Dear Friends of Conservation,
As one of our generous donors I think you’ll want to know about my inspiring visit to our Fort Shepherd Conservancy Area this summer. Located 6 km south of Trail, TLC’s property spans 2,300 acres and contains B.C.’s largest remaining expanse of the rare ecological zone known as very dry, warm Interior Cedar Hemlock (ICHxw). Grasslands, dry forests, rocky slopes, cliffs and caves dominate its geography.
While access to the property remains for those who hike, bicycle or ride horseback, two years ago we revoked access to motorized vehicles in an effort to restore areas that had been degraded by repeated, unauthorized abuse. This summer we observed the impact of that restoration with local volunteers from Trail Wildlife Association, Okanagan Nation Alliance and Columbia Basin Trust. The riverbank was covered in crisscrossing wildlife tracks; deer, elk, coyote and wild turkey had all left footprints behind for us to find.
This evidence was enough to encourage our continued efforts in restoring this site, but as we hiked farther into the protected area, away from the noise of the road and urban sprawl, we had an experience that will stick with me for years to come.
Turning down a trail toward the river, amongst the Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), we witnessed three female elk grazing ahead of us. Upon hearing our footfalls crunching the dry needles of the forest floor, the gang were spooked and dashed away to the south. Leaving a wide berth, they ran a semi-circle around us deeper into the forest. Only when they were at a safe distance did they stop and turn back to survey our potential threat.
Witnessing wild animals running free in our protected conservation area hit home exactly why we are doing this work.
Running 8 km along the western shore of the Columbia River, Fort Shepherd Conservancy Area is critical habitat for Rocky Mountain elk (Carvus elaphus nelsoni), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and a number of species-at-risk including Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodius), Common Night Hawks (Chordeiles minor), canyon wrens (Catherpes mexicanus) and Townsend’s Big-Eared Bats (Corynorhinus townsendii).
A winter range for elk, Fort Shepherd Conservancy Area provides food and shelter for these ungulates. Given the increasing effects of climate change, protecting corridors and providing connectivity for threatened wildlife and a diversity of native vegetation is not only critical to their survival but to ours as well.
The simple beauty of a species behaving typically in their natural environment had a profound effect on us all. As a nature lover yourself, you have likely had similar experiences of being awed by the natural world. It may have been a bird’s sweet song, the glimpse of a bat at dusk, or a peek of a bobcat in the bush; while over in a flash, such moments resonate with you for years to come.
In an effort to make the beautiful, natural spaces we protect in our province more accessible to the public and to create opportunities for others to have such inspirational experiences in nature, this year we implemented TLC’s Passport to Nature. Guided hikes, species identification walks with experts, invasive species removal bashes and habitat restoration work parties are just a few of the events we have been able to offer in the inaugural year of the program.
You are creating opportunities that change lives and impact B.C.’s green spaces.
This year TLC Members and donors enthusiastically stepped forward to protect a wildlife corridor in the Clearwater River Valley: 100% of designated gifts were directed to the acquisition of the property. We now hold a total of 113 acres of wetland, meadow and forest to remain protected for wildlife, education and research.
I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to witness the pristine beauty of the lush lands TLC safeguards in Clearwater. Hiking the Interior Cedar Hemlock (ICHmw3) forest we observed fantastic flora including the delicate mountain lady’s slipper (Cypripedium montanum), Brown-eyed Sunshine lichen (Vulpicida canadensis) and morel mushroom (Morchella esculenta). Observing the evidence of regular use by wildlife including moose (Alces alces) scat, Aspen trees (Populus tremuloides) etched by black bear (Ursus americanus) scratchings, and flickering fireflies (Photinus obscurellus) were just a few of the highlights from our visit.
Located between the two southern lobes of Wells Gray Provincial Park, TLC’s Clearwater Wetland and Wildlife Corridor is a prime location for nurturing budding naturalists. Partnering with Thompson Rivers University and the local Wells Gray Wilderness Society, we aim to introduce students of all ages to Clearwater River Valley with our first joint educational event to be held next year.
Today we are seeking funds to continue our educational programming throughout the province. Through education we can better guard against covenant breaches, encourage the public at large (including our youth) to engage in habitat protection and restoration, and foster the next generation of naturalists through research and mentorship opportunities in our conservation areas.
While not everyone gets the chance to witness the waddling of wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) or the running of elk, each and every one of us can make a difference. Supporting educational programming supports the ongoing protection of natural spaces. I could not say it more eloquently than the father of biodiversity, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, naturalist and author, E. O. Wilson:
“I don’t want to lecture people about saving the planet, I want to share with them the joy of the natural world.”
In the eight Passport to Nature events completed this year we have enabled 147 individuals to enjoy the natural beauty of our protected properties and covenants, learn about the importance of ecological stewardship and help restore at-risk ecosystems. Together we removed 10 lbs of garbage, 24 cubic metres of invasive species and continued restoration on 830 square metres of threatened habitat. And that’s just the beginning! There are two events remaining this year: while our Moss Walk through the Packford Covenant is now fully reserved, we have space remaining for our Mulch Madness event at Welland Legacy Park.
With support from individuals like you, we can ensure the continued stewardship of habitat already under our care, further our protection of critical wildlife corridors to guard against the increasing effects of climate change and deliver educational programs across the province to encourage up-and-coming naturalists.
Together we can protect the natural areas that matter most. By making a donation to TLC right now, you are creating safe spaces for species at risk and opportunities to foster the next generation of conservationists. Return your tax-deductible gift by mail to the address below, donate online at conservancy.bc.ca or over the phone at 1-877-485-2422.
When reflecting on your own experiences in nature, remember how they have moved you and affected your participation in protecting special places.
Thank you for your support. I can’t think of a greater gift to current and future generations than the protection habitat for wildlife, education and research.
With gratitude,
Cathy Armstrong
Executive Director
P.S. Did you know that many companies match donations made by their current and retired employees? Ask your current or former employer if they have a matching funds program and make your donation go twice as far this year!
