Woodley Range Ecological Reserve
Woodley Range Ecological Reserve was established in 1996 to preserve special plant species richness and unique and species-rich meadow and woodland ecosystems.
Ecological reserves are selected areas in British Columbia to protect specific natural ecosystems, species of plants and animals, features and phenomena.
Conservation of physical and biological diversity and genetic materials while allowing for research and educational activities are the primary purposes of ecological reserves.
This ecological reserve protects a minimum of 187 vascular plant species, including 27 rare plant species such as slimleaf onion (Allium amplectins), Howell's violet (Viola howellii), dune bentgrass (Agrostis pallens), Nuttall's quillwort (Isoetes nuttallii), green-sheathed sedge (Carex feta), bog bird's-foot trefoil (Lotus pinnatus) and white-top aster (Aster curtus).
It's needed to be mention that Woodley Range Ecological Reserve is closed to the public to protect these species-rich ecosystems.
With about 159 hectares (393 acres) area, Woodley Range Ecological Reserve has located 2 km (1.2 miles) north of Ladysmith on southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. This area includes several large meadows with shallow soils on cretaceous sandstones that support a glorious spring flora like "Lomatium utriculatum" and "Saxifraga ferruginea" until the dry season of the year. Most of The forests in Woodley Range Ecological Reserve are second-growth Arbutus and Douglas fir forests. This reserve is in the full bloom of "Plectritis congesta" and "Dodecatheon pulchellum." "Lotus pinnatus" and "Fontinalis antipyretica" can be found in wetlands. Ladysmith Bog Ecological Reserve, which is 7.7 km (4.7 miles) far from Woodley Range Ecological Reserve, features spectacular beauties that all need preservation.
From Nanaimo:
The fastest route from Nanaimo to Woodley Range Ecological Reserve is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S. It is 23.6 km (14.6 miles) and takes about 25 minutes.
Take Wallace St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S for 550 m (1804.4 ft). Turn right onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S and drive 15.7 km (9.7 miles). Continue on Cedar Rd. Drive to Aho Rd, and after 7.3 km (4.5 miles), you will reach Woodley Range Ecological Reserve.
From Victoria:
The fastest route from Victoria to Woodley Range Ecological Reserve is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. It is 102 km (63.3 miles) and takes about an hour and 25 minutes.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N to Cowichan Valley H. Take the exit towards Yellow Point/Cedar from Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. Drive 93.3 km (58 miles) and continue on Cedar Rd. Drive to Aho Rd, and after 7.2 km (4.4 miles), you will reach Woodley Range Ecological Reserve.
There is no designated hiking trail to reach Woodley Range Ecological Reserve.
Activities like camping, freshwater fishing, livestock grazing, removal of materials, plants or animals are forbidden by regulation in Woodley Range Ecological Reserve.
Nature observation, hiking, and photography are permitted in this reserve. Based on the BC Act, Woodley Range Ecological Reserve is one of the protected areas on Vancouver Island, where you are not allowed to hunt.
