Spring 2026
Working with Native Plants in our Local Ecosystems
with Kristen Miskelly
Thursday | 19 March | Events Pavilion
7pm | by donation
Southern Vancouver Island is home to unique and sensitive ecosystems that depend on native plants. In this talk, Kristen Miskelly of Satinflower Nurseries shares the work we do at the nursery and why it matters. Drawing on local examples, the talk explores why native plants are so important to ecosystem health, how they differ from invasive species, and what this means for caring for land in our region.
About Satinflower Nurseries
Satinflower Nurseries is a southern Vancouver Island native plant and seed nursery specializing in regionally adapted native plants and seed, seed-based propagation, ecological restoration, and education.
Presenter: Kristen Miskelly is a co-owner of Satinflower Nurseries, a native plant and seed nursery based on southern Vancouver Island. Her work focuses on growing regionally adapted native plants and seed, supporting ecological restoration projects, and helping communities work more effectively with native plants in local landscapes. Kristen holds an MSc and is a Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio).
PAST SPEAKERS
Plants and Fungi
with Andy MacKinnon
Saturday | 14 June | By Donation
Plants are fascinating. Fungi are fascinating. But for sheer entertainment value, it’s difficult to beat plants plus fungi. Fungi have been associated with plants since plants first colonized the land, and are requisite partners of almost all of our familiar Sooke plants.
Presenter: Forest ecologist Andy MacKinnon (MSc, DSc) is the co-author of six best-selling guidebooks to BC plants, and the Royal BC Museum Handbook “Mushrooms of British Columbia”. Through his 30-year career with the BC Forest Service, Andy was involved in defining and implementing ecosystem-based management in Haida Gwaii and the Great Bear Rainforest. He has co-taught rainforest ecology field courses in Bamfield and Tofino (for UVic) and Haida Gwaii (for UBC). Andy is a retired BC Professional Forester and Professional Biologist, President of the South Vancouver Island Mycological Society, and Board Chair for our regional land trust, Habitat Acquisition Trust. He is an enthusiastic advocate for conservation and responsible resource management.