressed these issues with residents and promoted wise land care practices as solutions. Royal Roads University students have also developed and recommended a draft management plan that would support a coordinated ecosystem approach to managing the park. HAT suggests that their recommendations be considered jointly by parks managers of both municipalities. Park issues are elaborated below.

Figure 5. Flow Chart of Knockan Hill Outreach Results.

Ecosystem fragmentation As human communities convert natural landscapes to urban developments, remaining sensitive ecosystems are degraded by isolation, fragmentation, edge effect, recreational use, and weed invasion. Without active management, plant communities in the park will continue to change into less desirable assemblages as a result of different disturbance regimes, climate, and newly introduced species. For example second growth Douglas fir forest is invading the highly valued Garry oak ecosystems due to lack of fire management resulting in the loss of biodiversity value. Ecological structure (e.g. wildlife trees) and functionality (e.g. native species production) suffer when biodiversity is lost. Some functions maintained by the Knockan Hill ecosystems include food resources, nesting habitat, migration corridors, cover for prey, soil creation, cooling, water retention and filtration, recovery from natural disturbances (resilience), and carbon sequestration.

In order to preserve these essential features active park management can mimic the original disturbances that formed the desired ecosystems. Management may take the form of invasive weed removal, tree cutting, restrictions on dogs, restoration areas and removal of unnecessary trails. However, these best management activities (such as tree cutting for safety) have faced opposition among residences unaware of the insidious changes resulting from conifer in-growth (Figure 6). Populations of species such as the Garry oak-dependent Propertius Duskywing butterfly (and 120 other species) have become threatened as a result of habitat degradation and loss of biodiversity in Garry oak ecosystems. Awareness of these issues is a necessary 13~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 13 prerequisite to ensure community support for effective park management techniques; educating landowners about ecological processes and best management practices for biodiversity is the focus HAT’s outreach efforts (Figure 5).

Soil Maintenance Soil loss is a large issue in and around the park. Soil formation is an extremely slow process taking upwards of thousands of years, but soil erosion and oxidation occur very quickly (Wilkinson, 2005). Areas specifically threatened by soil loss due to erosion include the steep slopes near the summit of Knockan Hill. During the drought season (May – August) these areas are particularly sensitive if vegetation is trampled or burned. Pedestrian and pet traffic is a significant agent of disturbance in the park and we are pleased to see the improved usage of core trails. HAT supports the continued provision of an oak leaf depot open to withdrawals and deposits by residents. Ultimately demand for this mulch will increase and residents will keep this valuable organic matter and carbon resource onsite for personal use.

Impervious surfaces Overall up to thirty percent of the Knockan Hill Park neighbourhood is covered by impervious surfaces such as roofs, asphalt, concrete, etc. Water quality and habitat degradation accelerate rapidly in watersheds when impervious surface area exceeds 12-13% of the total impervious areas. Impervious surfaces collect and concentrate precipitation into watercourses along with any debris in the path while storm drains carry oils, pesticides, nutrients, and other pollutants directly into natural freshwater systems (Booth and Jackson, 1997). Vegetative buffers counteract these effects because trees and ground vegetation absorb water and nutrients releasing them slowly into stream systems over a longer period of time.

South Valley Park, located at the east end of the outreach area, is a tributary of the salmon- bearing Colquitz Creek. Runoff entering this waterway could have serious consequences for local salmon populations. During our outreach HAT encouraged landowners to reduce the speed and quantity of water leaving their properties after rains. Reasonable techniques to accomplish this include the use of compost to hold water in gardens, permeable paved surfaces or gravel, and the use of grassed/composted drainage swales and rain gardens. The painting of yellow fish on storm drains was also an effective tool used to create awareness of this key issue.

Landowner perceptions Every property owner has a landscape aesthetic which they draw on to inform their land use decisions. This aesthetic can be based on cultural values or experiences with entirely different ecosystems. Working with landowners to develop their sense of ecological values is an important part of any landowner contact program. Only after residents become familiar with native species do they begin to appreciate and protect the region’s unique biodiversity. HAT cultivates any interest in native species that the landowner may harbour as the first step in fostering local ecological awareness.

Figure 6: Many Garry oak woodland species of Knockan Hill Park are dying in the shade of faster growing conifers.

Conifer In-growth Remnant patches of Garry oaks ecosystems in Knockan Hill Park are generally under immediate threat of shading by recent in-growth of conifers such as Douglas Firs (Figure 6). HAT showed

~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 14 residents how to recognize the sparse, reaching form of shaded arbutus and Garry oak. Ecologically significant remnant meadow patches are disappearing under the relatively low biodiversity second growth conifer canopy and associated weeds. Residents with concerns about falling conifers were referred to Saanich and View Royal tree protection bylaws with a recommendation to consult a professional arborist.

