The Land Conservancy of BC

CANCELLED: Passport to Nature: Naturalist Walk
2020-05-30 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | BC
Join naturalist Juliet Pendray and TLC on their annual monitoring visit to the Sooke Hills and learn about the natural history of the area along with the special plants and animals that call this place home. We will begin at the Sooke Potholes and explore the species that live along the creek, Mary Vine waterfall, and on the mossy bluffs above with an emphasis on lichen and fungi.
Please remember your water, snacks, and appropriate footwear.
View TLC’s 2020 Passport to Nature for a full listing of our nature events designed with you in mind – those who want to explore the wild outdoors, learn new skills and meet like-minded people. For a hard copy of our Passport to Nature, contact TLC at 1-877-485-2422 or email membership@conservancy.bc.ca.
Register for the Naturalist Walk today as space is limited!
Please meet us at the Sooke Potholes second parking lot at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 30. Travelling west on Sooke Road from Victoria, turn right onto Sooke River Road and follow the road to the park at the end. We’ll meet at the second parking lot.

CANCELLED: Passport to Nature: Second Lake Trail Maintenance
2020-07-11 09:00 - 12:00 | BC
Join TLC in taking some much needed love and care at Second Lake. Second Lake is an important part of the upper Millstream Creek watershed and protects the endangered forests of the Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystem. This conservation area is not open to the public to preserve the sensitive natural systems but guided events provide the community a unique experience. We will conduct some trail clearing and offer a naturalist guided walk around the lake. Facilities are limited.
Please remember your water, snacks, and appropriate footwear.
View TLC’s 2020 Passport to Nature for a full listing of our nature events designed with you in mind – those who want to explore the wild outdoors, learn new skills and meet like-minded people. For a hard copy of our Passport to Nature, contact TLC at 1-877-485-2422 or email membership@conservancy.bc.ca.
Register for the Second Lake Trail Maintenance event today!
TLC’s Second Lake property is accessed via 377 Millstream Lake Road in the District of the Highlands. From Highway 1, turn north onto Millstream Road. Continue on Millstream Road, veering right at the Y to get onto Millstream Lake Road. At the next Y (with Munn Road) stay left to continue on Millstream Lake Road. Travel onward and turn right at 377 Millstream Lake Road. Continue down the long driveway and take the first right off the driveway to the parking area.

