Vancouver Island

(Including Adjacent Islands)

BC Conservation Data Centre
Website: http://srmwww.gov.bc.ca/cdc
It systematically collects and disseminates information on the rare and endangered plants, animals, and plant communities of British Columbia. They are, and have been, responsible for the following projects: biological assessments of elements at risk; inventory, mapping and documentation of locations of elements at risk; production of key biodiversity publications, including web access to significant data and the illustrated Vascular Flora of BC; the development of The Big Tree Register; and cataloguing significant conservation sites in the Georgia Basin.
Contact: 4th Floor, 395 Waterfront Crescent, Victoria V8T 5K7 (250-356-0928) Mailing address: B.C. Conservation Data Centre, Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management, P.O. Box 9993 Station Provincial Government, Victoria V8W 9R7 or email: cdcdata@victoria1.gov.bc.ca

BC Pathways
Website: http://www.geocities.com/bc_pathways/intro.html
It is a small, but dedicated, group of South Vancouver Island environmentalists whose goal is to determine old-growth areas that are most in danger of being logged. The group lays flagging tape, clips brush and saws deadfall in order to open up good foot access to each site, thereby encouraging biologists, naturalists, painters, photographers, students, concerned citizens, the press, and activists to visit these "hot sites." They also apply pressure on the timber companies and the British Columbia Ministry of Forests to reduce or stop the logging of sensitive old growth forest area, particularly around the Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park. Current projects include the refurbishing of Botley Lake trail and the preparation of a campaign to discourage TimberWest (and MoF) from their planned logging in the Walbran Periphery Special Management Zone (SMZ 21).
Contact: 2474 Bowker Ave., Victoria V8R 2G1 (250-361-1876) or email: bcpathways@hotmail.com

BC SPCA - Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC)
Website: http://www.wildarc.com/
It admits, examines, and gives compassionate treatment and care during the rehabilitation of a wide range of small to medium-sized wild animals in an area of Vancouver Island extending south of the line from Jordan River across to Sidney. To date, they have admitted over 8,000 wild animals from over 170 species. They are also involved in the training of wildlife rehabilitators through an in-house internship program and in educating the general public, especially children, on the part played by wildlife in the total ecological scene and how all can live harmoniously.
Contact: 1020 Malloch Road, Victoria BC V9C 4G9 (250-478-9453) or email: wildarc@shaw.ca

Bilston Watershed Habitat Protection Association
Website: http://www.islandnet.com/~bilston
It is a group that focuses on the protection and enhancement of fish in the Bilston Creek Watershed areas.
Contact: 1139 Lippincott Road, Victoria V9C 2Z6 (250-478-2387) or email: bilston@islandnet.com

Bowen GeoLibrary
Website: http://www.bowenisland.info/
It is a constellation of websites that collectively represent the first step on what is hoped will be a much longer path toward community-based learning and participatory planning. It includes a collection of map, text, and image-based information that reflects what is currently known about Bowen Island and its community. It includes an atlas of biophysical and land use planning maps, a repository of key documents, including the Bowen Island Official Community Plan, the Green Zone report, and the State of Bowen Report. In addition, there are current news and information, an invitation to explore ideas and perspectives on sustainability, and an avenue in which to share what you know about the island and the community through an interactive local stories module.

Burnside Gorge Community Association
Website: http://www.burnside.city.victoria.bc.ca
It encourages a preventative, holistic approach to the improvement and maintenance of health care and social conditions in community life. Goals include fostering a strong sense of community pride, assisting with the co-ordination of services and program delivery, including health, education, social, leisure and recreation services; and encouraging a liaison between residents, businesses, groups and individuals. Currently, the main focus is on the Rock Bay Contaminant Reduction Project involving representatives from private, public and non-profit organisations working together to play an active role to reduce environmental harm. The use of Rock Bay included storm water discharge from industries, as well as a large residential area that covers approximately 23% of the City of Victoria, which resulted in the bay being an ecologically dead area. The Rock Bay Contaminant Reduction Project will implement: a Residential Watershed Pledge Program, initiatives to promote education and public awareness in schools, a Business Pollution Prevention Program, and a Recognition Program for all participating businesses. In addition to this concern and having successfully completed several other projects, the group also coordinates community gardens and works with Burnside School to provide environmental programs for students.
Contact: 484 Cecelia Road, Victoria V8T 4T5 (250-388-5251) or email: bgca@shaw.ca

Caramanah Forestry Society
Website: http://www.carmanah.bc.ca/
It began in 1988. Since then, volunteers have explored, cut, and maintained trails in significant forests and wilderness areas throughout Southern Vancouver Island. Its goal is to provide safe, easy access to the giant trees and spectacular rainforests within this natural wonderland. Campaigns are targeted to protect endangered species and their habitats while allowing exceptional recreational experiences. Its adventure tours provide a first-hand educational experience concerning areas worthy of protection. In town, it has organized events, critiqued industry and government planning documents, attended planning workshops, and has been a vigilant watchdog, continually arguing for public participation in forest management and for better forestry practices. It opposes policies and activities which degrade the natural function, diversity, and very existence of public rainforests.
Contact: 1431 Richardson Street, Victoria V8S 1R1 (250-381-1141) or email: carmanah@pacificcoast.net

City Green
Website: http://www.citygreen.ca/index.html
It empowers people and organizations to make lifestyle changes that will enhance their health while saving them money and, at the same time, reduce their environmental impact. It works in partnership with various levels of government, business, and community organizations to transform Greater Victoria into a leader in environmental sustainability. City Green is an initiative of the All About Canada Foundation, a charitable non-profit organization existing to further the country as a leader in environmental sustainability and education. Currently, its programs include Pesticide Free Naturally!, STEP (Sustainable Transportation Empowerment Program), EnerGuide for Houses Assessment, and Sustainability Consulting Services.
Contact: 12 Centennial Square, Victoria V8W 1P7 (250-381-9995) or email: info@citygreen.ca

Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT)
Website: http://www.clayoquotbiosphere.org/
It was formed after the pattern of all Biosphere Reserves, which is to combine the following three functions: conservation (contributing to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic variation); development (fostering economic development which is ecologically and culturally sustainable); and logistic support (research, monitoring, training, and education related to local, regional, nationa,l and global conservation and sustainable development issues). Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial or marine ecosystems which are internationally recognized within UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program designed for promoting and demonstrating a balanced relationship between people and nature. Individual countries propose sites within their territories which meet a given set of criteria for this designation.
Contact: P.O. Box 67, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0 (250-726-4715) or email: input@clayoquotbiosphere.org

Climate Partners
Website: http://www.climatepartners.com/ It is a Canadian-based company founded by Dennis Rogoza, formerly head of the Clean Vehicle and Fuels Program at the British Columbia Ministry of Environment. The website has an abundance of information regarding alternatives to all forms of travel, as well as environmental news from all over. The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors of greenhouse gas emissions. Based on current usage patterns, CO₂ emission levels from transportation will be significantly above 1990 levels by the year 2010. The group's research shows that people and organizations are concerned about these issues and are willing to support practical solutions. Individuals and organizations face many dilemmas and conflicts when considering how they can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions; and Climate Partners is part of the solution by offering ways for evaluating greenhouse gas emissions.
Contact: 1200 - 865 View St., Victoria, BC V8W 3E8 (250-381-5550 or email using the page provided on the site.

Coalition of Langford Residents (CLR)
Website: No website
It was organized to improve the quality of life in and around Langford, as well as the Capital Regional district. Current activities include the identification and protection of environmentally sensitive lands and educating the public regarding impacts and costs of unplanned rapid development. It is also raising funds towards the purchase of the Seraphim Lands in the Sooke area. Projects that have been successfully completed include a petition against new CRD water bylaws, a campaign to protect Hulls Wetland, and cleanup of Luxton Fairgrounds.
Contact: 3182 Humpback Road, Victoria V9B 5Y8 (250-478-6330) or email: nharris@horizon.bc.ca

Coastal Enterprise and Resource Centre
Website: No website
It is an organization whose focus is environmental restoration and the monitoring of BC's coastal ecosystems. Present projects include conducting stock assessment surveys in Kirby Creek, gearing up for the fall adult counting fence program in Colquitz Creek, and preparing for restoration work of the Quick's Bottom wetland that will include building a channel. This latter work is aimed at controlling the overabundance of reed canary grass in the wetland and introducing a diversity of native wetland plant species to improve habitat for fish and wildlife. Another program called "Ocean Solutions" is an initiative to bring a boat waste disposal system to British Columbia's marine waters.
Contact: PO Box 242, Saanichton, BC V8M 2C3 (250-656-3686) or email: jamcisaac@shaw.ca

Common Ground Mapping Project
Website: http://www3.telus.net/cground/index.html
It is a community-based mapping and planning project in Victoria, BC, that provides learning resources and opportunities for schools, neighborhoods, and communities wishing to undertake sustainable community development and planning projects. Community mapping is a way for local citizens to reinhabit their home place through a participatory process which maps the social, economic, and ecological assets, history, and development of a given place. People of all ages share their knowledge, values, and experience with others as a basis for visioning and planning.
Contact: (Mailing Address) 527 Michigan St., Victoria, BC V8V 1S1 (250-360-0799)
(Physical location) 521 Superior St., Victoria, BC V8V 1T7 (250-360-0799) or email: cground@telus.net

