Restoration of the Yellow Montane Violet Population in Summit Park, Victoria, B.C.

Abstract

Viola praemorsa spp. praemorsa (Yellow Montane Violet) is a Species at Risk, red-listed plant in B.C and it is listed as endangered by COSEWIC. A few small patches of this plant species are found in the Garry oak ecosystem located at Summit Park in Victoria, B.C. Introducing invasive grasses and other non-native plant species to the area has led to the degradation of the yellow montane violet habitat in the park. This project aims to increase yellow montane violet populations’ health and numbers. The objective of this project is to improve the habitat of the yellow montane violet in Summit Park by reducing surrounding invasive species. The primary approach to achieve this objective is to eliminate the invasive grasses from continuing to overtake the yellow montane violet habitat. This was carried out by removing the seed bank of unwanted species and the removal of invasive species. Mulch was added to the area to prevent the invasive grasses from growing late in the season. This report summarizes the restoration work implemented on the plots in Summit Park.