We are pursuing funding to reestablish the Natural History Centre’s Ethnobotanical Native Plant Demonstration Garden in our new location. The garden was located just outside our entrance at the Community School. Unfortunately, the garden perished due to the fire at the school in August 2018, except for a few plants which have been replanted in the new parking area across from the Farmer’s Market. We hope to reestablish the garden at our new location in the future.

Part of each plant in the garden were used by food or medicine by one or several of the Northwest Coast First Peoples. The knowledge of plants and their sustaining relationship to humans is central to Indigenous world views. Native conservation encourages plants to continue in places where they thrive and will provide their gifts for the future.

Plants at the garden included Kinnikinnick, Soapberry, Red Elderberry, Licorice Fern, Prickly Pear Cactus, Nootka Rose, Blue Camas, Chocolate Lily, and more.

Read more about the history and vision of the garden.

Earth Day Activities at the Garden: Hornby Island students learn about the ethno plants – yarrow and pearly everlasting particularly – then prepare clumps to take home and plant.

Pictured above: Stonecrop in the ethnobotanical garden by barb biagi.