Weed Invasion Weeds tend to invade disturbed areas, forest edges and hedgerows. In the Knockan Hill Park area, disturbed sites include backyards bordering parks and public land. Weeds such as Lamium are frequently spread into natural areas by dumping of yard waste. Many weed infestations continue to expand in Saanich Right–of-Ways and stream buffers. Residents adjacent to municipally owned land typically don’t control weeds there because they are often seen as a municipal responsibility.

There are always new species being introduced as garden escapees or otherwise. While broom, English ivy and blackberry are well-known, Daphne and Lamium are not. Daphne is of particular concern since it is a recent, unknown, shade-tolerant and aggressive invader that is often mistaken for a Rhododendron (Figure 7). Proper identification and removal of invasive weeds was of particular focus during HAT’s outreach efforts. Some less common but notable weeds encountered by HAT staff in Knockan Hill included: Periwinkle (Vinca spp); Rose Campion; Dame’s Rocket and English Holly. To combat the increasing problem of invasive species, Saanich offered a pilot weed pick up program in the spring of 2005. The overwhelming response from residents indicates that an expanded program could effectively encourage landowner stewardship of natural places. HAT suggests that the program begin within neighbourhoods adjacent to targeted natural areas on a rotating basis. Weeds are less able to recover when attacked during drought; collection of specified weed plants could be timed to maximize the benefit of the drought stress period. Weed pick up would also be an excellent program to raise public goodwill as weeds are a very visible and common landowner issue. Furthermore, HAT discovered that many residents had been dumping their weed biomass in and around the park thereby creating more opportunities for weed invasion. If properly composted weed biomass could become an excellent resource for gardeners in Knockan Hill.

Figure 7: A dead tree in Knockan Hill Park covered by invasive exotic species.

Synthetic Pesticides and Fertilizers Synthetic pesticides and fertilizers are toxic to aquatic and terrestrial life directly and through Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) respectively. While few residents visited by this project admitted to using pesticides, field observations indicate that significant quantities of product are still being applied to many residential landscapes by licensed commercial operators.

Municipal staff and other authorities can address most of the identified issues through consistent messaging and by incorporating landowner outreach on topics identified in this report into Saanich and View Royal publications and workshops for residents. HAT attempted to address this issue by offering information to residents on alternative methods of pest and weed control in land care packages and visits.

15~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 15

HAT also recommended that residents use leaf mulch as the primary source of fertilizer for their property. Adding leaf mulch increases the amount of organic material in soils thereby improving their fertility and water holding capacity while also maintaining carbon on site. Residents receiving land care packages and visits were provided with information on how to create leaf mulch using biomass from their property.

Figure 8: Dr. Brenda Beckwith at a May Speaker Series event explaining the ecology of Camas lilies; a Garry oak ecosystem wildflower and traditional First Nations food resource.

~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 16

Evaluation

An independent evaluation of the project will be completed by a consultant to HAT in September of 2008 for submission to the primary funder.

Comments from Project Participants “Thank you very much, Ashley, for looking into all that. You've been very helpful, and I'll follow those recommendations. Is there someone I can contact to say how helpful you've been?” - visited landowner

“Thanks, Ashley. I enjoyed the visit with you and Todd. I have just gone through your folder of ‘goodies’ " - visited landowner

"Thank you again for your help. I will pass the information onto one of my neighbours." – visited landowner.

“We really liked how he tied everything in to environmental stewardship" - local resident.

Figure 9: Local resident describing her woodland property to other residents at a park event.

Lessons Learned HAT learns new techniques and better ways to reach the community through every outreach project. We found that the storm drain painting activities and our Speakers Series were successful in promoting residential awareness.

Facing difficulties reaching residents by telephone, we created more opportunities for landowners to meet with us on neutral ground (Figure 9). Furthermore we found that landowners were more likely to attend an outreach event after having been personally contacted by HAT staff. During these events we employed personal contacts among neighbours to reach several at once or to schedule later visits.

Limiting Factors Challenges experienced during this project included; the timeline and timing of the project, signage, and lack of contactable landowners adjacent to the park.

HAT’s timeline for landowner contact was limited due to funding shortfall and outreach capacity related to timing of summer intern hiring. As the project concluded there still remained

17~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 17 landowners interested in receiving land care visits; however, we were unable to schedule these visits due to exhausted funding for the project. Timing of the project was also an issue as many residents who were interested in receiving visits were away on vacation during May and June. Secondly, because of the dry season, we were unable to arrange for any native planting demonstrations with local residents which have in the past been successful in attracting more residents to the project.

