Dear TLC Members,

Last month I had the pleasure of welcoming 13 students and six expert naturalists to TLC’s Clearwater Wetland and Wildlife Corridor to participate in our inaugural Deertrails Naturalist Program. The experience offered participants, largely university students, a place-based learning opportunity designed to facilitate the transfer of naturalist knowledge, both scientific and traditional. Students had the opportunity to work closely with seasoned naturalists and teachers Lyn Baldwin, Trevor Goward, Briony Penn, Nancy Flood, Cathie Hickson and Andy MacKinnon. Witnessing the exchange of knowledge and ideas between some of the biggest names in biology and passionate new-comers was inspiring. I am already looking forward to next year’s session.

In the meantime, I am pleased to invite you to TLC’s Annual General Meeting on Saturday, September 21 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. This year our AGM will be hosted at the Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary located at 1772 Millstream Road in the District of the Highlands.

In keeping with TLC’s bylaws, a Nominations Committee was struck to recruit and put forward candidates for the Board of Directors for the consideration of the membership. The maximum number of Directors is 13. Directors are elected for a three-year term with a limit of three consecutive terms.

There are currently ten Directors. Seven Directors (whose terms are not ending) will be continuing. They include Mel Lehan, Lori Roter, Frances Sloan Sainas, Marika Smith, Andrew Stewart, Jeff Ward and Tom Watson. There are six positions open to nominations. Sara Wickham stands for election. Fred Newhouse, Briony Penn and Frances Pugh have reached the end of their terms and will not be standing for re-election.

Please keep in mind the following election procedures and timetable:

• Following receipt of this letter, members may nominate other candidates. Further nominations are welcomed and must be received by TLC no later than July 26. They must be signed by five TLC Members and include a written confirmation from the nominee that he/she agrees to stand for election. A short biography of the nominee must also be included.

• If we receive more nominations than vacant positions, an election will be held. If the same number or fewer nominations are received than vacant positions, nominees will be elected by acclamation.

• Should an election be required, election materials and ballots will be sent to all TLC Members in good standing. Ballots will be sent by email to each member for whom we have a valid email address and by mail to all others. Ballots will be sent by August 16. Ballots must be returned in the manner set out in the election materials. Successful candidates will be announced at the AGM.

• Please note that to be eligible to vote you must be a member in good standing by July 2.

The Nominations Committee is pleased to announce the following candidate for your consideration:

Sara Wickham

Sara is a PhD student at the University of Waterloo. Her research tests the hypothesis that in B.C., historical Indigenous land management techniques (specifically trading and transplanting) have influenced the range-wide dispersal of culturally important plant species, thus affecting patterns of biodiversity across the province. This research is informed by genetic techniques and analysis, which can discern between natural and intentional dispersal events. Although the “wilderness” is often considered a pristine landscape, free from human influence, there is compelling evidence (across multiple disciplines and worldviews) that displays how place-based humans steward biodiversity, which provides many ecosystem services. It is her hope that this research may contribute to that narrative and provide novel evidence for historical land use. In the past, Sara has done research to inform restoration efforts in Helliwell Provincial Park on Hornby Island and led research on marine-terrestrial ecosystem connectivity in the Great Bear Rainforest and Barkley Sound. Her interest in TLC stems from attending the Deertrails Naturalist Program and experiencing TLC’s dedication to providing opportunities to foster place-based connections.

I hope to see you at our Annual General Meeting on Saturday, September 21 or at one of our other events this season. Thank you for your continued support of TLC’s conservation projects and programs.

Sincerely,

Cathy Armstrong
Executive Director

P.S. If you have already donated towards the protection of the Clearwater Ancient Swamp, thank you! If not, there’s still time! You can make a difference in making our planet more resilient to climate change by donating at www.conservancy.bc.ca or by calling 1-877-485-2422. Donations are eligible for tax receipts.