Friends of Matson LandsOrganization Mandate
To work for the purchase, restoration and preservation of Garry oak and associated ecosystems on the Matson Lands in Victoria's Inner Harbour. To educate Esquimalt residents on the preservation and restoration of local and remnant native ecosystems. Locations
The Matson Lands are located on the border between the municipalities of Esquimalt and the City of Victoria and front onto the Westsong Walkway. The northern boundary of the lands is situated along Dunsmuir Road. The property, once owned by the Salvation Army, was purchased by Mandalay Development. The lower hectare of the property, containing Garry oak and associated ecosystems, was donated to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, who have now transferred the title to Habitat Acquisition Trust. This site is the last undeveloped green space left on Victoria's Inner Harbour. Current Activities and Projects
We are working in partnership with Habitat Acquisition Trust and out other partners to protect and restore the Matson Lands' sensitive ecosystems. We are also working in partnership with Esquimalt Parks & Recreation to restore the small portion of the property that is currently under a conservation covenant. Completed Activities and Projects
Worked with the Nature Conservancy, the Township of Esquimalt, the Westbay Residents Association, Habitat Acquisition Trust and the developer to successfully negotiate the protection of this property.
Restoration work (removal of invasive exotic plant species) is ongoing on the property.
In 2003, with the assistance of Esquimalt Parks and Recreation and the (now defunct) Greenways Advisory Committee of the Provincial Capital Commission, FML installed two interpretive signs addressing the history of the site and the natural history of Garry oak ecosystems in the region.
Fundraising Initiatives
Funds are required for ongoing restoration work. Partners
West Bay Residents Association
Saxe Point Residents Association
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT)
Municipality of Esquimalt
Publications
Pamphlet Volunteers Required
Fundraising
Computer Skills - website construction
Legal
Restoration work ("broom bashing") - NB: restoration work is carried out only by organised work groups in order for us to minimise trampling of sensitive portions of the site and to restrict activity to appropriate times of year. Contact FML or HAT for further information on work party dates.
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944 Dunsmuir Road
Esquimalt, BC V9A 5C3 Phone: 250-381-8648
Main Contact
Louise Blight
member
Phone: 250-381-8648
Email: lkblight@sfu.ca
Secondary Contact
Carmen Cadrin
250-381-2785
Email: carmenc@shaw.ca
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