Signage also became an issue as our supplier was unable to prepare our Habitat Steward signs in time for land care visits; as a result signs were installed towards the end of the project. Normally signs are put up as we recruit stewards thereby attracting more attention to the project while it is in effect. This unreasonable delay was a result of our request to use a new plastic signage material that is more eco-friendly than the aluminum material previously used.

We experienced unusual difficulty reaching residents adjacent to the park by telephone particularly in the District of Saanich. This may be due to the differences in demographics as compared to the more established, older neighbourhood in View Royal. More time spent meeting residents in the neighbourhood may have improved success at engaging landowners earlier in the project. The pocket market did not attract as many local residents as we had expected, so our outreach efforts there were less effective.

Contact information from View Royal was also received in the form of paper data. Municipalities that HAT has worked with in the past have sent this information in the form of an electronic copy so we were limited by the time required to manually enter these data into a database.

Organizational Capacity HAT trained two staff members in landowner contact methods. Skills included telephone dialogue, site assessment, landscaping prescription, correspondence, and research. HAT developed relationships with ongoing and new partners that will improve future outreach projects.

Figure 10: Cub scouts paint yellow fish at storm drains to promote awareness of sensitive salmon habitats downstream from the east side Knockan Hill Park Neighbourhood.

~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 18

Financial Statement

Table 2: Knockan Hill Good Neighbours Project actual expenses versus budgeted funds. Income Actual Budget Government Municipal District of Saanich $5,000 $5,000 Town of View Royal $4,000 $5,000 Provincial BC Gaming $4,113 Corporate Support Shell $5,000 $5,000 Vancity $5,000 $10,000 TD Friends of the Environment $3,500 $7,000 Vancouver Foundation $15,000 Total Income $26,613 $47,000

Expenses Staff Wages $19,140 $36,555 Office Rental $1,500 $3,000 Utilities $120 $870 Office Supplies $150 $600 Postage $15 $100 Insurance $350 $625 Printing and Photocopying $435 $400 Advertising $185 $200 Outreach Materials $433 $500 Plants $1,000 $2,000 Tools & Equipment $1,685 $200 Travel $200 $500 Event Expenses $140 $200 Staff Development $260 $250 Final Evaluation (independent contractor) $1,000 $1,000 Total Expenses $26,613 $47,000

19~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 19

Recommendations

¾ HAT recommends that View Royal and Saanich park managers consider suggestions made in the Royal Roads Knockan Hill Park management plan written by Royal Roads University students. Their report may help to foster a coordinated ecosystems approach to managing the park by addressing current issues identified by Royal Roads Students, the FKHPS, and HAT. Management policies should attempt to mimic the original disturbances that led to the creation of the park’s natural ecosystem. Some relevant policies include invasive weed control, tree cutting, restrictions on pets at large, restoration areas, and removal of excessive trails.

¾ In their joint efforts, Saanich and View Royal park managers would benefit from advertising management actions to residents, especially tree cutting events. Existing kiosks at trail heads and articles in the FKHPS newsletter can be used to bolster support and understanding of their efforts.

¾ South Valley Park, a tributary of the Colquitz Creek in the Knockan neighbourhood, is an excellent example of a natural area that has been effectively reclaimed as a riparian buffer to protect salmon habitat. Unfortunately, most residents in Knockan Hill appeared to be unaware of the positive actions taken by the District. HAT recommends installation of interpretive signage to increase support for successful park management techniques being employed in the neighbourhood.

¾ Establish a leaf depot at the top of Mildred Street near the park that is open to withdrawals by local residents. This material could be used directly by the FKHPS during community events aimed at amending exposed and eroded soils in Knockan Hill Park.

¾ To encourage proper weed disposal by residents in the neighbourhood HAT recommends that a weed disposal unit be established by volunteer park managers. Proper high temperature composting could provide local gardeners with valuable organic matter for gardens while reducing the amount of weeds being disposed of in park areas.

¾ Encourage and support residents who want to care for public lands, especially pocket parks and right of ways.

¾ Find and plant demonstration naturescaping sites on public lands that would be highly visible to local residents. The eastern trailhead at Mildred Street may be an ideal location for parkland reclamation through naturescaping.

¾ Ensure that the Friends of Knockan Hill Park Society remain in close communication with Knockan Hill Park managers to maximize benefit from the very high community interest in the park’s ecological integrity.

