Mount Stephen Park

Mount Stephen Park is a small Oaklands green space that protects one of Victoria’s rare Garry Oak ecosystems.

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Location

About

Mount Stephen Park is 0.22 hectares and located in the Oaklands area of Victoria.
Oaklands is named for the gnarled Garry Oak trees that grow here. Native to southeastern Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands, this rare ecosystem has been greatly reduced by development. Today, less than five percent remains.
Mount Stephen Park is one of the pockets still surviving in the city, protected in neighbourhood green spaces and gardens.
The Garry Oak ecosystem has long been central to Coast Salish culture, reflecting deep traditional knowledge and an enduring spiritual connection to the land. As careful stewards, the ecosystem provided roots, bulbs, berries, and nuts.
This place was known as Camosun for the abundant camas that bloomed here each spring.
Some of the wildlife and plants you may find in the park include Cedar waxwing, Steller’s jay, Little brown bat, Oregon grape, and Snowberry (source).