Comox Valley Land Trust
Website: http://www.communitythings.com/cvlt
It is a community organization dedicated to protecting the Comox Valley’s heritage of land and resources through voluntary conservation. The Land Trust protects several different categories of land: wildlife habitat, farmlands, forest lands, recreational green space, and heritage sites. One goal is to help create a network of interconnected greenways throughout the Comox Valley, benefitting both wildlife and the human population. The Land Trust was incorporated as a non-profit society in 1999 and is a registered Canadian charity, as well as having received general designation to hold conservation covenants under the Land Title Act. In addition, it has also been designated as an agency authorized to accept donations of ecologically sensitive land.
Contact: P.O. Box 3462, Courtenay, BC V9N 5N5 (250-338-1368 or 250-337-1929) or email: cvlt@uniserve.com

Comox Valley Project Watershed Society
Website: http://www.projectwatershed.bc.ca/
It was established in 1993 by a small group of citizens concerned with declining fish stocks, water quality, as well as urban development in local watersheds. Project Watershed is a registered non-profit organization, and currently focuses on three program areas: Sensitive Habitat Stewardship, Baynes Sound Stewardship, and Streamkeepers.
Contact: 156 Manor Dr., Comox, BC. (250-339-1619) or email: info@projectwatershed.bc.ca

Conservation Connection
Website: http://www.conservationconnection.bc.ca It is an organization that fosters and facilitates partnerships, communication, and networking between the conservation and stewardship organizations in the Capital Regional District (CRD) on Vancouver Island. Its activities include: running a website, organizing the annual forum, and holding bi-monthly meetings hosted by various groups.
Contact: c/o Habitat AcquisitionTrust, PO Box 8552, Victoria V8W 3S2 (250-995-2428) or email: hatmail@hat.bc.ca

Cowichan Community Land Trust Society (CCLT)
Website: http://www.island.net/~cclt/
It is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of natural areas in and around the Cowichan Valley Regional District of Vancouver Island. It was formed in 1995 by concerned residents who wished to help landowners find alternatives to the destruction of natural areas and wildlife habitat.
Contact: Cowichan Community Land Trust Society, #6 - 55 Station Street, Duncan V9L 1M2 (250-746-0227) or email: cclt@island.net

Denman Conservancy Association
Website: http://denmanis.bc.ca/conserve/
It was founded by a group of volunteer community members who came together with the goal of preserving unique, environmentally sensitive and historically important parcels of land on Denman Island, British Columbia. Denman Island is a small, rural, gulf island located in the Strait of Georgia, south of Courtenay off the coast of Vancouver Island. Its forest cover is currently under siege, doubly threatened by aggressive industrial logging practices and rapid population growth/residential development. These pressures have created an urgent need for conservation of substantial tracts of protected land.
Contact: The Acquisitions Committee, Denman Conservancy Association, Box 60, Denman Island V0R 1T0 Email: pcdsres@island.net

Dogwood Initiative (formerly known as Forest Futures)
Website: http://www.dotwoodinitiative.org
It is non-traditional environmental group founded by First Nations, environmentalists, community advocates, and labour leadership. Its mission is to create sustainable community solutions for lands and people through strong leadership, policy alternatives, research, and campaigns. Dogwood Initiative also promotes collaboration among diverse constituencies to ensure sustainable local control and management of BC land. Since its inception in 1999, Dogwood Initiative has become the pre-eminent land reform organization in British Columbia because, while many groups have dissimilar and sometimes competing goals, "our mutual interests outweigh our differences."
Contact: (250-370-9930) or email: info@dogwoodinitiative.org

Eartheasy
Website: http://eartheasy.com/
It offers information, activities, and ideas about sustainable living in an effort to educate people in the necessity of living more simply, efficiently, and with less impact on the environment.
Contact: P.O.Box 531, Parksville, BC V9P 2G6 Or email: info@eartheasy.com

Ecoforestry Institute Society
Website: http://www.ecoforestry.ca
It is dedicated to promoting ecologically, socially, and economically responsible forest use that maintains and restores the complexity and diversity of our forests. It is the society's belief that ecoforestry is the science of preserving fully intact forest ecosystems while providing for appropriate levels of commercial timber extraction. It is adaptable to the inclusion of ecological, cultural, heritage, scenic, recreational, wildlife, and fisheries objectives within the value set identified for mitigation or maintenance. This is accomplished through outreach to the public, publishing a journal called Ecoforestry, the development of certification standards, and offerring training programs for ecoforestry apprentices.
Contact: PO Box 5070, Station B, Victoria V8R 6N3 (250-595-0655) or email: journal@ecoforestry.ca

EcoNews/Earthfuture
Website: http://www.earthfuture.com/econews/
It is an informative website which focuses on environmental issues in BC and elsewhere. It contains a wealth of information and provides links to other environmental groups and issues.
Contact: Guy Dauncey, 395 Conway Road, Victoria V9E 2B9 (250-881-1304) or email: guydauncey@earthfuture.com

Eco-Research Chair of Environmental Law and Policy
Website: http://www.polisproject.org/index.html
It handles the development of constitutional and economic theories and models of sustainability, especially the role of community-based institutions; provides direction for the ecological transformation of resource-based industries, especially forestry and fisheries; develops new processes and policies for sustainable cities; and fosters innovative science policies to guide ecological transition.
Contact: POLIS Project, UVic, PO Box 3060, Victoria V8W 3R4 (250-721-6388) or email: polis@uvic.ca

Energy Alternatives Ltd.
Website: http://www.energyalternatives.ca
It is a large website with information on many energy source alternatives.
Contact: 5-4217 Glanford Ave, Victoria, BC V8Z 4B9 (250-727-0522 or toll free 1-800-265-8898)

Environmental Law Centre
Website: http://www.elc.uvic.ca/ It is both a non-profit society and a University of Victoria law course. Its primary mission is to provide research and advocacy on public interest environmental issues. The ELC has a multi-pronged structure, drawing on the expertise and involvement of students, professors, legal practitioners, and environmental activists. The centre is staffed and run by students with the support of volunteers from a variety of disciplines.
Contact: c/o University of Victoria, P.O. Box 2400 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 3H7 (250-721-8188) or email: elc@uvic.ca

Esquimalt Lagoon Enhancement Association
Website: http://www.elea.bc.ca/
It is a non-profit organization whose mandate is to work for the protection and enhancement of the Esquimalt Lagoon and surrounding area and who seek access to, as well as input into, the planning process for the area. Esquimalt Lagoon, located in the City of Colwood, is a migratory bird sanctuary. The Lagoon watershed includes five significant, as well as numerous other smaller, freshwater streams, and some fish bearing.
Contact: info@elea.bc.ca

Friends of Beacon Hill Park Society
Website: http://www.friendsofbeaconhillpark.ca/
It is a non-profit organization founded for the purpose of preserving and maintaining Beacon Hill Park, which was set aside as parkland by Governor Sir James Douglas, in 1847. In 1989, the municipality of Victoria planned to clear the naturally wooded area in the southeast corner of the park. Ultimately, Friends of Beacon Hill Park succeeded in preserving the southeast "woods." Working with parks staff, the society helps to protect the native wildflowers and trees and, through their efforts, mowing practices have changed to allow flowers to produce seed. The group is also instrumental in keeping events off the meadow to prevent thousands of people from trampling the ground and compacting the soil; charting wildflower species; recording native flowers that flourish, are near extinction, and those no longer found in the Park; restoration planting of native vegetation; and speaking on behalf of the Park Trust.
Contact: 366 St. Charles St., Victoria V8S 3N3 (250-592-6659) or email: kacy@islandnet.com

Friends of Bowker Creek
Website: http://members.shaw.ca/virtual/bowkerweb/
It, along with various other community associations within the Bowker Creek Watershed, is helping to develop an action plan with the CRD that will help to improve Bowker Creek. Students in the Oak Bay High School Environmental club have conducted stream cleanups and have raised money over the years through events like the "Rubber Ducky Race." The headwaters of the Bowker Creek watershed are located at the University of Victoria, and has several tributaries in the Gordon Head and Cedar Hill golf course areas. Bowker Creek meanders through the municipalities of Saanich, Victoria, and Oak Bay. The creek flows roughly parallel to Shelbourne street until it reaches the Royal Jubilee Hospital, where it heads east past Oak Bay High School and empties into Oak Bay near the Glenlyon-Norfolk school. Because it is part of a heavy populated area, Bowker Creek is subject to abuse, but with groups like the Friends helping to maintain its ecosystem, the Creek will be around for much longer than it would have been without such intervention.
Contact: Email: bowkercreek@shaw.ca

Friends of Clayoqout Sound
Website: http://www.focs.ca/
It is a non-profit, grassroots environmental organization located in Tofino, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The group's mission is to be peaceful and courageous advocates for the protection and defence of the ancient forest, fish and wildlife, air, land and water of Clayoquot Sound. FOCS was established as a non-profit, community-based society in 1979. Since then, it has worked to protect the biological diversity of ancient temperate rainforests and the wild ocean. The society is strongly opposed to logging of ancient temperate rainforests and the export of raw (unprocessed) logs. Instead, they support small-scale, community-based forestry in second growth forests and promote the reduction of wood and paper consumption. It supports the use of ecologically sustainable, tree-free alternatives to wood and wood-fiber products. Because of the inextricable link between rainforests and the ocean, it also focuses on ocean ecology issues, advocates the removal of all open netcage salmon farms from oceans, and works to drive consumer demand towards sustainable alternatives.
Contact: 331 Neill St., (Box 489), Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0 (250-725-4218) or email: info@focs.ca

