Ecological Restoration at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
Taylor Nishimura, Community Coordinator at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
September 2025
Photo: Taylor Nishimura
Ecological Restoration program activities offered at the Nature Sanctuary include three times weekly opportunities to learn about invasive species management. This includes safety, plant identification, removal techniques, and native plantings and cultivation. These activities take place around the Swan Lake wetland and on the critical kwetlal (camas) food – oak meadow ecosystem on Christmas Hill – as well as in our demonstration Native Plant Garden at the Nature House.
In 2024, about 286 volunteers participated in ecological restoration, removing approximately 25,000 kg of non-native plants from the site. The Nature Sanctuary offers hands-on nature experiences for many community members. Volunteer activities are not only a significant part of ecosystem restoration activities but have become a key community gathering space and an important avenue for place-based environmental education.
Invasive species volunteer removals, also known as Stewardship Meet-ups, are offered Tuesday and Saturday mornings continuously throughout the year. To join a Stewardship Meet-up, fill out a Volunteer Application Form.
info@swanlake.bc.ca
Office Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9:00am – 4:00pm
3873 Swan Lake Road,
Victoria, BC, V8X 3W1
swanlake.bc.ca
We acknowledge the lək ̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the Nature Sanctuary stands, and the lək ̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
We respect the vital relationships of First Peoples with these lands and waters for countless generations. We are honoured to receive Indigenous guidance and welcome collaboration in stewardship and appreciation of the Nature Sanctuary.