Deertrails Naturalist Program in the Clearwater River Valley
2020-08-30 19:00 - 2020-09-06 11:00 | BC
NEWS RELEASE
ANNOUNCING TLC’S SECOND DEERTRAILS NATURALIST PROGRAM SESSIONS IN 2020
Participants to learn from seasoned naturalists in the Clearwater River Valley
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 2, 2020
Clearwater, BC –The Land Conservancy of B.C. (TLC) is pleased to announce that the second session of the Deertrails Naturalist Program will explore the transition of the Clearwater River Valley to Autumn: attend to the uprising of mushrooms, the blushing of leaves, and the cool exhalations of blue forest shadow. An intergenerational, place-based learning opportunity designed to facilitate the transfer of naturalist knowledge, both scientific and traditional, TLC launched the Deertrails Naturalist Program in 2019 with an inaugural session in Clearwater.
From August 30 to September 6, 2020, in the Clearwater River Valley, naturalist participants will explore a range of habitats including following the paths of the deer, pausing awhile in their places of sanctuary and places of power. Participants will learn about and deepen their connection to the natural world from seasoned naturalists and teachers Lyn Baldwin (ecologist and artist), Maleea Acker (poet and teacher) and Trevor Goward (lichenologist and place-based naturalist), with special guest instructor Nancy Turner (ethnobiologist and botanist). Nancy Flood (ornithologist and ecologist) will make a cameo appearance. Aspiring naturalists will develop a wide array of skills needed to steward local natural places, educate the public and new naturalists, engage in research and inform conservation efforts. The program fees are $695 per person and include meals and basic accommodations.
“This program sparked a fire within me that I didn’t even know existed. Every second of the time that I got to spend in Wells Grey felt like magic, full of extravagant landscapes, and compelling, passionate souls,” said 2019 Deertrails Naturalist Program participant Zoey. “The safe spaces that were created during our week together allowed for me to learn and grow exponentially. The community that was fostered in such a small amount of time truly showed me the power of knowledge, passion, compassion, and intention.”
Aspiring naturalists can apply online on TLC’s website at www.conservancy.bc.ca. Deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2020.
Thanks to an endowment fund with the Victoria Foundation, bursaries are available for participants. For more details regarding the Deertrails Naturalist Program please view the program backgrounder or contact TLC at (250) 479-8053 or admin@conservancy.bc.ca.
The Land Conservancy of British Columbia (TLC) is a non-profit, charitable Land Trust working throughout British Columbia. TLC’s primary mandate is to benefit the community by protecting habitat for natural communities of plants and animals. Founded in 1997, TLC is membership-based and governed by an elected, volunteer Board of Directors. TLC relies on a strong membership and volunteer base to help maintain its operations.
Lyn Baldwin (instructor) is an award-winning teacher, artist-naturalist and ecologist who calls the sagebrush-steppe and coniferous forests of the South Thompson Valley home. Working from the belief that restoring the world must include our own re-storying within it, Lyn uses the practice of illustrated field journaling to help re-imagine her relationship with home and community, place and dwelling. Lyn has shared the stories, expressed in image and text, that result from this practice in art galleries and science museum, and within the pages of journals such as The Goose, Terrain.org and The Journal of Natural History Education and Experience. Through a series of hands-on field journaling exercises completed in the field, Lyn will help participants transform the land’s line and shadow, its poetry and science, into meaningful lessons for their own lives.
Maleea Acker (instructor) is the author of two poetry collections, The Reflecting Pool and Air-Proof Green (Pedlar 2009, 2013), and the non-fiction book Gardens Aflame: Garry Oak Meadows of BC’s South Coast (New Star Books, 2012). She has 20 years experience as an interpretive writer, journalist, writer and teacher, creating materials that allow both children and adults to learn more about nature and culture. As a freelance journalist, she thrives on work that helps to nurture natural history and cultural heritage, through translation of science into story. She teaches Human Geography and Canadian Studies at the University of Victoria, where she is a PhD candidate in Geopoetics. She also teaches Literature and Writing at Camosun College.
Nancy Turner (instructor) is an ethnobotanist, Professor Emeritus and former Hakai Professor in Ethnoecology with the School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria. She has worked with First Nations elders and cultural specialists in northwestern North America for over 50 years, helping to document, retain and promote their traditional knowledge of plants and environments, including Indigenous foods, materials and traditional medicines. Her two-volume book, Ancient Pathways, Ancestral Knowledge: Ethnobotany and Ecological Wisdom of Indigenous Peoples of Northwestern North America represents an integration of her long term research. She has authored or co-authored/co-edited over 20 other books, including: Plants of Haida Gwaii; The Earth’s Blanket; “Keeping it Living”: Traditions of Plant Use and Cultivation on the Northwest Coast of North America (with Doug Deur); Saanich Ethnobotany: Culturally Important Plants of the WSÁNEC’ People (with Richard Hebda), and Food Plants of Coastal First Peoples, and over 135 book chapters and papers. She has received a number of awards for her work, including membership in Order of British Columbia (1999) and the Order of Canada (2009), and honorary degrees from VIU, UBC, UNBC and SFU.
Trevor Goward (instructor) is an accomplished field naturalist, lichenologist and self-appointed inspector of deer trails. He’s also author/co-author of more than 120 scientific papers, scores of popular pieces, and four books. When not gardening or wandering/pondering the wilds of his home valley in south-central British Columbia, Trevor engages in numerous seemingly random pursuits and thought experiments including designer living, land apprenticeship, naturalist mentorship, wilderness advocacy, systems theory, poetic ecology, the mythic universe of J.R.R. Tolkien, and (through this last) a stewardship practice he calls elven work. Lately he has woven these and other preoccupations into his Naturalists of the Middle Way teachings, grounded in the perception that seasoned naturalists, together with their indigenous counterparts, must sooner or later take on a crucial cultural role as “ambassadors to the wild.” Trevor’s long apprenticeship to this calling is ably assisted by Purple, his far-seeing canine companion.
Nancy Flood (cameo) is an award-winning teacher—of a diversity of subjects, from general biology to ecology, ornithology and biostatistics (her favourite). She has studied a variety of bird species, in locales from the arctic to the subtropics and lots of places in between. She has authored and/or co-authored over 50 scientific papers and articles in the popular press, chapters in about 20 in text books, and even a slim book on North American orioles—and has edited or reviewed those same sorts of writings. She is thus a jack of many trades, but a master of none. Currently, she teaches at TRU, where is she is co-chair of the Department of Biological Sciences. She has lived in Kamloops for almost 30 years, where she helped raise two wonderful young adults, and has been active in various groups related to nature and environment, including the Kamloops Naturalist Club, of which she is currently president.
– 30 –
Media contact
Cathy Armstrong
TLC Executive Director
Local: (250) 479-8053
Toll free: 1-877-485-2422
carmstrong@conservancy.bc.ca

