In the spring of 2024, the GCA established the Talking Trees Nature Reserve (AKA Galiano Island District Lot 50), a 42 hectare property featuring ecologically diverse mature and old-growth Coastal Douglas-fir forest.
Talking Trees stretches from Trincomali Channel to Galiano’s central ridgeline. It is one of the last intact tracts of mature forest left on Galiano Island and is among the most biodiverse areas in the region. The property encompasses a range of south-facing woodlands, cliffs and bluffs, as well as Garry Oak ecosystems, which are home to an extraordinary diversity of plant and animal species (GOERT).
The acquisition of this property was made possible through the Old Growth Nature Fund, a collaborative initiative established by the B.C. and federal governments as part of Canada’s commitment to protect 25% of terrestrial areas by 2025. The fund aims to safeguard old-growth forests and critical habitats across British Columbia, ensuring the preservation of biodiversity and the resilience of carbon-rich ecosystems.
Galiano Island is part of the Southern Gulf Islands archipelago and lies near the centre of both the biologically diverse Salish Sea and the provincially and globally imperiled Coastal Douglas-Fir biogeoclimatic zone (CDF).
Home to the highest number of at-risk species and ecosystems in BC, the CDF zone is of great conservation concern, yet only 11% of its area is currently protected. Preserving these forests helps maintain habitat and connectivity for native plants and wildlife species. The sheltered waters and rich biodiversity of nearshore areas also provide significant habitat for resident and overwintering birds, intertidal life, fish and marine mammals.
The Talking Trees Nature Reserve protects:
Coastal forests in the Salish Sea are among the most carbon-dense ecosystems and have been shown to sequester more carbon per hectare than other areas of the CDF.
Extreme heat and higher average temperatures brought on by climate change greatly increase the risk of forest fires. These mature Douglas-fir stands feature greater diversity and heterogeneity within these forests and help mitigate fire risk.
The preservation of these lands provides critical habitat for threatened species.
Species at risk known to frequent the property and adjacent coastline include Great Blue Heron, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Barn Swallow, California Gull, Surf Scoter, Band-tailed Pigeon, Double-crested Cormorant, Brandt’s Cormorant, Purple Martin, Common Murre, Steller Sea Lion, and Red-legged Frog. It is highly likely that other sensitive species, including Marbled Murrelet, Horned Grebe, Little Brown Myotis, and Sharp-tailed Snake also use the property.
Additionally, the Talking Trees Nature Reserve features well-preserved, mature riparian ecosystems, which are now extremely rare in BC’s Southern Gulf Islands.
The Talking Trees Nature Reserve also holds cultural significance for local First Nations. Located within the traditional and unceded territories of the Penelakut, Hwlitsum (Lamalcha), and other Hul’qumi’num-speaking peoples, the Talking Trees Nature Reserve will preserve habitat for many traditional food sources, such as lila’ (salmonberry), and culturally significant species, including x’pey (western redcedar), which dominates the swamps and riparian corridors found across many areas of the property.
The Galiano Conservancy Association is committed to reconcili-action, actively working to build and maintain respectful, collaborative relationships with local Indigenous communities. By engaging in meaningful dialogue, the GCA aims to honor Indigenous knowledge and cultural significance in its conservation efforts.
The GCA would also like to acknowledge the previous owners of the property, Gundy and Andrew Macnab, for their generous contribution towards a land stewardship endowment, to ensure management and restoration activities can continue on the Talking Trees Nature Reserve into the foreseeable future. Long committed to conservation, the Macnabs were closely involved with the grassroots initiative to protect Mount Galiano, and have, along with their family, been careful stewards of the Talking Trees property for over three decades.
This remarkable property had long been identified as a priority for preservation, and discussions with the family regarding acquiring the parcel for conservation began several years ago.
Over the coming months, the GCA will conduct an ecological baseline survey and develop a long-term management plan with input from First Nations, neighbours, and other local stakeholders.
If you are in a position to do so, please consider making a donation to the Talking Trees project, to support management activities and the building of public trails and infrastructure at this important property.
Hiking is possible on the property. The reserve is projected to formally open to the public in 2025, once the management plan, signage, and new trails are developed. Existing community trails north of Porlier Pass Road and between Porlier Pass Road and Ganner Road can continue to be used and are slated to be upgraded for the 2025 opening.
Explore photos and other media captured at the Talking Trees Nature Reserve property
