Celebrating its 50th anniversary, The Nature Trust of British Columbia is a leading non-profit land conservation organization and an important resource for the BC community. As an advocate for our region’s natural habitats, DP World Canada supports and champions The Nature Trust of BC’s efforts. We are eager to recognize the important work it does to protect and enhance our province’s land and wildlife.
50 Years of Conservation
Founded in 1971, The Nature Trust of BC was established thanks to a $4.5 million grant received from the Government of Canada. Jack Davis, the first federal Minister for Environment; Len Marchand, Member of Parliament for Kamloops and the first Indigenous person to be elected to the House of Commons from BC; Dr. Alastair McLean, a research scientist; and Ralph Shaw, an elementary school principal and avid outdoorsman. They decided that this grant money should be used to establish a land trust to specifically protect vulnerable ecosystems and species in BC. Over the course of five decades, the organization has acquired over 500 conservation properties through a combination of purchases and donation. These lands represent some of the most endangered ecosystems in the province, allowing it to safeguard endangered species and protect natural lands. Today, the organization is the largest regional land trust in BC, as well as one of the largest in Canada, caring for over 178,000 acres of land. Yet, despite the amount of land it has acquired, The Nature Trust of BC is known for its local focus and its community of partners and volunteers.
Biodiversity, Birds, and Beyond
The Nature Trust of BC has a scientific process for acquiring land that is identified as ecologically significant and under the most threat. They specifically focus on acquiring a habitat for a species at risk and then caring for it. By helping to ensure our natural world is healthy, we are helping to ensure our human health, and to enhance human health in surrounding areas.
The Nature Trust of BC has conserved land in over 500 locations. These lands protect a wide habitat range including wetlands, riparian corridors, forests, and grasslands. In the late 1970s, the organization began to acquire six parcels of land at the mouth of the Adams River. Their conservation efforts were the catalyst for the founding of the Roderick Haig-Brown (now Tsútswecw) Provincial Park. The Adams River is one of the largest sockeye salmon runs in North America. The Nature Trust also owns acreage in Cathedral Grove, which contributes to MacMillan Provincial Park, known for its mature and old growth forest, and they are currently working on purchasing 2600 acres of rare grasslands near Princeton. Additionally, through a partnership with the North American Wetlands Conservation Association, the trust is currently involved in protecting wetlands that support bird migration.
Supporting The Nature Trust of BC
The Nature Trust of BC partners with community and stewardship groups to help maintain and improve their conservation lands. Volunteers are needed to oversee and care for these fragile habitats. Additionally, the trust hosts clean-up and educational events, allowing community members to actively engage with and support the natural habitats in their own neighbourhoods.
As British Columbia land prices continue to skyrocket, financial contributions are the best way to help the organization acquire large, empty land parcels and further protect vulnerable areas. In addition to direct donation, the trust hosts an annual gala event, and supporters may also engage in fundraisers in which proceeds are contributed to further the trust’s efforts.
The Nature Trust of BC is also eager to collaborate with local businesses. Business partners may donate items or labour, participate in clean-up events, or educate their employees through an educational tour. They can also sponsor, attend, and provide auction items for the organization’s Annual Gala, which, for 2021, will be held on October 7.
The Nature Trust of BC appreciates every donation. When an individual or business partners with the organization, they become part of the trust’s community of friends, receiving personalized updates and regular communication regarding current projects and their progress.
Additional Information
For additional information regarding The Nature Trust of BC, its initiatives, and how to partner with the non-profit organization, visit https://www.naturetrust.bc.ca or follow the organization on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.