CANCELLED: Passport to Nature: Clearwater Community Day
2020-09-05 11:00 - 14:00 | BC
Join TLC on site at our Clearwater Ecoreserve to enjoy some family fun activities. There will be guided walks, displays, and naturalists on site. Learn about TLC’s new naturalist education program and meet some of the instructors and participants. We look forward to sharing our vision for the future, and hearing from the community as we work together to create opportunities for learning more about our natural world and how we can collectively effect change. Bring the whole family, kids of all ages most welcome! Please dress for the weather including appropriate footwear for walking through the forest.
View TLC’s 2020 Passport to Nature for a full listing of our nature events designed with you in mind – those who want to explore the wild outdoors, learn new skills and meet like-minded people. For a hard copy of our Passport to Nature, contact TLC at 1-877-485-2422 or email membership@conservancy.bc.ca.
Register for the Clearwater Community Day today!

CANCELLED: Passport to Nature: Navigation in the Woods
2020-10-17 10:00 - 12:00 | BC
Join Sid Jorna and TLC to learn the basics of navigation in the woods. Technology has provided convenient tools to orient you in the woods but what happens when the battery dies? Learn how to plan a course on a map to get to a destination and compensate for unexpected arisings. The workshop will include theoretical knowledge, reading a compass and trying out the skills on a short hike. Equipment will be provided.
View TLC’s 2020 Passport to Nature for a full listing of our nature events designed with you in mind – those who want to explore the wild outdoors, learn new skills and meet like-minded people. For a hard copy of our Passport to Nature, contact TLC at 1-877-485-2422 or email membership@conservancy.bc.ca.
Register for the Navigation in the Woods event today as space is limited!
Please meet us at the William Simmons Memorial Park in Sooke at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 17th. William Simmons Memorial Park is located in Otter Point adjacent to Otter Point Road and Poirier Lake.

TLC's 2020 Virtual Annual General Meeting
2020-10-17 13:00 - 16:00 | BC
This year TLC’s 2020 Annual General Meeting will be held online. We hope that members will be able to join us from the comfort of their own homes on Saturday, October 17 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. as members of our Board of Directors and staff report on TLC’s initiatives from the last fiscal year.
Please RSVP to membership@conservancy.bc.ca or 1-877-485-2422. Attendees will be able to attend via computer or phone. Access details will be sent to those who RSVP in early October. For those unable to attend, TLC’s Annual Report and Financial Statements will be available in September on our website or in hard copy by request.
In keeping with TLC’s bylaws, a Nominations Committee was struck to recruit and put forward candidates for the Board of Directors for your consideration. 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 seven Directors. Five Directors (whose terms are not ending) will be continuing. They include Mel Lehan, Lori Roter, Frances Sloan Sainas, Marika Smith, and Sara Wickham. There are eight positions open to nominations. Andrew Stewart and Tom Watson have reached the end of their terms and stand 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 August 21. They must be signed by five TLC Members and include a written confirmation from the nominee that he/she/they 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 September 11. 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 29.
The Nominations Committee is pleased to announce the following candidate for your consideration:
Andrew Stewart
Occupation: Retired Lawyer.
Skills, knowledge and/or experience: Involvement in various not for profit boards with a particular focus on governance, finance and member communication. Problem solving and analytical skills developed during a 38 year career as a practising solicitor in Victoria, B.C. My legal practice included corporate small businesses, not for profits, First Nations, professionals and individuals. I also acted as the Managing Partner for Cook Roberts LLP, a Victoria law firm, which included as many as 24 lawyers and 30 plus support staff during my management tenure. I gained considerable experience in managing professionals and organizing an extensive and varied support structure.
Interest in TLC: To assist TLC in fulfilling its mandate of long term support for and growth in conservation covenants in B.C. To promote and enhance the reputation of TLC as a stable and effective agent for conservation for the benefit of many future generations. To promote TLC’s development of collaborative relationships with other conservation organizations, First Nations and all levels of government.
Other Organizations: Board Member/VP – YM-YWCA of Victoria; Board Member/Chair – Maxwell International Baha’i School; Board Member/Treasurer – Victoria Bar Association; Board Member – Bays United Youth Soccer Association; Partner/ Managing Partner – Cook Roberts LLP; and Legal Advisor – Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group Society.
Tom Watson
Occupation: Investment Advisor / Father
Skills, knowledge and/or experience: I have a good knowledge of finances and have served as both Chair and Secretary for the Gorge View Housing Society. I am also a volunteer coach with Doncaster and Reynolds Soccer.
Interest and Vision for TLC: I have a lifetime belief in working to support the environment and protect special places. I want to work to help TLC be on a stronger financial footing through an increase in its membership and profile.
Involvement with TLC: I have been a member of TLC since 2010.
Other Organizations: Previously worked with the Lakehill Soccer Association.

