Two significant properties, totaling over 200 acres, are now permanently protected thanks to the collaborative efforts of landowners, donors, and conservation organizations. Located in Sooke and the Highlands area north of Victoria, these lands represent a major victory for biodiversity and habitat connectivity in Southern Vancouver Island.
The BC Parks Foundation, a driving force behind the initiative, celebrated the dedication of the landowners and the numerous partners who helped make this conservation success possible. “Today we are celebrating families dedicated to conserving the lands they love, and the many governments and donors helping make that happen,” said Andy Day, CEO of BC Parks Foundation. “This is the best possible story—great people working together to keep BC beautiful, for all to enjoy, forever.”
The properties, which fall within a region recognized by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) as a priority for conservation due to habitat loss and fragmentation, are home to a range of endangered species. Protecting these lands will not only safeguard their unique ecosystems but also help connect fragmented habitats, creating crucial corridors for wildlife movement.
“We know that Southern Vancouver Island is home to a number of vital ecosystems that are essential to the survival of ancient trees, endangered species, and pristine shorelines,” said the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “Today’s announcement highlights our commitment to protecting these ecosystems from the ongoing threats of climate change and habitat loss. Supporting collaborative efforts like this is one step closer to protecting and preserving these remarkable lands for future generations.”
The newly protected areas include:
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Earthspring:
This 34-acre parcel, adjacent to Gowlland Tod Park, is home to BC’s rarest and least protected biogeoclimatic zone, the Coastal Douglas-fir. It features Hazlitt Creek, a major tributary of Millstream Creek, and vital habitat for species like the olive-sided flycatcher, red-legged frog, and Pacific sideband snail. Michael Bocking, a key figure in establishing Gowlland Tod Park, partially donated this land through Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program, creating an essential link between existing protected areas. The Wilson 5 Foundation and other donors also contributed to this acquisition.*
East Sooke:
Located next to East Sooke Regional Park, this 169-acre property encompasses mixed mature and old-growth forests within the Coastal Western Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone. A Victoria family, who purchased the land in 1964, partially donated it through Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program, ensuring the connection of upland, marine, and freshwater ecosystems within the larger parkland. The property provides critical habitats for endangered species like the Little Brown Myotis bat, Ancient Murrelet, and Great Blue Heron. Additional funding came from the Wilson 5 Foundation and the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund.These acquisitions build upon the BC Parks Foundation’s successful conservation partnerships and crowdfunding campaigns, which have helped protect close to 60 properties in the past five years. “British Columbians are clear and united when it comes to preserving the beauty and biodiversity of this beautiful province,” said Andy Day. “We are deeply grateful for all the donors, volunteers, landowners, businesses, researchers, journalists and local, Federal, and First Nations governments. It all adds up. Working together makes all the difference.”
The BC Parks Foundation, ECCC, and the Wilson 5 Foundation all played crucial roles in securing these vital lands. Their commitment to protecting these remarkable landscapes for future generations sets an inspiring example for conservation efforts across the province and beyond.