Friends of Glencoe Cove-Kwatsech Park
Website: http://www.davidjobson.com/kwatsech/
It began meeting in 1992 because of an issue regarding the development of acreage at Glencoe Cove. After consultation with Saanich Council and the community about parkland, native plant, and archeological concerns, they were able to secure three million dollars in funding from the British Columbia government to establish Glencoe Cove-Kwatsech Park as part of the Commonwealth Nature Legacy. The park is situated near the University of Victoria and home to several rare and endangered native plant species. In addition, this was a Songhee village site with archeological remains dating back to Roman times. Currently, the group is tackling invasive plant species within the park, which means removing such plants as English ivy by hand.
Contact: 1971 Ferndale Rd., Victoria, BC (250-477-8947) or email: david_jobson@hotmail.com

Friends of Knockan Hill Park Society
Website: http://www.hat.bc.ca/projects/101high.htm
It was organized in order to protect, preserve and perpetuate the wilderness character and the natural ecosystem of Knockan Hill Park. The group encourages and practices the principles of conservation and educates park users on appropriate care of the park. It also promotes expansion of the park when and where the opportunity arises, including working towards the acquisition of 101 High St. as parkland in an effort to protect the entire property from subdivision. FKHPS practices habitat restoration by removing such exotic plant invasive species as Scotch Broom, English Ivy, and holly. In the 1990s, FKHPS partnered with the Saanich Heritage Foundation and the Saanich Archival and Heritage Committee in lobbying the municipality of Saanich for the conservation of Stranton Lodge Heritage Site, which is part of a large property added to Knockan Hill Park in 1973. In 2001, the Society contacted Habitat Acquisition Trust and established a tax-deductible fund for donations.
Contact: 79 High Street, Victoria, BC V8Z 5C8 (250-479-6641) or email: evie@pacificcoast.net

Friends of Mount Douglas Park
Website: http://www.vancouverisland.com/ParksAndTrails/Parks/details/?ID=542
It was formed to preserve and protect Mount Douglas Park on Cordova Bay Road, in the Municipality of Saanich on Vancouver Island. Its efforts include advising Saanich on trails, roads, radio tower, and other municipal activities within the Park; monitoring effects of humans in the park and taking action when required; battling invasive species; restoring fish habitat and salmon to Douglas Creek (which is served by a 524 ha urbanized watershed containing about 5000 dwellings); and increasing public awareness of the Park and the Creek. After several years of hard work, the organization is now witnessing the survival of coho salmon in the Creek and hope for returning spawners within the next couple of years.
Contact: 4285 Cedar Hill Road, Victoria V8N 3C7 (250-477-8007) or email: kwrankin@uvic.ca

Friends of Tod Creek Watershed
Website: No website
It was organized to protect and enhance the integrity and biodiversity of Tod Creek Watershed, which falls predominantly within the Municipality of Saanich, but also includes parts of the Municipality of Highlands and Central Saanich, as well as parts of Gowlland-Tod Provincial Park and Mt. Work Regional Park. Current projects include Well Water Safety, identifying and clearing of public rights-of-way for walking trails throughout the watershed, and sharing information about trails on private land and favorite walks. They are also planning the restoration of riparian vegetation where appropriate and mapping the area.
Contact: 237 Meadowbrook Road, RR7, Victoria V9E 1J5 (250-479-5647) or email: mhaigbrown@shaw.ca

Galiano Conservancy Association
Website: http://www.conservationconnection.bc.ca/GroupView.asp?GroupID=44
It is a non-profit society founded in 1989 and is one of the oldest community-based land trusts in British Columbia. Its purposes include the preservation, protection, and enhancement of the quality of the human and natural environment of the area; facilitation of public education and participation in resource and land use management, including ecologically sound forestry practices; and the promotion of wilderness and other natural habitat preserves for the benefit of this and future generations. The Conservancy manages the top of Mount Sutil on Galiano and has recently acquired District Lot 63 of Galiano -- the cornerstone of the planned Pebble Beach reserve -- as well as District Lot 61, known as the “Great Beaver Swamp.” The Conservancy publishes occasional newsletters, and Archipelego, a quarterly journal of "news, views, reviews, and interviews on island community and conservation."
Contact: RR#1, Sturdies Bay Road, Galiano Island, BC V0N 1P0 (250-539-2424) or email: galiano_conservancy@gulfislands.com

Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team (GOERT)
Website: http://www.goert.ca/
It participates in a broad and diverse range of activities, including those involving inventory, mapping, site protection, restoration, and management, protection of species at risk, research, public education, and extention. In the rainshadow of the Vancouver Island Ranges, it is one of Canada’s richest, and most endangered ecosystems. Presently, there are aboutninety-one species of plants, mammals, reptiles, birds, butterflies and other insects, and an earthworm, officially listed as “at risk of extinction” in Garry Oak and associated ecosystems, and several species have already been eliminated. Activities are located throughout southeast Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, Savary Island, Sumas Mountain, and near Yale, and includes many of the island's municipalities and regional districts.
Contact: #202-26 Bastion Square, Victoria V8W 1H9 or email:info@goert.ca

Garry Oak Ecosystem Education Kit (GEEK)
Website: No website
It has a mandate to educate and inspire the public on the values of Garry Oak ecosystems as well as promoting awareness, stewardship, and restoration activities. Its main activity is the development of an education kit about the Garry Oak ecosystem designed for educators of young people.
Contact: c/o Environmental Services, Municipality of Saanich, 770 Vernon Ave., Victoria V8X 2W7 (250-475-1775) or email: macdonac@gov.saanich.bc.ca

Garry Oak Preservation Society (GOMPS)
Website: http://www.garryoak.bc.ca/
It was formed in 1992 because local citizens were concerned that woodlands and meadows were rapidly disappearing as a result of development in the Capital Regional District. The society is dedicated to the preservation, protection, and restoration of Garry Oak stands and their natural habitats. They engage in educational activities, lobbying all levels of government through letter writing, attending council meetings, and public hearings, as well as working on habitat restoration. The society is also authorized by the Ministry of Environment to hold conservation covenants.
Contact: A-954 Queens Avenue, Victoria V8T 1M6 (250-475-2024) or email: info@garryoak.bc.ca

Garry Oak Restoration Project (GORP)
Website: http://gorpsaanich.com/
It is a public education program designed to introduce and educate the local residents of Saanich to the value of Garry Oak ecosystems and ecological restoration. Following a "living laboratory" approach, parcels of local Garry Oak ecosystems owned by the Municipality of Saanich were selected to develop and maintain restoration demonstration sites. All the sites are highly visible and accessible to the public and rely on the efforts of volunteers.
Contact: c/o Environmental Services, Municipality of Saanich, 770 Vernon Ave., Victoria V8X 2W7 (250-475-5494 local 3477) or email: gorp@islandnet.com or macdonac@gov.saanich.bc.ca

Georgia Strait Alliance
Website: http://www.GeorgiaStrait.org/
The Georgia Strait Alliance is dedicated to protecting and restoring the marine environment. The organization promotes the sustainability of the Strait of Georgia and its adjoining waters and communities. Founded in 1990, the group has addressed such issues as pulp mill pollution, salmon farming, household toxic products, pesticides, sewage treatment, green boating, and other energy issues, including the proposed GSX pipeline and gas-fired electrical plants. Volunteers are active in many areas, including beach cleanup. They also hold intertidal quadrat studies that document changes in marine life on the area beaches.
Contact: 12 Centennial Square, Victoria V8W 1P7 (250-381-8321) or email: gsa@georgiastrait.org

Gorge Waterway Action Society (GWAS)
Website: No website
It is a non-profit society and a registered charity dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the Gorge Waterway in Victoria, BC. Its vision is a place of beauty for human recreation and safe for the fish, wildlife, and plants that make it their home. Its mandate covers the Gorge Waterway and surrounding shoreline from the Johnson Street Bridge in Victoria's Inner Harbour to the, and including, Portage Inlet. The municipalities of Victoria, Esquimalt, Saanich, and View Royal all border the Gorge. The society conducts four types of activities: awareness, stewardship, water quality, and fundraising.
Contact: PO Box 44164, RPO 2947 Tillicum Road, Victoria V9A 2A0 (250-388-6422) or email: hkamphof@crd.bc.ca

Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre
Website: http://www.compost.bc.ca/
It is a not-for-profit, charitable organization located in Victoria, BC. It provides free educational literature on how to compost kitchen and yard waste, how to use compost, and general trouble shooting; site tours, workshops, and presentations on composting and organic gardening; elementary schools programs; a compost bin showcase and organic demonstration gardens; compost educator volunteer training program; a newletter, supplies for purchase, straw bale building demonstrations; and a resource library.
Contact: 1216 N. Park St., Victoria, BC V8T 1C9 (250-386-9676) or email: info@compost.bc.ca