CANCELLED: Passport to Nature: Mushroom ID Walk
2020-10-23 10:00 - 12:00 | BC
Join Kevin Trim (former SVIMS President) and TLC’s Torrey Archer on a hunt to find and identify mushrooms in the beautiful mature forests at Second Lake. Participants will learn how to ID the most common species, deadly species, the parts of the mushroom fruiting body, and discuss the role of fungi in forests.
Please remember to bring a water bottle and snacks, wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
View TLC’s 2020 Passport to Nature for a full listing of our nature events designed with you in mind – those who want to explore the wild outdoors, learn new skills and meet like-minded people. For a hard copy of our Passport to Nature, contact TLC at 1-877-485-2422 or email membership@conservancy.bc.ca.
Register for the Mushroom ID Walk today!
TLC’s Second Lake property is accessed via 377 Millstream Lake Road in the District of the Highlands. From Highway 1, turn north onto Millstream Road. Continue on Millstream Road, veering right at the Y to get onto Millstream Lake Road. At the next Y (with Munn Road) stay left to continue on Millstream Lake Road. Travel onward and turn right at 377 Millstream Lake Road. Continue down the long driveway and take the first right off the driveway to the parking area.

Passport to Nature: Abkhazi Garden
2021-03-12 08:00 - 17:00 | Abkhazi Garden, 1964 Fairfield Road, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Presented by Abkhazi Garden Volunteers Sue Hara, Marg Palmer, and TLC’s Environmental Technician & Land Manager Karen Iwachow
Enjoy this video tour of Abkhazi Garden, filmed during the epic spring bloom. Abkhazi Garden is an exquisite heritage home and garden located in Victoria, British Columbia, a city known for its wonderful gardens. Prince and Princess Abkhazi began creating their garden in 1946. This was the year they married and settled in Victoria, after living separate lives touched by both privilege and tragedy. They immediately began to develop their one-acre property, and continued to maintain and improve the garden throughout their lives together.
The Abkhazi Garden video tour is now available online! Register for the event for the direct link!
You can visit Abkhazi Garden year round at 1964 Fairfield Road, Victoria. Visit https://conservancy.bc.ca/featured-projects/abkhazi-garden/hours-directions/ for current hours of operation.
View TLC’s 2021 VIRTUAL Passport to Nature for a full listing of our nature events designed with you in mind – those who want to explore the wild outdoors, learn new skills and meet like-minded people. This year the program has been adapted to a digital platform to accommodate safety precautions during the pandemic. For a hard copy of our 2021 Passport to Nature, contact TLC at 1-877-485-2422 or email membership@conservancy.bc.ca.

