emailHorth Hill Regional Park
Learning Centre
Natural History
The forest communities of Horth Hill are dominated by western red cedar, Douglas-fir and Garry oak. At the bottom of the hill the western red cedar community begins, forming a closed canopy where very little ground cover survives. On the edge of this community, broadleaf maples begin to grow. On the trunks and branches of the maples are mosses, lichens and licorice ferns. Here too is evidence that any fallen tree or remaining stump is never wasted in a forest: it is used as a nurse log, rich in food, to aid in the growth of new trees.
Going Up
As you walk up the hill, you move through the mature Douglas-fir/swordfern community. The American robin is common here, as are hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies. Both native and introduced flowers cover the ground in summer, but by fall they are replaced by mushrooms that swell with the onset of autumn rains.
Summit
Toward the summit of Horth Hill (136 metres above sea level), you enter the dry, open spaces of the Garry oak community. Mature trees dot the hillside, taking advantage of pockets of soil and sunlit spaces.
Cultural History
Horth Hill was named after the Horth family, one of the first pioneering families in North Saanich. They settled in 1860 on Wain Road, originally called Horth Cross Road. When the crossroad was renamed, the hill nearby became known as Horth Hill.
Horth Hill Regional Park was established in 1966.