Habitat Acquisition Trust
Website: http://www.hat.bc.ca/
It is a non-profit local land trust whose principal purpose is to encourage and support habitat conservation on southern Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands. HAT works in partnership with landowners, governments, and other non-government organizations to achieve its goals. Currently, the group is focusing on: acquisition of ecologically significant habitats (e.g. Laughlin Lake on Galiano Island), conservation covenants (HAT holds, manages, and provides expertise in conservation covenants); and community projects that strengthen the capacity of stewardship groups and landowners to care for local habitats. Habitat Acquisition Trust works closely with the provincial (The Land Conservancy of BC) or national (The Nature Conservancy of Canada) partners. Where projects are locally important, HAT works with such local partners as the Friends of Ayum Creek, the Pender Islands Conservancy, and the Galiano Conservancy Association. HAT's mandate area is a special part of Canada, a region that is home to over 130 threatened or endangered species and home to wildlife and ecosystems that cannot be found elsewhere in Canada. Since the mild climate and spectacular scenery of this region are attracting more and more tourists and residents each year, developmental pressures are ever-increasingly placed on habitats and, therefore, the need to preserve areas is that much greater.
Contact: 316 - 620 View Street, (PO Box 8552), Victoria V8W 3S2 (250) 995-2428) or email: hatmail@hat.bc.ca

Hagan Creek Kennes Watershed Project
Website: No website
It was organized to protect and enhance the Hagan Creek stream system, from the head waters to deep waters, in order to maintain sufficient water quality and quantity. Its aim is to achieve the best possible balance between ecological and agricultural needs of the watershed and to maintain watershed functions for future generations. Currently, its focus is on storm drain programs, in-stream restoration, education and outreach, stewardship of the area, and surface and groundwater studies. Completed projects include the Centennial Park restoration, habitat and watershed assessments, and mapping.
Contact: c/o Institute of Ocean Sciences, 9860 West Saanich Road, North Saanich, BC V8L 4B2 (250-363-6837) or email: hagancreek@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Harbours Ecological Inventory and Rating (HEIR)
Website: http://www.veheap.crd.bc.ca/HEIR.htm
It project is an initiative of the Victoria and Esquimalt Harbours Environmental Action Program (VEHEAP), an intergovernmental program with a mission to protect and improve the environmental quality of the harbours. HEIR is an information tool designed to assist with the environmental management of the harbours and adjacent lands by providing materials to aid in land and water use decisions, support actions to protect against further habitat degradation in the harbours, and improve the effectiveness of efforts to restore and enhance harbour ecosystems. The areas covered by the HEIR are Victoria Harbour, the Gorge Waterway, Portage Inlet, Esquimalt Harbour, and Esquimalt Lagoon.
Contact: 524 Yates St., Victoria, BC V8W 2S6 (250-360-3065) or email: jwatson@crd.bc.ca

Highlands Lake Stewardship (Friends of Fork Lake)
Website: No website
It promotes (pro-actively) the principles of lake stewardship among Highlands residents, north of Victoria, by means of grassroots, volunteer, community based initiatives. The headwaters of three watersheds are located in Highlands Municipality, specifically, the Craigflower, Millstream, and the Pease watersheds. Activities currently take place on four of the ten Highlands lakes: Fork, Teanook, Third, and Pease. The remaining five lakes, Eagles, Mary, Mitchell (First), Second Fizzle, and Matson will undoubtably become involved in time. Current activities include water quality testing, biological inventory, invasive species inventory and recommendation for removal, and the American Bullfrog monitoring program currently conducted by UVic PhD doctoral candidate Purnima Price. There are numerous on-going meetings, speakers, newsletters, socials, and activities to encourage and support grassroots community initiatives.
Contact: c/o 5029 Stag Rd., Victoria V9E 1G7 (250-478-6144) or email: lindaw@pacificcoast.net

International Network of Forests and Communities
Website: http://www.forestsandcommunities.org/index.html
It works actively to promote and support ecosystem-based community forestry world-wide. Its vision is embodied in the Saanich Statement of Principles on Forests and Communities (see http://www.forestsandcommunities.org/saanich.html). Drafted in 1998, it is a powerful international declaration, which sets out conditions central to the survival and flourishing of both forests and communities.
Contact: c/o Eco-Research Chair, University of Victoria, P.O. Box 2400, Victoria, BC V8W 3H7 (250-472-4487)

Island Stream and Salmon Enhancement Association
Website: No website
It was formed in the early 1980s to restore and protect the watersheds of Salt Spring Island. It works with over 300 property owners to restore the fish-bearing streams on the island and to create new aquatic habitats in the watersheds. It also teaches Capilano College Streamkeepers and has projects in all the schools on the island. Since 1984, it has operated a conservation style hatchery on donated land on Cusheon Lake and uses the hatchery to restock streams on the island. In addition, the association operates a native wild plant nusery at a donated site on Okano Creek, as well as sponsering job training projects for at-risk youth and the employment of disadvantaged people.
Contact: Box 330, Ganges P.O., Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2V9 (250-537-8983) or email: thesalmonladies@saltspring.com

Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre
Website: http://www.sealrescue.org
It is a registered charity dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals. It has earned permits from The Ministry of the Environment, Environment Canada, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. It cares for all indigenous species from the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island. Its facility is the only wildlife centre in British Columbia offering year-round rescue and treatment to marine mammals. Emphasis is placed on such alternative, nontoxic treatments as homeopathy, herbal remedies, and physical therapies in combination with conventional veterinary protocols. Through this high-level combination, it is able to offer these "wild patients" the best chance for survival. Designated a Wildlife Hospital, the centre does not display animals nor does it hold them permanently captive, but believes that the quality of life is everything. With this in mind, it is often confronted by individuals who believe that they should not interfere with non-threatened species. But as the centre states, "While this may be true, the work we do means everything to a fawn who has just been made an orphan by an automobile, to a harbour seal pup dying slowly on a beach because its mother drowned in a fishing net, or to a bald eagle, flightless and dying from lead poisoning. We see animals as independent lives, not as populations. If today we can prevent the needless suffering of a single animal, then we have done important work."
Contact: 322 Langs Road, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 1N3 (250-537-0777) or email: IWNCC@aol.com

Islands Trust Fund (ITF)
Website: http://www.islandstrustfund.bc.ca
It is a conservation land trust established to preserve and protect the unique character and environment of the Gulf Islands in British Columbia. Between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland, there are 470 islands known as the Islands Trust Area, recognized as one of the most ecologically significant regions of the world. Two biological zones, found nowhere else in Canada, are represented on these islands. The first is the dry Coastal Douglas-fir zone. Its Mediterranean-like climate provides some of the largest remaining forests and woodlands of arbutus, Garry oak, Douglas Fir, and other species more common to Mexico and California. The second is the Coastal Western Hemlock zone, which is found on a handful of islands in Howe Sound. This area is one of the wettest regions in the world, with mossy temperate rainforests reaching to the ocean, and evergreens growing as high as apartment buildings. Although few large forests remain, these moist havens support many plant and animal species. These two ecosystems are critical to the preservation of biodiversity in British Columbia. The vision of the ITF is to create a legacy of special places, protecting both natural and cultural features by encouraging, undertaking, and assisting in voluntary conservation initiatives. Its focus is to work with landowners interested in making conservation land donations, or registering conservation covenants on their lands. The group provides conservation education in the Islands Trust Area, particularly regarding conservation options. In addition, ITF is undertaking regional conservation planning to identify the most significant areas for conservation.
Contact: 200 - 1627 Fort St., Victoria, BC V8R 1H8 (250-405-5186) or email: itfmail@islandstrust.bc.ca

Land Trust Alliance of BC
Website: http://www.landtrustalliance.bc.ca/public/index.htm
It provides education, research, and support services which strengthen the objectives of land trusts, conservancies, and other agencies, organizations and individuals dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of our natural and cultural heritage. For a list of their valuable services, see http://www.landtrustalliance.bc.ca/public/service2.htm.
Contact: #204 - 338 Lower Ganges Road, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2V3 (250-538-0112) or email: sheila@landtrustalliance.bc.ca

Life Cycles Project
Website: http://www.lifecyclesproject.ca/index.htm
It is a non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating awareness and initiating action around food, health, and urban sustainability in the Greater Victoria community. It works proactively to promote and create personal, shared and community gardens, research, and educational activities and youth skills development programs in order to strengthen individual, community, and global health. Although predominantly a youth-driven organization geared towards building community connections through hands-on projects that work towards creating better local and global food security, it does work with all ages to create urban organic food gardens in people's backyards, balconies, and rooftops. The group has both school and community based education programs to teach about food security, sustainable agriculture, and urban agriculture. International partnerships, as with farmers in Havana, Cuba, bring a global perspective to its work. It participates in such programs as the Victoria Fruit Tree Project, Grow A Row, and the Victoria Garden Training Project. In 2002 alone, Life Cycles harvested and distributed 20,000 lbs. of fruit, built gardens for twenty low-income families (nearly 200 total since 1994), provided employment and training for tenty-five youth, and helped eight of them start agri-food businesses (thirty-two total since 1999), involved over 100 volunteers in their projects, built three new school gardens (fourteen total since 1997), produced and delivered food and gardening curriculum for elementary students, provided outdoor learning opportunities for over 500 children, distributed information to hundreds of people about creating and preserving habitat for native pollinators, distributed fifty blue orchard mason bee nests and 150 bee-attracting flower seed packages, enabled their Cuban partner organization to grow over 175,000 plant seedlings, and train over 300 urban farmers, initiated the first Annual Celebration of Apples, and maintained GroundWorks Learning Centre which provides resources and learning for the community.
Contact: 527 Michigan Street, Victoria V8V 1S1 (250-383-5800) or email: info@lifecyclesproject.ca

