December 2021 eNews

The Nature Trust of BC is celebrating 50 Years of land conservation in 2021. We are thrilled to present this short video about our history and some of the many people who have made this organization the successful land trust it is today.

See footage of past board members Dr. Ian McTaggart-Cowan and Dr. Bert Brink and hear some amazing stories about the beginnings of The Nature Trust.

The Nature Trust of BC is fundraising to protect 57.7 hectares of wetland, riparian, and grassland habitat along the Columbia River in the East Kootenay. This property is adjacent to the community of Fairmont Hot Springs and located in the Columbia River valley, Hoodoos – Columbia Wetlands.

Wetlands are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world, providing food and habitat for all types of wildlife from insects and reptiles to fish, birds and mammals. Wetlands also provide numerous ecosystem services with their ability to act as a natural sponge that store and slowly release surface water. This allows wetlands to reduce flooding during heavy rainfall events like what BC recently experienced, and can conversely keep streams flowing during droughts.

We need your help to raise the last $10,000 on this property by December 16th.



You have likely seen Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea stoebe) in BC, a purple flowering plant that covers hillsides, road sides, fields and even forest floors. Invasive species like Spotted Knapweed are not naturally found in BC and can potentially harm our natural environment or adversely affect people's health. They can spread rapidly, outcompete and predate on native species, dominate natural and managed areas, and alter biological communities. Invasive plants and animals are the second greatest threat to global biodiversity, after habitat destruction.

Removing invasive plant infestations from properties has been a long battle for The Nature Trust of BC’s Conservation Field Crews, and every year there’s hope for progress on reducing species like Spotted Knapweed. Read about how the Kootenay Conservation Field crew is battling this invasive plant with the help of a very specific insect helper - the Knapweed Root Weevil.

On November 27, 2021, The Nature Trust of BC lost a dear friend and long standing board member, Carmen Purdy.

Our first Board Chair, Bert Hoffmeister phoned Carmen in 1987 and said he looked forward to seeing him at the next board meeting. Carmen laughed that he was just expected to show up no questions asked – but he did show up. Carmen went on to serve 20 years as a Director on The Nature Trust Board and then as Director Emeritus from 2012 until his passing.
Give the Gift of Nature
This holiday season, consider giving the gift of nature. Your donation will help to conserve BC's species and their habitats and protect land all across the province

The very best way to support The Nature Trust is to become a member of our Arbutus Circle through making monthly donations. You can help us keep nature in our future.  
Looking for book recommendations to enjoy over the holiday season? We've got you covered.
Check out our latest blog post to see what reads we'll be diving into.