Plants out of Place: Navigating the Impacts of Invasive Species on Garry Oak Ecosystems
With Hunter Jarratt
Summary: This presentation sheds light on the pressing issue of invasive species, with an emphasis on their impacts upon the Endangered Garry Oak ecosystems of Vancouver Island. It will encompass species identification, negative impacts occurring on the land, management strategies, current policies, and actionable steps that individuals can take to help mitigate their spread.
Brief Biographical Sketch:
Hunter Jarratt, born May 27, 2000, on Vancouver Island, is an invasive species specialist. Deeply committed to environmental protection, Hunter pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Protection at Vancouver Island University. During his studies he worked as an Ecological Restoration Assistant with VIU Restoration, helping to help bring Garry Oak habitat back to campus.
He has experience working with the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia, and as the Operations Lead with the Coastal Invasive Species Committee, where he was able to collaborate with multiple jurisdictions including Indigenous, private, municipal, and provincial partners. Currently, he works as a Restoration Consultant for Kiki’s Nursery in Ladysmith, where he has begun a project returning farmland back into a Garry Oak ecosystem.
Through his social media (@invasivespeciesguy), which mainly centres around invasive species and their management in British Columbia, he has worked to educate, motivate, and inspire people to get involved with protecting the province’s native biodiversity. He was a speaker at the INVASIVES 2023 Forum & AGM, and at the 15th Annual GOERT (Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team) Conference.
Over the last four years, Hunter has been able to volunteer with a variety of conservation organizations and initiatives across Vancouver Island, totalling over 500 hours, and is committed to leaving behind a legacy of environmental protection.