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The February 18-22, 2013 intensive field course was the first university-based course to focus directly on the newly-acquired (just a year old when we were there!) District Lot 57 or "Learning Centre" property.
Without accommodation or indoor infrastructure, and with soggy February weather, we based at the Gulf Islands Film and Television School. Located just 1 km south of the Learning Centre entrance it was rustic but comfortable. We spent happy hours close to the wood stove listening to guest speakers (Gary Moore, John Pritchard, Robin Gregory, Natalie Ban, Keith Erickson, Ken Millard). We had a nautical adventure with Dr. Loren Wilkinson, who took us out in two replica longboats. And, of course there were many hours of fieldwork piloting the new human activity transect study, identifying key human impact features.
Students generally worked in groups, and focused on projects of priority to the Galiano Conservancy Association: hydrology, remediation/restoration of the old mill site, expansion of experiential restoration education programs, siting and ecological considerations with the proposed campground, restoration agriculture.
Our experience on Galiano was shaped in part by tragedy. The day before the course commenced, Georgia Klap, who was to take the course, died in a house fire. The act of restoration on Galiano was also an act of remembrance and healing. Georgia was a remarkable and gifted learner and change maker. The Georgia Klap Memorial Fund was established to honour her memory and help students who share the same passion for field-based study..
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