Living Oceans Society
Website: http://www.livingoceans.org/
It is a non-profit research and public education organization committed to conserving marine biological diversity in an effort to ensure a healthy ocean, as well as the coastal communities. Its objectives include researching how humans are impacting the ocean and new and innovative ways of managing the ocean and marine resources, with the goal of conserving marine biological diversity; increasing public awareness about the ocean, and its importance to humans and human health; and sharing research results through presentations, publications, workshops, conferences, and meetings.
Contact: PO Box 320, Sointula, BC V0N 3E0 (250-973-6580) or email: info@livingoceans.org

Millard/Piercy Watershed Stewards
Website: http://www.millard-piercy-watershed-stewards.org/mpwsmain.htm
It is a registered society developed to guide the environmentally sound management of the Millard and Piercy Creek watersheds near Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. The group's website was developed to present the animals and plants of the watershed, how they are managed and protected, and to discuss the land use planning activities of the Stewards. Millard Crown Land Greenbelt is a spectacular 34-acre section of forest and, in early 2002, the Millard/Piercy Watershed Stewards learned that the provincial government wanted to sell as much of the property as possible to developers. The amount of area to be sold has diminished because of ecological and archaeological values. However, the Millard/Piercy Watershed Stewards maintain that no part of the parcel should be developed as it is far more valuable, even from an economical point of view, left as it is. Some of its high ecological value is seen in its old second growth forest which contains 60-80-year-old cedar and Douglas fir trees and quite a few moss-covered maples and cottonwoods with a salal and oregon grape understory. There is also an eagle’s nest in one of the tallest firs in the middle of the parcel. Millard Creek winds through the middle of the property; and, in the fall, adult coho and chum adult salmon can be seen spawning or making their way up the creek. During the whole year, if you look carefully, you can see the young salmon fry and smolts in the pools. Half of the Millard Estuary is protected by Nature Trust of BC and is one of the few undeveloped estuaries in Baynes Sound (the other half has been zoned multi-residential by the City of Courtenay, but has not yet been sold). The provincial government is threatening to sell parts of the parcel to developers. That pressure is already felt from the mega-mall built up to its border.
Contact: Angela Smailes, Coordinator for the Millard/Piercy Watershed Stewards (250-336-2498)

Morrison Creek Streamkeepers (MCS)
Website: http://www.morrisoncreek.org/
It is an active group of watershed residents and community members dedicated to preserving, rehabilitating, and promoting public awareness of the Morrison Creek watershed. For over four years, the group has worked gathering biophysical data on the watershed and conducting restoration projects with the guidance of both Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and BC Ministry of Environment and Lands and Parks (MoELP -- but now called Ministry of Water, Land, and Air Protection -- MWLAP). In addition, the Morrison Creek Streamkeepers teamed up with the Comox Valley Project Watershed Society to complete a streamside landowner contact program in 2000. More recently, the MCS has begun to work with the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk (an Environment Canada program) to complete works aimed at ensuring the longterm health of the Morrison Creek Lamprey. As much as possible, MCS volunteers are also actively involved in land-use planning at all levels of government.
Contact: (250-338-1867) or email: info@morrisoncreek.org

Mt. Matheson Conservation Society
Website: http://pages.sprint.ca/mmcs/MMCS.html
It was formed for the conservation, preservation, restoration, and enhancement of the environment, including wildlife, fish and their habitats, wetlands, streams and plant communities in the general location of, but not limited to, Mount Matheson, East Sooke. The Society also strives to promote these ideas and values to the general public. The location of current Society activity is concentrated in the wetlands and watershed area (privately owned) located on Mount Matheson (963 ft), East Sooke (Juan de Fuca Electoral Area) and directly adjacent to the Municipality of Metchosin, an area which borders Roche Cove and Matheson Lake Regional Parks. Approximately seventy-five acres of privately owned pristine lands on Mount Matheson include a mosaic of ecosystems -- mountain meadows, old growth trees, wetlands, and streams that contribute seasonal flow into the Sooke Basin. Unfortunately the Society was not successful in arriving at a mutually agreeable purchase price for these lands. The landowner has since proceeded with an application to subdivide the seventy-five acres. Current proposals for the impoundment reservoirs, watershed, and buffer areas include boating, swimming, fishing, and residential use. The goal is to preserve and protect our most treasured natural resource, water, as well as ensure protection of one of the last remaining wetlands in East Sooke. It is vital that the protection of the wetlands will ensure water purification, flood protection, ground water recharge, stream flow maintenance, and maintain the high bio-diversity in the area for generations to come; whereas, development will destroy any chance for meaningful productivity.
Contact: 5065 Mt. Matheson Road, Sooke, BC V0S 1N0 (250-642-0238) or email: maleblanc@sprint.ca

Mt. Tolmie Conservancy Association
Website: No website
It was formed in an attempt to restore Mt. Tolmie Park by removing invasive exotic plant and restoring such native species as Garry Oak trees and their associated shrubs. Mt. Tolmie Park is a District of Saanich Natural Park, and roughly fifty acres in size. It is bounded on the east by the District of Oak Bay border, on the north by Cedar Hill X Road, on the west by Richmond, and on the south by a residential area. Each year, from July to the end of January, efforts are made to remove Scotch broom and Himalyan blackberry, in particular. Because of lack of volunteers, only that part of the park on the east side of Mayfair Road has been tackled. To date, the group has planted of over 2,000 Garry Oak seedlings and over 700 shrubs, including ocean spray and snowberry.
Contact: 3503 Camcrest Place, Victoria V8P 4V6 (250-592-9089) or email: upgareau@islandnet.com

Nanaimo Area Land Trust
Website: http://www.nalt.bc.ca/
It preserves and fosters the stewardship of areas of natural beauty, valuable wildlife habitat, and urban green space in the Nanaimo area. Currently, it holds four conservation covenants with one in process. NALT works with land owners in the Nanaimo area, both commercial and residental, who desire their land be used in an ecologically responsible manner.
Contact: Madrona Building, Suite 8 (Rear), 140 Wallace Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5B1 (250-714-1990) or email: admin@nalt.bc.ca

Native Plant Study Group (NPSG)
Website: http://www.crd.bc.ca/es/natatlas/
It is a sub-group of the Victoria Horticultural Society, specifically dedicated to the study of the native plants of British Columbia, their use and conservation. They are also involved in plant rescue projects as opportunities arise, with the plants going to demonstation and member gardens. Periodic field trips to sites of Native Plant interest are also organized. Contact: 1325 King's Road, Victoria V8R 2N6 (250-361-3122) or email: halcyon@telus.net

Natural Areas Atlas
Website: No website
It is an ongoing effort to bring together environmental information pertaining to the Capital Regional District. It is a web-based mapping tool that facilitates well-informed and responsible land-use decisions. In the Atlas, you will find such important information as the locations of salmon bearing streams, spawning zones, old growth forests, endangered ecosystems, record-sized trees, and shoreline habitats. By highlighting the location of important natural areas, the Atlas functions as an excellent flagging device, informing municipal engineers, planners, developers, and environmental groups that further study of a proposed development or activity may be required.
Contact: 524 Yates Street, PO Box 1000, Victoria V8W 2S6 (250-360-3203) or email: mtutsch@crd.bc.ca

Oaklands Greenways Project
Website: No website
It was organized to educate and inspire the Oaklands Community to use native plants in their yards and to promote the regeneration of the Garry oak trees, decrease water usage, eliminate the use of chemicals, attract wildlife, and promote a healthy, green neighbourhood that connects with other greenways in surrounding neighbouroods. This project is located in the Oaklands neighbourhood, within the City of Victoria municipality. The boundaries are between Cook and Shelbourne Streets and Bay and North Dairy, and also includes the Cridge Centre, Bowker Creek (all underground), Oaklands Park, and other smaller parks, including Holly Green Park, which is expected to be a native plant demonstration garden in the near future. The OGP is developing native plant and waterwise demonstration gardens, conducting native plant gardening workshops and promoting the Garry Oak mapping project to educate amd inspire Oaklands residents to develop a healthy green neighbourhood while protecting and restoring the Garry Oak ecosystem.
Contact: c/o 1325 Kings Rd., Victoria V8R 2N6 (250-595-5600) or email: patj@islandnet.com

OUR Ecovillage
Website: http://www.ourecovillage.org/
Based on Vancouver Island, this group is a forming intentional community dedicated to researching and modelling sustainable ways of living which are rooted in social, economic, and ecological well being. It offers a healthy and supportive learning environment for people of all walks of life wishing to share information and inspiration around living in community and living lightly on the land.
Contact: Box 530 Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W0 (250-743-3067) or email our@pacificcoast.net