Passport to Nature: Learning About Lichen
2021-04-23 18:00 - 19:00 | BC
Registration Required
Presented by Juliet Pendray. Juliet is an avid naturalist, acquiring and sharing knowledge about coastal B.C. life forms and their ecologies for over 15 years.
Lichenthusiasm – A Talk on Lichen.
Partnerships and Learning Local Lichens.
To add a bit of “hands-on” to the virtual environment, we invite you to collect a few lichens to bring with you to the talk. Just a few windfallen ones (no need to take any that are living happily on their tree or rock or fence) from your yard or neighbourhood. And if you are not sure if it is a lichen or not, please bring that along too. If you happen to have a magnifying glass or hand lens or another magnifier, that can be useful as well.
Optional: You may find it helpful to be able to view lichens-in-hand during the talk.
View TLC’s 2021 VIRTUAL Passport to Nature for a full listing of our nature events designed with you in mind – those who want to explore the wild outdoors, learn new skills and meet like-minded people. This year the program has been adapted to a digital platform to accommodate safety precautions during the pandemic. For a hard copy of our 2021 Passport to Nature, contact TLC at 1-877-485-2422 or email membership@conservancy.bc.ca.

Passport to Nature: Invasive Species Identification
2021-05-11 18:00 - 19:00 | BC
Presented by Karen Iwachow, TLC’s Environmental Technician & Land Manager
Registration Required
Invasive plants are one of the top threats to natural ecosystems across the globe. Join Karen as she goes on a journey to find out where these invasive plants are coming from, what makes them destructive in natural ecosystems, how to identify them and how to eradicate them from your backyard. She will provide tips and tricks on how to manage these invaders and connect you to regional resources.
Please register for the virtual Passport to Nature event to receive the direct link to the virtual event when it becomes available!
View TLC’s 2021 VIRTUAL Passport to Nature for a full listing of our nature events designed with you in mind – those who want to explore the wild outdoors, learn new skills and meet like-minded people. This year the program has been adapted to a digital platform to accommodate safety precautions during the pandemic. For a hard copy of our 2021 Passport to Nature, contact TLC at 1-877-485-2422 or email membership@conservancy.bc.ca.

Passport to Nature: Plant Pressing
2021-06-11 | BC
Presented by Paul Grieve, TLC’s 2021 Student Technician
Registration Required
Not just for botanists! A plant press is an essential tool for the preservation of plant species and dates back to the early 1500’s. Pressing plants is a beautiful and fun activity that can be applied to many projects. We will show you how to prepare and arrange plants for pressing as well as some fun ways you can use your pressed plants for crafts and décor.
Please register for the virtual Passport to Nature events you are interested in to ensure you are provided with direct links to videos when they become available!
View TLC’s 2021 VIRTUAL Passport to Nature for a full listing of our nature events designed with you in mind – those who want to explore the wild outdoors, learn new skills and meet like-minded people. This year the program has been adapted to a digital platform to accommodate safety precautions during the pandemic. For a hard copy of our 2021 Passport to Nature, contact TLC at 1-877-485-2422 or email membership@conservancy.bc.ca.

Passport to Nature: Nature Journaling
2021-06-23 08:00 - 2021-07-07 17:00 | BC
Presented by Karen Iwachow, TLC’s Environmental Technician & Land Manager
Registration Required
This three part lecture series will feature Karen’s wonderful watercolour illustrations, and teach you more about the history, methods, and techniques
JUNE 23: Part 1: Natural History of Nature Journaling
What is nature journaling? Learn more about this tradition that naturalists have used for centuries to connect to nature around them.
JUNE 30: Part 2: Adventures in Journaling, a Methodology
Nature journaling is a beautiful tradition that takes many shapes and forms, in this presentation learn about the different techniques to nature journaling, it can express itself through, drawing, writing, poetry, data recording, photographing, the list goes on!
JULY 7: Part 3: Overcoming the Blank Page
Getting acquainted with nature journaling can feel intimidating, Karen will show you some techniques to get past the blank page paralysis with some fun and simple exercises!
View TLC’s 2021 VIRTUAL Passport to Nature for a full listing of our nature events designed with you in mind – those who want to explore the wild outdoors, learn new skills and meet like-minded people. This year the program has been adapted to a digital platform to accommodate safety precautions during the pandemic. For a hard copy of our 2021 Passport to Nature, contact TLC at 1-877-485-2422 or email membership@conservancy.bc.ca.

