Preserving British Columbia's Critically Endangered Garry Oak Ecosystems Through Seed Banking
In a significant conservation effort, a novel seed bank initiative in British Columbia is taking shape to preserve the genetic diversity of native plant species from critically endangered Garry oak ecosystems. These unique habitats, found primarily on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, have dwindled to just five percent of their original extent due to extensive land development and continue to face mounting threats from climate change, wildfires, invasive species, and urban expansion.
A Collaborative Conservation Strategy
The ambitious plan involves multiple organizations working in partnership to collect and preserve seeds from rare and culturally significant plants. Key participants include the Nupqu Native Plant Nursery, the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, University of British Columbia botanical gardens, and the Coastal Douglas fir Conservation Partnership, which is administered by the B.C. Conservation Foundation.
"A clear goal and direction came, and that was to protect the genetic and species diversity of B.C.'s native plants," explains Stephanie Woods, program manager with the Douglas fir partnership.
Dual Storage Hubs for Maximum Security
The preservation strategy involves creating duplicate seed bank "hubs" in two separate locations to ensure redundancy and protection against potential disasters. Seeds will be stored in off-site cold storage facilities at both the Nupqu Native Plant Nursery in Cranbrook and the UBC botanical gardens.
This dual-location approach provides critical insurance against the loss of genetic material should any single facility experience problems. The cold storage method helps maintain seed viability for extended periods, creating a valuable resource for future restoration efforts.
Multiple Conservation Objectives
The seed bank initiative serves several interconnected conservation purposes. According to Woods, the project aims to prevent species extinction, preserve genetic diversity, and provide a seed source for potential restoration of degraded landscapes. Additionally, the effort seeks to maintain Indigenous harvest areas and sustain biodiversity in the face of future catastrophic events.
The team has established long-term goals that include developing a comprehensive database and working toward data sovereignty with Indigenous nations involved in the project. This process is expected to be ongoing and will require substantial time and collaboration to achieve.
Funding Secured for Conservation Efforts
Financial support for the initiative has been secured through multiple sources. The Islands Trust Conservancy approved a $10,000 opportunity grant to the B.C. Conservation Foundation in November, which helped provide matching funds for the project. Meanwhile, the B.C. Parks Foundation, through the B.C. Conservation Fund, approved $200,000 in funding over two years, contingent on matching the same amount through fundraising efforts—a goal that was successfully met by the end of 2025.
The opportunity grant funding will support several specific activities, including a second Seed Bank Network gathering event scheduled for spring, honorariums for Indigenous attendees, and assistance for individuals facing financial barriers to participation. Additional funds will cover contractors for seed collection of priority species in Garry oak ecosystems, shipping and seed storage costs, utilities to operate the storage hubs, and administrative fees to the B.C. Conservation Foundation, which coordinates the grants and funds with a 15 percent administrative charge.
This comprehensive seed banking initiative represents a proactive approach to conservation, creating a genetic safety net for some of British Columbia's most threatened ecosystems while honoring the cultural significance of native plant species to Indigenous communities.