¾ Recommend future areas for community outreach in your municipality to HAT so that proper consideration and planning can be applied to candidate sites.

~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 20

Relevant Resources

Booth, D.B. and Jackson, R.C. 1997. Urbanization of aquatic systems - degradation thresholds, stormwater detention, and the limits of mitigation. Journal of the American Water Resources Association. 33(5): 1077-1090.

Capital Regional District. 2008. [Online] Natural Areas Atlas online mapping system. Features storm drain network, cadastral boundaries, stream courses, and 2005 ortho photo. Geocortex IMF technology. Available: http://www.crd.bc.ca/maps/natural/atlas.htm [July 15, 2008]

Duynstee, T. 1997. Landowner contact guide for British Columbia. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. Victoria, B.C. 64 pp.

Wilkinson, B.H. 2005. Humans as geological agents: A deep time perspective. Geology. 33(3): 161-164.

Tetlow, Andrea, Trudel, David, Burrow, Robert. Personal communication with these long term residents provided comprehensive information on the history and development of the Knockan Hill Park neighbourhood.

21~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 21

Appendix A: Outreach materials

• Postcard to Residents (below) • Land Care Agreement • Land Care Prescription form • Land Care Package Contents List • Land Care Visit Data Collection Form

~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 22

HAT staff signed 25 of the above voluntary agreements with Knockan Hill neighbourhood landowners. The following figure is a form for the Land Care Prescriptions provided to visited landowners. Land Care Prescriptions reinforce messages, recommendations, and observations made by staff during visits. Appropriate actions, native plant options, and invasive species found are circled or highlighted during the property visit. 23~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 23

~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 24

Land Care Information Package Contents

Habitat Acquisition Trust • HAT Chat: latest edition of HAT’s Newsletter • Habitat Acquisition Trust brochure

Knockan Hill Park • Knockan Hill Park Flyer with trails map: Friends of Knockan Hill Park Society

Habitats & Wildlife: • Garry Oak Ecosystems: Ministry of Environment, Land and Parks brochure • Species at Risk Poster: Canadian Wildlife Services • Garry Oak ecosystems recovery team: flyer

Invasive Plants brochures • Beautiful in your Garden but be Aware: Invasive Plant Council of BC • Controlling invasive plants on your property: District of Saanich

Watershed Stewardship: • Gorge Waterway Initiative (GWI) Info Sheet • Through the Cracks, Impervious surfaces in Greater Victoria: a CRD brochure describing effects of increasing impervious area on waterways • Efficient Irrigation Device Rebate Program: CRD Water • 2 toilet leak detector tablets: Niagara Conservation Corporation

Organic Lawn & Garden Care: • Creating Wildlife Habitat in Your Own Backyard page: HAT • Backyard Composting; Fact Sheet Series #1: Victoria Compost Education Centre • HAT native gardening sheets: Best Native Plants for Dry and Moist Sites; Wildflowers and other Native Plants of Garry Oak Ecosystems; The Wild Garden Party Demonstration • Playing it Safe: Healthy Choices to Control Lawn and Garden Pests, and • What Does Clean Really Mean? Putting Your Home Into De-Tox: Georgia Strait Alliance publication on dangers of home cleaning products and natural alternatives

First Nations • Kwetlal “Camas”; Camas Harvest and Pit Cook: Songhees Lands Department flyer

Climate Change • British Columbia’s Parks in the Greenhouse: Flyer by David Suzuki Foundation and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society

Additional Outreach Materials • HAT Land Care Prescription form • Turn your oak leaves into wildflowers! – a flyer with stewardship tips for Garry oak meadows; • HAT Tips for a Healthy, Happy Organic Lawn: a 2-page flyer on organic lawn care

These and other materials were distributed to landowners in the stewardship package. Many are also available on HAT’s web page.

25~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 25

Site Visit Data Collection Form

~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 26 Appendix B: Media Materials

HAT News Release: Knockan Hill Park Under Threat; Neighbours rally around Garry Oak meadows. (March 31, 2008)

Articles:

Knockan Hill Park News (Friends of Knockan Hill Society Newsletter)

Television:

Shaw Daily segment (April 28, 2008)

Telus Community Fund segment (May 31, 2008)

27~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 27

For Immediate Release

Knockan Hill Park Under Threat Neighbours rally around Garry Oak meadows

March 26, 2008

Victoria – This spring Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT) is working with local residents and municipalities to protect and restore Knockan Hill Park, which contains some of the last