Passport to Nature: Medicinal Plants
2021-08-18 | BC
Presented by Lisa Cross, TLC’s Donor Relations Manager & Grants Coordinator
Registration Required
Are you interested in the healing properties of common plants? The natural world is full of beneficial and medicinal flora. Join Lisa to create a simple herbal recipe from seasonal plants that may be growing in your own backyard or neighbourhood!
Please register for the virtual Passport to Nature events you are interested in to ensure you are provided with direct links to videos when they become available!
View TLC’s 2021 VIRTUAL Passport to Nature for a full listing of our nature events designed with you in mind – those who want to explore the wild outdoors, learn new skills and meet like-minded people. This year the program has been adapted to a digital platform to accommodate safety precautions during the pandemic. For a hard copy of our 2021 Passport to Nature, contact TLC at 1-877-485-2422 or email membership@conservancy.bc.ca.

Passport to Nature: Fort Shepherd Conservancy Area
2021-09-16 | BC
Presented by Karen Iwachow, TLC’s Environmental Technician & Land Manager
Registration Required
Fort Shepherd Conservancy Area is TLC’s gem of the west Kootenays. This historically and culturally rich 2200 acre habitat is home to 29 rare species. Fort Shepherd has seen and experienced many impacts from human use in the area and yet continues to thrive under stewardship of TLC. With the largest intact area of very dry, warm interior Cedar Hemlock in British Columbia, Fort Shepherd is ecologically unique. Learn more about this special place and the work we do there!
Please register for the virtual Passport to Nature events you are interested in to ensure you are provided with direct links to videos when they become available!
View TLC’s 2021 VIRTUAL Passport to Nature for a full listing of our nature events designed with you in mind – those who want to explore the wild outdoors, learn new skills and meet like-minded people. This year the program has been adapted to a digital platform to accommodate safety precautions during the pandemic. For a hard copy of our 2021 Passport to Nature, contact TLC at 1-877-485-2422 or email membership@conservancy.bc.ca.

Passport to Nature: Fantastic Fungi
2021-10-11 | BC
Presented by Torrey Archer, TLC’s Biologist & Land Manager
Registration Required
Join Torrey in exploring the magical world of fungus. Learn about the role of fungi in forests, how to identify common species, how fungi influence the human world and interesting applications
of fungi in habitat restoration.
Please register for the virtual Passport to Nature events you are interested in to ensure you are provided with direct links to videos when they become available!
View TLC’s 2021 VIRTUAL Passport to Nature for a full listing of our nature events designed with you in mind – those who want to explore the wild outdoors, learn new skills and meet like-minded people. This year the program has been adapted to a digital platform to accommodate safety precautions during the pandemic. For a hard copy of our 2021 Passport to Nature, contact TLC at 1-877-485-2422 or email membership@conservancy.bc.ca.

Passport to Nature: Moss Masterclass
2021-11-10 | BC
Presented by Paul Grieve, TLC’s 2021 Student Technician
Registration Required
Often in the shadows of bigger more boisterous mega-flora, moss is usually out of focus as a green background. Learn more about some of the 16,000 species of moss, their anatomy, where you might find them, their roles in ecosystems and medicine!
Please register for the virtual Passport to Nature event you are interested in to receive direct links to the virtual events when they become available!
Please register for the virtual Passport to Nature events you are interested in to ensure you are provided with direct links to videos when they become available!
View TLC’s 2021 VIRTUAL Passport to Nature for a full listing of our nature events designed with you in mind – those who want to explore the wild outdoors, learn new skills and meet like-minded people. This year the program has been adapted to a digital platform to accommodate safety precautions during the pandemic. For a hard copy of our 2021 Passport to Nature, contact TLC at 1-877-485-2422 or email membership@conservancy.bc.ca.

Passport to Nature: Ayum Creek
2024-04-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Ayum Creek, Laidlaw Road, Sooke, British Columbia, V9Z 0C7, Canada
Park Restoration
Presented by TLC’s Maya Irwin and Michelle Thompson along with partners from HAT and CRD
Registration Required
Join TLC, HAT and the CRD as we combat invasive periwinkle at our Ayum Creek covenant on Ayum Creek Regional Park Reserve with the sheet mulching technique. Work will involve laying down cardboard, followed by a thick topping of mulch, to starve out the introduced species and make room for native plants to recolonize the area. We will also be spot targeting zones of Himalayan blackberry and English ivy.
Tools, gloves, and snacks will be provided. Please bring your own gear if you have it. Solid footwear and appropriate dress are encouraged.

