25 Years – JARRETT TEAGUE’S TRIBUTE THEME

    2012 Volunteer of the Year – Jarrett Teague

Jarrett has been volunteering at John Dean Provincial Park on Southern Vancouver Island since 1989. Jarrett’s first experience with the park was at the age of 7 on a visit to the park with his father – he’s been hooked ever since. In 1989, age 15 he recognized its potential as the first donated park in the Province of British Columbia, and the home of the last remaining old-growth forest on the Saanich Peninsula. Since that time he has worked tirelessly to preserve its beauty, protect its natural values, and to make it more accessible and enjoyable for visitors.

Jarrett’s long service for BC Parks at John Dean can be seen virtually everywhere in the park. From his creation, restoration, and maintenance of the hand carved signage throughout the trail system, to his maintenance of trail water bars and culverts, to the absence of garbage and English ivy.

Over the years Jarrett has become a very familiar face to many park visitors. He is recognized by many as a subject matter expert on all things having to do with the history of the park. He is always open to questions from visitors, and on request, has treated people and groups to guided walks through some of the historical gems of this Provincial Park.
Jarrett’s passion for the history of this place and its namesake has resulted in him writing and publishing 4 books on the subject and establishing and maintaining a website dedicated to providing current and historical information on the park and John Dean (https://www.johndeanpark.com/). When Jarrett is not volunteering his valuable time at John Dean he is a husband and the proud father of 2 young boys. Jarrett is also an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces, stationed at CFB Esquimalt.