TheTrial Islands Ecological Reserve is anature reserve on theTrial Islands in theBritish Columbia province ofCanada just off the southern tip ofOak Bay[1] in theStrait of Juan de Fuca. The twenty-three-hectare ecological reserve was established in 1990 to protect two elongated rocky islands and associated islets. It protects the greatest number of endangered and vulnerable species in a single ecological reserve in British Columbia.[2][3]
Flora on the reserve includegreat and common camas and stands of wind-adaptedGarry oaks that cover the island. Endangered or threatened plants include thewhite-top aster,paintbrush owl-clover,golden paintbrush,creeping wild rye,rosy owl-clover,California buttercup,snake-root sanicle,purple sanicle, andScouler's campion. This is the most northern limit of their range for many of these species. Nine plant communities have been described, including the red-listed Garry oak-California brome association.
The Trial Islands provide roosting sites forcormorants,black oystercatchers,diving ducks,gulls,eagles,raptors, andshorebirds, as well as haul-out sites forsea lions andseals.
48°23′53″N123°18′20″W / 48.39806°N 123.30556°W /48.39806; -123.30556