Passport to Nature: Spring Plant Sale at Abkhazi Garden
2024-04-27 11:00 - 2024-04-28 16:00 | Abkhazi Garden, 1964 Fairfield Road, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Lost some plants over the winter? We’ve got your replacements! Come and buy interesting plants, most grown at the garden. Our head gardener, Jacqui Paulson will be on hand to answer your garden questions. Then visit our garden in peak bloom and learn about the history of this exquisite heritage garden created by Prince Nicolas and Princess Peggy Abkhazi. Proceeds go to the maintenance of the garden.
Abkhazi Garden is located at 1964 Fairfield Road.

2024 Deertrails Naturalist Program
2024-05-14 16:00 - 2024-05-19 11:00 | Clearwater, BC, 5353 Clearwater Valley Rd, Clearwater, BC, V0E 1N1, Canada
The Deertrails Naturalist program will return to the Upper Clearwater River Valley for its fourth year on May 14-19th, 2024. This six-day adult workshop introduces participants to skills in environmental stewardship and climate action leadership.
Registration closes Thursday, March 28th at 5PM PDT.
More details and registration here: https://conservancy.bc.ca/deertrails/

Passport to Nature: The Intertidal Zone
2024-06-23 10:00 - 11:00 | BC
Presented by TLC’s Communication Coordinator Emily Francis at the Clover Point boat ramp in Victoria
Registration Required
Join Emily to learn about the rich intertidal biodiversity that lives off our urban shores. Venturing out at one of the lowest tides of the year, we will ethically collect and observe rocky shore intertidal invertebrates at Cattle Point. Children & youth welcome at this family-friendly event!
Bring your water bottle & sturdy shoes that are ok getting wet (e.g., rainboots, swim shoes, crocs/Keens/closed toe sandals). For safety reasons, please do not wear flip flops.
Register online for TLC’s Passport to Nature events to ensure you receive directions and event details!

Passport to Nature: Scavenger Hunt
2024-07-20 | BC
Presented by Lisa Cross (she/her), TLC’s Donor Relations Manager & Grants Coordinator
Embrace your inner naturalist and head out to your local park on this nature-based scavenger hunt. A fun and educational adventure for all ages, participants will be provided with a link to an app that will guide you on your quest. You can complete the hunt in your own time, so enjoy a relaxing hike while seeking listed plants, animals, and other forest finds. Take photos of your discoveries and check off the ones you’ve located as you go. There will be a door prize from the list of registered participants.
Please register for this virtual Passport to Nature event to ensure you are provided with a direct link when the video becomes available!

Passport to Nature: Grandparents Day & Fall Plant Sale at Abkhazi Garden
2024-09-08 11:00 - 16:00 | Abkhazi Garden, 1964 Fairfield Road, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Looking for interesting plants for your garden this Fall? Come and buy plants at Abkhazi Garden, most grown at the Garden. Our head gardener, Jacqui Paulson will be on hand to answer your garden questions. Visit this special heritage garden and bring your grandchildren. Learn about the garden legacy of Prince Nicolas and Princess Peggy Abkhazi. There will be a draw for an Afternoon Tea for Two at the Teahouse and free Abkhazi Garden Activity Books for Kids. Be sure to buy a plant or two for your back yard or patio from the Fall Plant Sale. Free admission!

Blenkinsop Valley Restoration Day with Greater Victoria Green Team
2024-09-15 09:45 - 13:00 | Alston-Stewart, 4394 Lochside Drive, Victoria, BC, V8X 2C9, Canada
Restoration at TLC’s Alston-Stewart Estate in the Blenkinsop Valley
Registration Required
Join TLC and the Greater Victoria Green Team on Sunday, September 15th for invasive species removal at TLC’s Alston-Stewart properties in the Blenkinsop Valley. Come and remove invasives that are out-competing and overtaking natural habitat. Snacks, tools, and gloves will be provided.
Please dress for the weather including appropriate footwear. Don’t forget your water bottle!

Abkhazi Garden - International Day of Peace
2024-09-21 11:00 - 17:00 | Abkhazi Garden, 1964 Fairfield Road, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Experience the serenity of the Abkhazi Garden for this year’s International Day of Peace on Saturday, September 21st from 11AM – 5PM. This event will feature three choir performances by local groups:

11:30AM – Joy of Life Choir (director Daniel Lapp)
1:30PM – Vancouver Island Chamber Choir (director Brian Tate)
3:30PM – Kalyna Ukrainian Choir (directors Lina Streltsov & Iryna Starostina) and Ukrainian Children’s Choir (director Iryna Starostina)

Garden admission is by donation. Limited street parking and parking at St Matthias Anglican Church (600 Richmond Ave) available. Please carpool, bike or use public transit if you can.
Call 250-479-8053 or email volunteer@conservancy.bc.ca for more event information.

