The forests and grasslands in and around southeastern Vancouver Island harbor dozens of federally-listed rare species, and are of immense aesthetic, cultural, recreational, and economic value to people. The structure, composition, and diversity of these ecosystems in the present day is influenced not only by natural environmental gradients and obvious human disturbances such as suburban and agricultural development, but also by less obvious changes in land use and management practices of native peoples over the past 200 years.
Our research employs a variety of methods and data sources–ranging from land survey records from the 1850s, present-day surveys of plant communities, molecular-genetic analyses of particular species, and geographic information systems–to characterize the influence of past and present, and natural and anthropogenic processes on biodiversity in this region. For example, we have found dense human populations around regional parks impact native plant species detrimentally, while encouraging non-native species. Historical land survey records and geographic analyses have revealed a clear signal of prescribed fire by native peoples maintaining open savannas to a far greater extent, and in a wider variety of environmental conditions, than today. The main traditional food plant of native peoples–camas–shows strong genetic differentiation across space, but no obvious influence of historical bulb trading. Ongoing research addresses the response of butterflies (PDF) to environmental and plant-community changes in this region, and will integrate different sources of historical data to provide a comprehensive picture of how and why plant communities have changes over the past two centuries.
Thank you for yet another beautiful and interesting morning.
I am amazes at the picture of the cammas lilies blooming on the rocks- I thought they favored moist meadows! Could I plant them in a rock garden?
Beautiful pictures! Your research of butterflies brings to mind a group raising awaresness for pollinator species here in Ontario.
Here’s the website :
http://www.pollinator.ca/guelph/
That is one of the prettiest colors I have ever seen in flowers. These pictures just keep getting prettier and prettier!
I’m adding my appreciation of site, photos, and articles! I love today’s tree standing so bravely.
this species has been a staple crop for many indigenous people in North America – how long would such a beauty last if it was wildcrafted in our own over-populated society?
incredible color, dependable perennial
Such a beautiful site and a great way to start the day. I love these in the garden but now I love them more seeing them in their natural site!
Thanks!
Now that’s just plain stunning. Thanks for this!
Beautiful photo. This species was important to the native population here on Gabriola Island (Southern Gulf Islands) – wars were fought over ownership of fields of these plants. Sadly, they appear to be in decline due to habitat loss, as are many other native plants and fungi.
Too pretty to eat!
this lovely flower does not
grow in florida it would seem
population and growth affects
humans and butterflies-it has here
thank you i have been reading your
pages hope to read further
I love camas, and the Oregon White Oak both. I’ve planted quite a few camas in a field near my home – only very few have took.
Thanks for the Camas picture and write up–I’m from Idaho so it is nice to see a familiar and important plant! I appreciated the article on the butterflies. The word needs to get out!