Our Next NPSG Event is Guest Speaker & Meeting
Thursday March 20th 2025 at 7:00pm
Swan Lake Nature House and on Zoom
Topic Focus: Changing Nature
with Dr. Eric Higgs, Professor at the University of Victoria
Talk Topic: Changing Nature
Rapid shifts in climate and other environmental factors, species globalization, and cultural values about nature are compelling changes in the way we think about and approach ecological restoration. There is no simple answer (of course!) but adopting flexible and adaptable approaches will help. I will be arguing for a “big tent” approach to restoration in the future, incorporating diverse practices and approaches that stretch beyond classical restoration.
About Speaker:
Eric Higgs (PhD, FRSC, FRCGS) is a Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria, Canada. His scholarly work focuses on ecological restoration, regenerative ecological design, ecological novelty, and mountain landscape change. He explored these themes in Nature By Design (MIT Press, 2003), as co-editor of Novel Ecosystems (Wiley, 2013), and many articles. He leads the Mountain Legacy Project (mountainlegacy.ca), the world’s largest systematic repeat photography project aimed at understanding historical change in Canada’s mountain landscapes. He co-directs a research collaboration with Christine Lintott Architects on regenerative ecological design, and for the last decade has taught a community-based field course on this topic at the Millard Learning Centre on Galiano Island. From 2001-2003, he was Chair of the Society for Ecological Restoration. His prior academic appointments were at the University of Alberta and Oberlin College, with visiting appointments at Waterloo, MIT, British Columbia, Western Australia, and Groningen.
~In-Person and Online~
In Person Location: At the Swan Lake Nature House, 3873 Swan Lake Road -> Link to Map
Cost: Free event but donations gratefully accepted! Everyone welcome, and no need to RSVP.
What to Expect:
Event Timeline:
6:30-7:00 Volunteer Set up and socialize (anyone welcome to help for 3 free raffle tickets!)
7:00-7:20 Introductions & Welcome, Announcements, Question Jar
7:20-8:30 Presentation including Q&A
8:30-8:45 Tea & Cookies break
8:45-9:00 Plant Raffle!
Help with set up or bring cookies to share for 3 free raffle tickets!
Note: This talk will be recorded, and all speaker talks are shared to NPSG members. To become a member, visit npsg.ca $25 for the year.
What to bring:
- A mug for herbal tea or decaf coffee
- A friend if you want
- Some small change for cookies, tea, or raffle tickets
- Drop in admission is by donation (if possible), or $25 for your annual 2025 membership fee
- Native plant or native seeds if you have extra for the plant raffle
- A flashlight as the path is not well lit leading to the Nature House from the Parking Lot
Accessibility Notes:
The Nature House Building is on the ground/main floor and is wheelchair accessible up a concrete path with a slight incline. There are two accessible parking spots at the very end of Swan Lake Road here past the main parking lot, about 20 steps from the front door. The area is not well lit – flashlight or additional light is recommended. Washrooms are accessible inside the building. There is a HEPA filter air purifier we turn on during our meetings, masks are not required.
Territorial Acknowledgement:
The Native Plant Study Group respectfully acknowledges that we meet on the unceded territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ and Lekwungen Peoples. We are a garden group with a strong interest in gardening with native plants for their aesthetic, intrinsic, and conservation values. We gratefully recognize the longstanding stewards of these plants and ecosystems, as well as their cultural significance.
We encourage a safe and respectful space for everyone to learn along with us in our individual and collective pathways of decolonization.
Registration Information is also sent via the NPSG email newsletter. Please send us an email at nativeplantstudygroup@gmail.com if you have problems or questions.
Native Plant Study Group is on Zoom!
NPSG is still using Zoom to host our monthly talks, and we host in-person events as well. Meeting details will be sent out via the NPSG email newsletter. If you would like to become a member, please see our Membership Info.
Who We Are
The Native Plant Study Group respectfully acknowledges that we meet on the unceded territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ and Lekwungen Peoples. We are a garden group with a strong interest in gardening with native plants for their aesthetic, intrinsic, and conservation values. We gratefully recognize the longstanding stewards of these plants and ecosystems, as well as their cultural significance.
General meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month from September to May (except December) and feature a speaker, draw for native plants, and discussion.
Many thanks to our Sustaining Supporters!
These businesses provide discounts to our active card-holding members:
- Borden Mercantile
- Buckerfields
- Dig This
- Garden Works
- Satinflower Nurseries (formerly Saanich Native Plants Nursery)
Territorial Acknowledgement:
The Native Plant Study Group respectfully acknowledges that we meet on the unceded territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ and Lekwungen Peoples. We are a garden group with a strong interest in gardening with native plants for their aesthetic, intrinsic, and conservation values. We gratefully recognize the longstanding stewards of these plants and ecosystems, as well as their cultural significance.
We encourage a safe and respectful space for everyone to learn along with us in the process of decolonization.