TLC's 2024 Annual General Meeting
2024-09-28 13:00 - 16:00 | BC
Cordova Bay United Church
813 Claremont Avenue, Cordova Bay
Join TLC’s volunteer Board of Directors and staff for the organization’s 2024 Annual General Meeting to hear reports from our volunteer Board and staff. Enjoy tea, coffee, and treats while learning about TLC’s projects and programming from the previous fiscal year.
For those unable to attend, TLC’s Annual Report and Financial Statements will be available in September on our website or in hard copy by request to membership@conservancy.bc.ca.

Passport to Nature: Blenkinsop Valley
2024-10-26 10:00 - 13:00 | BC
Restoration at TLC’s Alston-Stewart Estate in the Blenkinsop Valley
Presented by Michelle Thompson, TLC’s Property & Covenant Manager, and the Greater Victoria Green Team
Registration Required
Join TLC and the Greater Victoria Green Team for invasive species removal at TLC’s Alston-Stewart properties in the Blenkinsop Valley. Come and remove invasives that are out-competing and overtaking natural habitat. Snacks, tools, and gloves will be provided.
Please dress for the weather including appropriate footwear. Don’t forget your water bottle!

Passport to Nature: Rainwater Management
2024-10-31 | BC
Presented by Sherry Beauvais, TLC’s Accounting Coordinator
Rain is grace; rain is the sky descending to the earth; without rain, there would be no life.
Rainwater is a valuable commodity when we don’t get enough, but concerning and sometimes damaging when we get too much in a short period of time. Managing rainwater in our urban environments can have a recognizable impact on our ecological systems; we can re-direct it from our stormwater networks, contain and use it for domestic gardens and landscapes, and return it to the earth as nature intended. Join Sherry to learn about techniques to manage this precious resource through various catchment, storage, and conveyance systems.
Please register for the virtual Passport to Nature events to receive links when videos become available!

Passport to Nature: Millstream Creek Watershed - Fully Registered
2024-11-09 10:00 - 13:00 | BC
Mushroom ID Walk
This workshop is fully registered. To be placed on the waitlist please contact Lisa Cross at membership@conservancy.bc.ca or call the TLC office 250-479-8053. If you can no longer attend this workshop, please let Lisa know so that we may accept waitlisted participants.
Presented by TLC’s Michelle Thompson and Maya Irwin along with experts Andy MacKinnon and Kem Luther
Join Andy MacKinnon and Kem Luther on a hunt to find and identify mushrooms in the beautiful mature forests at TLC’s Millstream Creek Watershed property. Participants will learn how to ID fall fruiting fungi and discuss the role of fungi in forests. Please dress for the weather including appropriate footwear. Don’t forget your water bottle!
Register online for TLC’s Passport to Nature events to ensure you receive directions and event details!

Giving Tuesday: National Day of Giving
2024-12-03 | BC
Around the world, non-profit supporters come together for a common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give back to the causes they are passionate about.
When you are making your year-end charitable gifts this year, please consider supporting TLC. You can make your donation by giving online or calling our office today. Donations are eligible for 2024 tax receipts.
Donate online at www.conservancy.bc.ca or by calling TLC at 1-877-485-2422 today!

Passport to Nature: Festive Market at Abkhazi Garden
2024-12-14 11:00 - 2024-12-15 15:30 | Abkhazi Garden, 1964 Fairfield Road, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Presented by Jacqui Paulson, Abkhazi Garden’s Head Gardener, and Abkhazi Garden Volunteers
Give the gift of green this holiday season! From volunteer-crafted holiday swags, table centres, culinary wreaths, to hand crafted wooden bowls, plants and kid birdseed kits, there’s something for everyone on your list. After exploring the market, enjoy a stroll around the winter garden that was created by Prince and Princess Abkhazi.
Abkhazi Garden is located at 1964 Fairfield Road, Victoria. Admission is by donation. View Abkhazi Garden’s holiday hours of operation at www.conservancy.bc.ca/abkhazi