Pacific Shorekeepers and Reefkeepers
Website: http://www.keepersweb.org
Shorekeepers' website: http://www.keepersweb.org/Shorekeepers/
Reefkeepers' website: http://www.keepersweb.org/Reefkeepers/ This group is trained volunteers who monitor the intertidal and subtidal habitats along BC's coast. Data is collected by following written protocols to ensure it is of sufficient quality to be used by scientists and managers. The mandate for each group involves ecosystem research, marine stewardship, education, trend monitoring, as well as recreation and socialization. In addition, it surveys existing sites and establish new ones to be monitored for a minimum of three years. Their education and training of community groups include NGO's, elementary and high school students, teachers, and First Nations. Shorekeepers efforts are located on the West Coast (Botanical Beach Park and Ucleulet Harbour), in Greater Victoria (Banfield Park, Cadboro Bay -Gyro Park, Esquimalt Harbour, Fort Rodd Hill, Mt. Douglas Park, Ross Bay, and Willows Beach), Saanich Inlet (Downey, Haigen Creek, Moses Point, Ten Ten Creek, Tod-Gowland Park, Towner Park, Tsartlip Reserve -Jimmy's Beach, and Tseycum Reserve), Haida-Gwaii, Nanaimo, New Castle Island, and Salt Spring Island. Reefkeepers can be found at Henderson Point, Ogden Point Breakwater, Sidney Pier Artificial Reef, Tod-Gowland Park, and Willis Point.
Contact: c/o Institute of Ocean Sciences, 9860 W. Saanich Rd., Sidney, BC V8L 4B2 (250-756-7265) or email: macconnachies@pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca Main

Pacific Sun Alpacas
Website: http://www.pacificsunalpacas.com/
Alpacas are raised mainly for their fiber -- called fleece, and not wool -- which is three times warmer and seven times stronger than wool. Softer than the finest wool, it has a higher tensile strength. These wonderful animals have been in Canada for only a little over a decade and the fiber industry is a fledgling one. Raw fleece can be sold to mills, fiber co-ops, or spinners; or it can be processed and made into yarn for knitting or weaving, as well as such things as rugs, blankets, felting, and even tickling for quilts. Fibers can also be sent to a mill and made into cloth suitable for sewing into garments. The list is endless. You can go as far as your imagination wants. Contact: 3791 Cavin Road, Duncan, BC V9L 6T2 (250-748-5088) or email: info@pacificsunalpacas.com

Pender Islands Conservancy Association
Website: No website
It was organized to promote awareness and understanding of technological, demographic, and cultural changes that may have an impact on the Pender islands' environment; to provide leadership in responding to the above changes where it is deemed appropriate; to promote knowledge of and participation in environmentally friendly land and resource use; to support and assist community efforts to preserve and protect lands of significant importance in maintaining the natural environment; and to do everything necessary in order to promote and attain the foregoing purposes, including obtaining funds and acquiring by purchase, donation or otherwise, land and personal property. Current activities include supporting Salish Sea mapping project, a strategic planning exercise to identify properties for purchase or protection, and sponsoring the Hope Bay Stream rehabilitation project.
Contact: Box 52, RR1, Pender Island, BC V0N 2M0 (250-629-3132) or email: pica@gulfislands.com

Peninsula Streams Society
Website: No website
It initiates and encourages activities that will improve the health and function of Saanich Peninsula watercourses, watersheds, and nearby shore marine environments. Its goal is to achieve healthy aquatic habitat that supports self-sustaining populations of native species in both freshwater and marine environments. This is accomplished through research, restoration, innovative projects, public education, and private land stewardship. Its areas of interest are Saanich Peninsula streams. These include, but are not limited to, Reay Creek, Tatlow Creek, Hagan Creek, Tseycum Creek, TenTen Creek and Sandhill Creek.
Contact: c/o Institute of Ocean Sciences, Box 6000, 9860 West Saanich Road, North Saanich, BC V8L 4B2 (250-363-6596) or email: brucei@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Portage Inlet Protection Society (PIPS)
Website: No website
It was organized for the Portage Inlet/Gorge Waterway and its watersheds area. It is responsible for its maintenance and enhancement in an effort to provide a healthy environment for human and other natural communities in perpetuity while protecting private property rights of those who live by its shores. The Portage Inlet/Gorge Waterway Tidal Estuary lies within the Municipalities of Esquimalt, Saanich, Victoria, and View Royal, and also includes the Colquitz River watershed and the Craigflower Creek watershed. Their activities and projects are concerned with education, ellimination of pollution, erosion control, siltation reduction, swimability, property rights, water quality, low-impact development, natural history, watersheds, tidal estuaries, native plants, marine life, walkways, and are subject to regulatory review.
Contact: 2753 Shoreline Drive, Victoria V9B 1M7 (250-388-4274) or email: robinmerkrichardson@shaw.ca

Portage Inlet Sanctuary Colquitz Estuary Society (PISCES)
Website: No website
It was organized to promote and foster the preservation of Portage Inlet as a Federal Bird Sanctuary; to assist in and further the protection of Portage Inlet, Colquitz Estuary, and Cuthbert Holmes Park from physical, social, ecological and environmental harm; to foster and promote the reclamation and protection of parks and parkland along the Gorge Waterway; to endeavor to improve the standards of any development which may have impact on Cuthbert Holmes Park and Gorge Waterway with regards to wildlife, fish , fauna, and environmental issues; provide active education and information to the community as to the history, importance, and inventory of Portage Inlet Sanctuary, Colquitz Estuary, Cuthbert Holmes Park and Gorge Waterway; and, to further the interests of and assist members in such matters which may impact on their quality of life.
Contact: 1121 Skeena Place, Victoria V8Z 1L8 (250-479-1877) or email: vblogg@wcb.bc.ca

QQS (EYES) Project Society
Website: http://www.qqsprojects.org/
It is located in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. Waglisla or Bella Bella is home to about 1,500 Heiltsuk people who make up 84% of the total population of the area. EYES is a registered society dedicated to protecting the environment forever by partnering with other Heiltsuk community groups, environmental organizations, government agencies, and foundations. Its mission is to protect traditional Heiltsuk resources while encouraging the development of sustainable development opportunities. It believes that the best way to do this is to establish a basic core of programs to bring youth, students, and the community back into contact with their natural environment and expose them to the concepts of both western and traditional sciences.
Contact: Box 786, Waglisla, BC V0T 1Z0 (250-957-2941) or email: lwjorgenson@qqsprojects.org

Race Rocks Marine Protected Area
Website: http://www.racerocks.com
It is an organization whose goals include the establishment of Canada's first Marine Protected Area under the Oceans Act, as well as using internet technology to promote the conservation of this sensitive ecosystem in an Ecological Reserve. The area involves Race Rocks MPA and associated waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Southern tip of Vancouver Island, and the District of Metchosin. Current activities include management of facilities at Race Rocks and protection of the MPA, as well as public education programs provided over the internet with real time live video and data.
Contact: Lester B.Pearson College, 650 Pearson College Drive, Victoria V9C 4H7 (250-391-2441) or email: gfletcher@pearsoncollege.ca

Raincoast Conservation Society
Website: http://www.raincoast.org/
It is a non-profit research and public education organization founded in 1990. RCS works in partnership with scientists, First Nations, local communities, and non-governmental organizations to build support for decisions that protect marine and rainforest habitat on BC’s central and north coast areas. It also produces public educational materials, including books, film documentaries, scientific reports, and other literature; conduct scientific field research, including studies on coastal wolves, grizzly bear habitat, and wild salmon to develop science-based conservation plans for BC’s coast; provides on-the-ground monitoring, photography and videography of threatened river valleys; mobilizes public support throughout North America and Europe using lectures and slide shows, films and photography, as well as the print, radio, and television media; develops land acquisition projects that protect key wilderness and culturally significant areas; and supports sustainable economic opporutinties for coastal communities.
Contact Victoria Office, PO Box 8663, Victoria, BC V8W 3S2 (250-655-1229) or email: greatbear@raincoast.org.
Field Office in Bella Bella: Box 26, Bella Bella, BC V0T 1B0 (250-957-2480) or email: bellabella@raincoast.org

Restoration of Natural Sytems
Website: No website
The group was formed to fill a need for trained professionals who understand the ecology of threatened habitats and have the tools to help them recover. Given the current rate of encroachment on natural habitat by urban sprawl, the destruction of forests, the contamination of soil and water systems, and the growing number of threatened and endangered species, the need for restoration work is great and will only become more necessary given present trends in society. A restoration project can range from a very simple task, as removing an invasive species in order for native species to grow, to the very complex science of remediating contaminated soils or dealing with acid rock drainage from a mine site. The Division of Continuing Studies and the School of Environmental Studies began discussing the idea for the Restoration of Natural Systems (RNS) program in 1994, and grew out of a perceived need for broader access to the University of Victoria's expertise in the area of Environmental Studies, as well as the acknowledgment that a lack of educational opportunities in environmental restoration was a major area of concern in the province. An advisory committee was set up comprised of academics as well as environmental professionals to lay out a groundwork for the program. Its first set of students completed the program in 1999, with the following year's enrollment of over 130 students.
Contact: RSNSP, Division of Continuing Studies, UVic, PO Box 3030 Stn. CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 3N6 (250-721-8463) or email: pfaulds@uvcs.uvic.ca