Garry oak meadows in Victoria. The Friends of Knockan Hill Park Society (FKHPS) invited HAT to provide community outreach services to over 400 residents bordering the park. The goal of this project is to raise awareness about the high value of natural areas for biodiversity and community health. This project is part of HAT’s award winning Good Neighbours strategy to protect our region’s last remaining significant habitats. HABITAT Although officially protected as a municipal park, Knockan Hill still faces increasing threats that could reduce its biodiversity and habitat values over the long term. Invasive species, isolation, soil erosion, and inappropriate recreational uses impact the park’s sensitive ecosystems. ACQUISITION “Local residents play a crucial role in park protection”, says HAT’s Land Care Co ordinator Todd Carnahan. “Citizens can make a real difference in the park’s health through simple actions on their own land and on Knockan Hill.” TRUST Interested homeowners can get a free information package, a unique map of the area, and a confidential visit by HAT biologists. Eco-friendly neighbours are eligible to join HAT’s network of Habitat Stewards throughout our region.

“The Friends of Knockan Hill Park Society are thrilled that HAT is delivering a Good

Neighbours Project in the area, said resident David Trudel. “This should go a long way towards enhancing the neighbourhood's appreciation of the park and will also significantly #316, 620 View St mitigate the risks to the park.” PO Box 8552 Victoria, B.C. Many events are planned in and around the park for residents and students. In May and V8W 3S2 June, HATs’ speaker series highlights the spring wildflower bloom, ecological functions, and native history of these rare habitats. Topics will include insect pollinators, tree care, native plants for food and medicine, nature photography, and naturescaping for wildlife. Tel: (250) 995.2428 Fax: (250) 920.7975 HAT is also planning a naturescape garden tour that features some of the best landscaping practices for drought tolerant, wildlife friendly gardens. Students and boy scouts will pursue [email protected] activities like bird box building, invasive plant management, and nature tours. Students at www.hat.bc.ca Royal Roads University have partnered with Saanich and View Royal to create a park management plan to guide park activities over the long term. HAT welcomes inquiries from local groups interested in hands on learning activities that support the park’s integrity.

Project sponsors include the District of Saanich, the Town of View Royal, BC Gaming Commission, Telus Community Investment, and TD Canada Trust Friends of Environment Foundation.

What: Knockan Hill Good Neighbours Project Why: to protect Knockan Hill’s Garry Oak meadows and fir forest When: March through June, 2008 Where: Knockan Hill area including Helmken Rd, Burnside Rd, & Wilkinson Rd

For more information on HAT or this project, including maps and photos, contact Todd Carnahan Tel. 995-2428 [email protected] fax 920 7975 www.hat.bc.ca.

~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 28 -30- Creating Conservation Legacies Background information Since 1996

Habitat Acquisition Trust Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT) is a regional land trust established by the Victoria Natural History Society in 1996. HAT’s mission is to enhance the protection and stewardship of regionally significant lands on southern Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands. We do this through: • community projects promoting environmental education and stewardship; • conservation covenants and other legal mechanisms; and, • acquisition of ecologically significant habitats. Habitat Acquisition Trust is committed to creating a conservation legacy for current and future generations. Since 2002, HAT’s award-winning Good Neighbours project has assisted over 2000 property owners to protect and enhance wildlife habitat on their land. To learn more about HAT and the Good Neighbours Stewardship Strategy, visit our website at www.hat.bc.ca.

Friends of Knockan Hill Park Society FKHPS Contact: David Trudel Home: 250 479-2778 Work: 250 387-2338

Organization Mandate 1) To protect, preserve and perpetuate the natural character and the natural ecosystems of Knockan Hill Park.

2) To encourage and practice the principles of conservation, and to educate park users on appropriate care of the park

3) To promote expansion of the park when and where the opportunity arises.

Current Activities and Completed Projects FKHPS provides local stewardship of the park, practices habitat restoration by removing exotic plant invasive species such as Scotch Broom and English Ivy and holly. The Friends constructed a Park Interpretation Board at the entrance to the park, and wrote a Park Information brochure to distribute from the Interpretation Board. FKHPS was instrumental in the dedication of 101 High Street as part of Knockan Hill Park. HAT owns a conservation covenant on this property.

Knockan Hill Park Knockan Hill Park occupies the summit and south and east slopes of Knockan Hill. The park is located on the west boundary of Saanich adjacent to the Town of View Royal. The park contains endangered Garry oak ecosystems and Coastal Douglas fir forest. Stranton Lodge Heritage Site is part of a large property added to Knockan Hill Park in 1973 thanks in part to efforts by the FKHPS.

29~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 29

~ Creating a Conservation Legacy ~ 30

Table of Contents