I’m writing to you as I prepare for the first of our two 2023 Deertrails Naturalist Program sessions. Next week I’ll be with aspiring naturalists at TLC’s 57 hectares (141 acres) of wetlands and wildlife corridors in the Clearwater River Valley; the following week I’ll be headed to Cortes Island to share the beauty of our 150 hectares (370 acres) of conservation covenants on the island with another group of participants. Alongside my sunscreen, raingear, and toque – because you just never know what the weather might do in April – I’ve got my most important tool for the field: my camera. Capturing footage from our spectacular sites, and of those who make protecting them possible, is a passion I’ve enjoyed immensely during my time with TLC. Spending time fully immersed in nature, whether the interior brushlands found at Fort Shepherd or the coastal Douglas-fir coastline in Cowichan, provides me and many others with a sense of peace.
As a charitable land trust with a provincial scope, our organization serves communities throughout the province including the biological; from the witch’s hair lichen (Alectoria sarmentosa) delicately adorning tree limbs overhead to the mighty moose (Alces alces) seeking safe passage across our wildlife corridors, TLC protects ecosystems and habitats for thousands of species. Humankind is no exception: our protected areas are sought after by thousands of visitors every year.
The critical issues facing our society today have resulted in new expectations from those we serve and the communities we partner with. We have seen greater demand for our expertise to advise on or join campaigns to protect areas of concern around the province and beyond. As natural areas have provided solace and replenishment to those struggling with their mental health or those looking to maintain healthy lifestyles, the demand for access to greenspace has also increased. Compounding the need for the important work that TLC delivers is the increasing concern and awareness of the devastating impacts of climate change.
As a land trust supporter, you can make a difference in addressing these critical concerns.
If you read Frankie Iwachow’s article about the correlation between an individual’s access to greenspace and health in our Spring 2023 LANDmark newsletter it will not come as a surprise that our greenspaces have been sought after by those seeking refuge. Studies have shown that just fifteen minutes in nature can significantly reduce stress hormones and improve our psychological well-being. Data suggests that we should be spending two hours a week exposed to greenspace with a minimum of 20 minutes per session to gain benefits including reduced inflammation and risk of cardiac illness.
My work protecting B.C.’s brilliant biodiversity takes me into the field regularly and I can attest to the grounding impact that hiking beneath a forest canopy can have: spending time amongst towering life forms that have been around for generations can put your struggles in perspective. I recently met with a homeowner to discuss options for protecting his family’s forested acreage on southern Vancouver Island. Walking amongst the old growth while hearing about the generations that had stewarded these lands left me in awe; I departed feeling rejuvenated and inspired to tackle my next project.
Beyond the protection of natural areas for their health benefits, the last few years have brought greater recognition and demand for organizations like ours to protect sensitive habitats and ecosystems for the concern facing all humankind: climate change. Last fall, B.C. experienced unseasonably warm and dry weather with record-breaking temperatures and dramatic drought. Unfortunately, we’ve seen the drought remain throughout the winter at levels that Environment Canada says will likely cause harmful impacts to communities and ecosystems. Nearly the entire province has reported below normal precipitation since September with many areas receiving 30% less moisture than average.
Hazards from wildfire and drought to flooding and slides can be expected with greater frequency as we experience extreme weather events such as excessive rainfall and prolonged heatwaves. While we can expect these weather patterns to continue, protecting areas of dense biodiversity can help us build resiliency, one community at a time. Nature-based solutions such as wetland and riparian protection is one such example. In addition to storing large amounts of carbon, wetlands offer buffering effects to ease the surrounding area’s most extreme weather events. They filter pollution, absorb excess water, and help prevent flooding and droughts, in addition to providing habitat for plant and animal species alike.
On the Lower Mainland, TLC has partnered with the District of Squamish to protect 36.69 hectares (90.66 acres) of habitat with a new conservation covenant. Garibaldi Springs Ecological Reserve largely consists of aquatic and riparian habitat, as well as previously disturbed area that will be restored to wetland, riparian, and upland forest. The conservation area also contains creeks and wetlands that feed into salmon-bearing Meighan Creek and the Squamish River via Harris Slough. The area neighbours 1.17 hectares (2.89 acres) of the new Garibaldi Springs Park in addition to the existing nearby wildlife habitat in the South Coast Mountain Range including Alice Lake Provincial Park and Garibaldi Provincial Park. The land will be fully accessible to the public.
Throughout the province, TLC conserves more than 6,300 hectares (15,500 acres) for the protection of biodiversity and compatible recreational opportunities. This is achieved through the registration of conservation covenants on land title and direct acquisitions. Through partnerships we have furthered our reach: on Salt Spring Island we partnered with the Salt Spring Island Conservancy (SSIC) last fall to protect a further 6.27 hectares (15.5 acres) of rainforest on the east coast of the island. The new addition to Creekside Rainforest will be held by the local SSIC thanks to TLC supporters from throughout the region.
Working in partnership with other conservation organizations and communities has been pivotal in creating contiguous corridors, healthy habitats, and equitable access. TLC protects many sites with recreational access including the Sooke Hills, Ayum Creek, Mount Work Regional Park, Matthews Point Regional Park, and Oak Haven Park, among others. Abkhazi Garden is a wonderful example of a site that supports health and recreation, as well as connection to community. The exquisite heritage home and garden was started by Prince and Princess Abkhazi in 1946 when they settled in Victoria; their work continues today with a community of volunteer gardeners, docents, and friendly greeters. Last year we saw the story of the Prince and Princess touch Georgians across the globe and deliver a poignant and timely message regarding the impacts of war. Further, more than 10,000 visitors were able to enjoy Abkhazi Garden last season.
To further support safe and responsible access to protected areas, TLC has developed educational programming including the Deertrails Naturalist Program and our Passport to Nature Program. Designed for those looking to learn more about the natural world around us, these two programs facilitate access to our protected areas while sharing the importance of conservation and stewardship. They are also a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded folks who love B.C.’s ecosystems and habitats. If you are interested in getting more involved, please visit our website for event details. I will be hosting our Passport to Nature event at the new Garibaldi Springs Ecological Reserve on June 24 if you are in the Lower Mainland Region.
Friends, will you join us in protecting B.C.’s biodiversity for the health of all species?
To support TLC’s vital work, this spring we aim to raise $25,000. Your gift to support the stewardship, management, and expansion of our province’s protected areas can make a difference in providing a future in which we can all thrive. Please consider donating today online, or calling 1-877-485-2422 to make your donation today. Donations are eligible for 2023 tax receipts.
We know that economic pressures have taken their toll on our supporters over the last few years, and we truly value each gift we receive. Your support today will help us deliver our critical programming throughout the province for the benefit of biological diversity including humankind. Thank you for your support of this vital work.
With gratitude,
Cathy Armstrong
Executive Director