Rithet's Bog Conservation Society
Website: http://www.ducks.ca/news/prov2002/020910.html
It serves as a management advisory body for the District of Saanich on conservation, research, interpretation, education, and operation of Rithet's Bog Conservation Area, established in 1994 when the Guinness family donated forty-two hectares of bog forest, surrounding wetlands, and rocky uplands to the Municipality of Saanich. The Society's major goal is to promote scientifically informed restoration work, with rehabilitation of the rare central Sphagnum bog community as the primary objective. Although it was initially established to function in a strictly advisory role, since 1999, it has expanded activities to include hands-on volunteer work (invasive species removal, tree planting, species inventory, water level and quality monitoring, production of interpretive material etc.). They are now hoping to create a complementary volunteer organization to carry out projects and activities involved in Bog restoration and conservation ( "Friends of Rithet's Bog" and "Bog Buddies" are suggested names).
Contact: c/o PO Box 53550, 310-777 Royal Oak Drive, Victoria V8X 5K2 (250-479-0491) or email: rithetsbog@hotmail.com

Rocky Point Bird Observatory
Website: http://www.islandnet.com/~rpbo
It is one of twenty-one member stations of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network (CMMN) and one of two in BC. Their role is to monitor migrant birds by standardized counting and capturing, as well as protecting the biological diversity and ecosystem integrity in British Columbia. RPBO encourages public participation to increase understanding and respect for ecological values, promotes responsible behaviour towards and familiarity with nature, and builds public support for habitat-based ecological values directed towards sustainable development in the province. The promotion of wildlife conservation involves providing an international "hands-on" approach to species conservation, adding to a national database, and increasing general public awareness through regular publication of migration monitoring results. RPBO is located at Rocky Point, at the junction of Pedder Bay and Race Passage, on the premises of the Department of National Defence, approximately 20 km Southwest of Victoria. This location is ideal for the banding station because it offers relatively extensive and undisturbed habitat for resident and migrating birds, and it is located within the main corridor of migration during the peak spring and fall periods. It is easily accessible by volunteers.
Contact: 572 Atkins Ave., Victoria V9B 3A3 (250-391-1786) or email: rpbo@islandnet.com

Saanich Inlet Protection Society
Website: No website
It was formed to protect and conserve the natural and cultural resources of the Saanich Inlet for the benefit, education, and enjoyment of this and future generations. Its main focus is Saanich Inlet and its watershed and the establishment of the Southern Strait of Georgia National Marine Conservation Area. It also assists the Partridge Hills Foundation and The Land Conservancy of BC in raising money to acquire the Partridge Hills at Willis Point, as well as funding and operating a sewage pump-out boat in Tod Inlet and Brentwood Bay. In the first year of operation, over 1,200 gallons of raw sewage was collected from vessel holding tanks and pumped to the municipal treatment plant.
Contact: 6963 West Saanich Road, Brentwood Bay V8M 1G5 (250-652-9758) or email: hi-lo@netcom.ca

Salt Spring Island Conservancy
Website: http://saltspring.gulfislands.com/conservancy/index.html
It is a non-profitable charitable organization supporting and enabling voluntary preservation and restoration of the natural environment of Salt Spring Island and surrounding waters. The Conservancy's special emphasis is on stewardship of private lands, conservation covenants, and education. Current projects and activities include a website, ACORN (newsletter), scholarship grants to Gulf Island secondary and high school students, history programs, field workshops, land purchases for covenant protection, and fundraising projects to accomplish all this.
Contact: (location) #203 Upper Ganges Centre, 338 Lower Ganges Rd., Salt Spring Island
(Mailing Address): P.O. Box 722, Ganges, Salt Spring Island V8K 2W3 (250-538-0318) or email: ssiconservancy@saltspring.com

SeaChange Marine Conservation Society
Website: http://www.seachangelife.net
It, in partnership with other community conservation groups, educates the public, particularly young people, about marine issues and restoring such marine habitats as eelgrass beds. It depends on volunteers of all ages, including scuba divers, educators, students, retired folks, scientists, and others who want to work on the following current projects: presenting beach field studies in partnership with Opening Minds with Water, transplanting eelgrass meadows in the Saanich Inlet, work with watershed residents living near the Saanich Inlet for improving water quality, and supporting twenty coastal conservation groups (from Haida Gwaii to Semiahmoo Bay), and in mapping, monitoring, and creating stewardship strategies for the protection of eelgrass beds.
Contact: P.O. Box 75, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1R3 (250-652-1662) or email: seachange@shaw.ca

Sierra Club of BC
Website: http://bc.sierraclub.ca/
It began in 1969 to support efforts to protect the West Coast Trail. The Sierra Club was originally founded in the United States in 1892 by a naturalist and writer, John Muir, who sparked the public interest in conservation through outings into the Sierra Nevada Mountains, resulting in their preservation. Today, the Sierra Club is a recognized international grassroots organization of over 500,000 members. Current campaigns are aimed at protecting critical wildlife habitat, protecting wild salmon and other marine resources, stopping clearcut logging, and saving remaining ancient temperate forests and other threatened ecosystems throughout British Columbia. Campaign tactics include public education and awareness, educational programs for schools, media communication, assisting grassroots volunteers, researching economic alternatives, producing regional conservation maps, and advocating conservation directly to government. Through their efforts, SCBC aims to minimize the destructive effects that logging, mining, and other developments have on our natural environment.
Contact: 576 Johnson St., Victoria V8W 1M3 (250-386-5255) or email: info@sierraclubbbc.org

Society for Conservation Biology (SCB), Victoria Chapter
Website: http://office.geog.uvic.ca/dept/news/localchp.html
It advocates and promotes community awareness, understanding, and respect for biological diversity. It also participates in local and regional conservation and nature restoration projects, organizes field trips, arranges for guest speakers, plans other events which help to promote biological conservation, promotes the use of conservation science in the political decision-making process, networks with other conservation groups, and promotes the necessary political, social, economic, and environmental changes that will serve to protect and maintain the diversity of life on this planet. Although local conservation issues are the main focus of the club, it is recognized that from time to time, provincial, national, and global issues must also to be addressed. Presently, it is aiming to establish a series of environmental presentations for school children, with emphasis given to local ecology. Such topics as local Birds and Plants, Garry Oak Meadows, Marine Ecology, and Temperate Rainforest Ecology will be investigated. Also, SCB offers a modest grant to assist an undergraduate student with environmentally-based work.
Contact: Director of Services, SUB, UVic, PO Box 3035, Victoria PB3 035 or email: s4cb@uvic.ca

Society for the Protection of Ayum Creek (SPAC)
Website: No website
It is an organization dedicated to the creation of a park for the residents of Sooke, through the preservation of Ayum Creek, (also known as Stoney Creek), its delta, estuary, and adjacent lands which are necessary for the protection and restoration of the natural habitat of spawning salmon and other wildlife in the surrounding area. This stream stewardship involves monitoring water quality and the installation of willow wattles to stabilize the bank, followed by a series of replanting in the area. SPAC sponsors a variety of educational initiatives for all ages, including the popular Streamkeepers Program. Streamkeepers are professionally trained and equipped to complete instream water quality tests and to assess the habitat. It also gives presentations and tours to schools and community groups.
Contact: PO Box 1282, Sooke, BC V0S 1N0 (250-642-6474) or email: spac@canada.com

Society of Organic Urban Land Care Professionals (SOUL)
Website: http://www.organiclandcare.org/index.htm
It was formed in response to the growing need for ecologically responsible land care practices. There is a growing demand for professionals who have the knowledge and credentials to practice organic land care, which includes the design, installation, and maintenance of landscapes in order to promote and preserve environmental health both above and below ground. Organic Land Care practices go beyond integrated pest management and the use of so-called organic fertilizers and pesticides to include concepts of intrinsic health while seeking to create environments that cater to the well-being of all their inhabitants. Organic Land Care professionals work WITH nature rather than trying to dominate it.
Contact: 2513 Graham St.,Victoria, BC V8T 3Y6 (250-386-SOUL) or email: info@organiclandcare.org

Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society
Website: http://www.sookesalmonenhancementsociety.com
It has a mandate to rebuild the chinook, coho, and steelhead stocks to the Sooke watershed and to keep working on the building of a fishway above the falls on the Sooke River to allow passage of more than twenty-seven kilometers of spawning and rearing habitat. It also operates three water storage dams on DeMamiel Creek and the Jack Brooks Hatchery on Rocky Creek. The hatchery rears 700,000 Chinook, 200,000 Coho, and 15,000 Steelhead each year, and operates a net pen at Youngs Lake for Coho and a sea pen in Sooke Harbour for Chinook. Stream counts are done each fall and adult tranfers are done each year to the upper Sooke River.
Contact: Box 947, Sooke, BC VOS 1NO (250-642-0031) (Hatchery: 250-642-0031) (Emergency: 250 213-1282) or email: benvar@shaw.ca

Strawberry Vale Wetlands and Agricultural Lands Nature Stewardship Society (SWAN)
Website: No website
It provides stewardship and wildlife habitat enhancement for the farmlands and floodplains for the areas of Strawberry Vale and Durrell Creek watershed. Its major accomplishment is the creation of Strawberry Knoll Park.
Contact: 1432 Courtland Avenue, Victoria V9E 2C5 (250-727-3247) or email: lbeinhau@islandnet.com

Stream Team Society
Website: http://www.streamteam.bc.ca
It is a youth program that promotes awareness and stewardship of local watersheds. Team members are trained and become certified Streamkeepers who participate in hands-on watershed conservation and education activities in addition to volunteering their time to support the efforts of community-based stewardship organizations. The Stream Team has built a 4'x 8' model of the Colquitz Watershed (complete with farms, hills, wetlands, highways, malls, subdivisions, and a working river system with a groundwater pump and surface and storm drain runoff) to demonstrate "Non-Point Source Pollution Model" which allows members to teach students and adults how their daily activities can contribute to pollution and affect the water quality in local lakes, streams, groundwater and rivers. The model is available to local schools during school hours and demonstrated by local Stream Team members.
Contact: 531 Dumeresq Street, Victoria V8Z 1X3 (250-479-7041) or email: steam@islandnet.com orangus.stewart@streamteam.bc.ca

Thetis Park Nature Sanctuary Association
Website: Website: http://tlc.bounceme.net/index.php
It was formed to protect the native flora and fauna in the Thetis Lake Regional Park, Victoria. Its mandate is also geared towards educating the public about native flora and fauna and supporting post-graduate students in Camosun College and University of Victoria.
Contact: 666 Jones Terrace, Victoria, BC V8Z 2L7 (250-727-7675) or email: mmeagher@pfc.forestry.ca

T'Sou-ke Nation Fisheries
Website: http://www.tsoukenation.com/index.htm
This group was organized for the benefit and assessment of fish and fish habitat, which includes GPS interactive mapping, stream restoration, hydrometric surveys, juvenile enumeration. Although its primary concern is with the Sooke River Watershed and the waters flowing into Sooke Basin and Sooke Harbour, the group is also interested with the water flowing on its traditional territory, as well as any streams in the South Islands Region.
Contact: Box 307, Sooke, BC V0S 1N0 (250-642-3957) or email: fisheries@tsoukenation.com

University of Victoria Sustainability Project (UVSP)
Website: http://uvsp.uvic.ca
It is a student run organization that strives to work with the campus community to achieve a balance between what is ecologically necessary, socially desirable, and economically feasible at the University of Victoria. It believes that UVic should not only embody excellence in academia, but also strive for leadership in campus operations, planning, and decision-making. From research initiatives to special events, the UVSP offers a coordinated avenue to create tangible change on campus. It also houses a resource library and class project ideas list and is always looking for volunteers.
Contact: UVic Sustainability Project, Sedgewick C147, PO Box 1700 Stn CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2 (250-721-7355) or email: uvsp@uvic.ca

Vancouver Island Vegetarian Association (VIVA)
WebSite: http://www.islandveg.com/
VIVA is an organization which strives to promote local vegetarian education, community service, events, and benefits to our membership and community. These goals are achieved through a quarterly newsletter, vegan Christmas hamper program, monthly public potlucks, and other events. Membership benefits include supporting vegetarianism locally, access to its library, subscription to its newsletter The Veggie Platter, and discounts at many local retailers (in fact the membership quickly pays for itself as through their discount guide).
Contact: Email form is provided on their website.

Vancouver Island Wildlife Rehabilitation Association
Website: No website
It was organized in an effort to rehabilitate injured or abandoned wild birds and mammals back into the environment and to promote wildlife education in the community. It is willing to service the lower Vancouver Island from Duncan to Victoria and parts in between, including wildlife education programs within the school system and community at large.
Contact: Saanich Centre Postal Outlet, Box 30232, Victoria, BC V8X 5E1 (250-380-5951) or email: viwra@pacificcoast.net

Veins of Life Watershed Society (VOLWS)
Website: http://www.volws.bc.ca
It is a community-based environmental organization operating in the Capital Region District of Southern Vancouver Island. The group focuses on a watershed-based approach and initiates habitat restoration projects, stream cleanups, environmental education programs, and public outreach activities. Goals of establishing a healthy and sustainable environment are achieved through consultation and cooperation with government agencies, businesses, local environmental groups and the public. The Society began in 1994 as a father and son cleanup effort on the Gorge waterway in Victoria, BC. The debris removal campaign quickly gained momentum; and, in 1996, a core group of active and interested volunteers registered VOLWS as a nonprofit society.
Contact: PO Box 36057, 1153 Esquimalt Rd., Victoria, BC V9A 7J5 (250-383-2085) or email: volws4@shaw.ca

Victoria Independent Media Center (VIC IMC)
Website: http://victoria.indymedia.org/features/environment/
It is a non-commercial, democratic collective of Vancouver Island, independent media makers and outlets, and serves as the local organizing unit of a global network. It began during the protests against the WTO in Seattle, November 1999. Activists at the time sought a space where accurate information could be distributed around the world and conteracting the mainstream media reports which ignored the issues at stake in favour of infotainment. Since then, Indymedia has grown to a Network of over seventy autonomous media collectives, joined together by a mission outlined in ten Principles of Unity. Each collective has a webpage that features local and international news in an open publishing format. Victoria's Indymedia site was launched on August 21st, 2001, and is an autonomous member of the global IMCN (Independent Media Center Network). It is dedicated to bring the stories of the 'silent majority' into public debate with the hope of offerring an alternative source for information, one from perspectives not dominated by corporate interests. This process is an essential part of creating a more just, accountable, and free society. Public meetings are held on the first Sunday of every month at the Fernwood Community Association, on 1923 Fernwood Rd., at 7pm. (The boardroom is around the back of the building and up the stairs). These meetings are meant to be a starting point for new members, with time alotted for orientation and questions about Indymedia.
Contact: imc-vic@lists.indymedia.org

Victoria Natural History Society Green Spaces Project (VNHSGSP)
Website: No website
It ensures that a comprehensive and accurate inventory of all existing and potential green spaces and corridors within the Capital Regional District (Greater Victoria including Crown land such as Department of National Defence and Parks Canada properties) will be completed by the year 2020. The inventories will document and electonically map the ecological, heritage, and cultural values, as well as mapping and the monitoring of habitat protection complete with recommendations for each site. Currently, it has completed, or is working on, twenty-one sites in the District of Highlands, thirteen sites in the City of Colwood, twenty-eight sites in View Royal, twenty-two sites and 498 discontinuances of Rights of Way in the Municipality of Saanich (of these approximately 55% have Greenways Potential), two sites of Parks Canada land, eleven sites of Department of National Defence land, Mary Hill Battery, Royal Roads, and the Leech River Earthquake Fault line to determine whether it is active or dormant. IT IS also working on protecting DND lands that may soon be declared surplus to the needs of the Military.
Contact: 2643 Victor Street, Victoria, BC V8R 4E3 (250-595-6812) or email: aembleton@shaw.ca

Waterbird Watch Collective
Website: No website
It is a non-government organization founded in 1994 as a grassroots project involving advanced and amateur birders whose goals include the protection of marine habitat by monitoring and recording waterbird numbers, species, and locations; mapping and monitoring eagle, Osprey, heron, cormorant, and black oystercatcher nesting sites around the island; encouraging members to be proactive and to monitor water quality and foreshore disturbance; lobbying federal, provincial, and local governments to legislate buffer zones around such bird nesting sites; and educating the public about waterbird habitat protection.
Contact: 272 Beddis Road, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2J1 (250-537-4515)

Western Canada Wilderness Committee
Websites: http://www.wildernesscommittee.org and http://www.wildernesscommitteevictoria.org
It is Canada's largest membership-based wilderness protection organization. Founded in 1980 (the Victoria Chapter in 1989), it presently has over 26,000 members whose focus is the protection of endangered wilderness and its biodiversity and work towards establishing sustainable resource use in non-protected areas. WCWC believes that an educated public is the most powerful lobby force. Therefore, its main activities include publishing educational materials, ecological research, building hiking trails into endangered areas, and organizing public events. The Victoria Chapter was organized to protect the Carmanah Valley on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. The Carmanah harbours Canada's tallest tree, a 311-foot tall Sitka Spruce, known as the "Carmanah Giant." The organization also has chapters in Qualicum Beach, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Winnipeg.
Contact: (Head Office) 227 Abbott St., Vancouver, BC V6B 2K7 (604-683-8220) or email: info@wildernesscommittee.org
(Victoria Office) 651 Johnson St., Victoria, BC V8W 1M7 (250-388-9292) or email: wc2vic@island.net or info@wildernesscommitteevictoria.org

Willis Point Community Association
Website: No website
It was formed to determine democratically the wishes of the residents of Willis Point as to sensitive ecosystem; hazard slopes, wetlands, older forest, rocky outcrops, endangered species, sustainable development, native plants, water quality, streams, wildlife, watershed, habitat protection, ecosystem inventories, and species inventory in their area, and take appropriate action to preserve or improve the amenities of Willis Point.
Contact: 6933B Willis Point Road, Victoria, BC V9E 2A1 (250-544-1792) or email: beetle@islandnet.com

WSIKEM-TENTEN Creeks Stewardship Project
Website: http://www.conservationconnection.bc.ca/GroupView.asp?GroupID=120
It involves the restoration and stewardship of two area streams draining into Patricia Bay, specifically WSIKEM (Tseycum) Creek in North Saanich and TENTEN (Airport) Creek, Patricia Bay. These efforts include agricultural stormwater control and treatment; stream-bed reconstruction; riparian planting; water quality monitoring; and other community stewardship initiatives.
Contact: PO Box 6000, 9860 W. Saanich Rd., Sidney, BC V8L 5K5 (250-363-6596) or email: brucei@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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