November 2022 eNews

Help Protect Columbia Lake North - Wetlands The Nature Trust of British Columbia needs your help to purchase 165.2 acres (66.9 hectares) of land in the Columbia River Valley. Columbia Lake North – Wetlands is located at the north end of Columbia Lake, within the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa Nation and the Secwepemc (Shuswap Band).   Combating Climate Change: Most of the land is a riparian wetland complex that includes open water, marsh and swamp wetlands mixed with willow-dominated riparian communities and pockets of dry forest. This type of landscape is well-know for sequestering atmospheric carbon, or acting as a 'carbon sink'. Protecting Biodiversity: This area is home to a variety of species of concern, including the majestic Great Blue Heron and fierce American Badger. The Barn Swallow, Bank Swallow, and Common Nighthawk have been observed near this property, as has the Western Painted Turtle. The area is excellent habitat for a variety of animals, including bears, wolverines, ungulates, and waterfowl. We need to raise the last $70,000 by November 30 to conserve this beautiful land for future generations. Read more here.

Nanaimo River Restoration For too many years, a man-made gravel bar in the Nanaimo River has been blocking fresh water from entering the east side of the estuary. This blockage was identified as a top candidate for restoration activities by both Snuneymuxw First Nation elders and our Enhancing Estuary Resilience restoration biologists. By removing the bar along the main stem of the Nanaimo River (remnant from historic industrial activity) the team worked to remove upwards of 8000 m3 of gravel and create a new channel for freshwater to flow.   Read how they navigated the time crunch around the ‘fish window’, how they minimized the impacts to migratory birds, and what they hope this project will do for the health of the estuary on our website.  Read the story here.

Spooky Spiders Haven’t gotten enough of Halloween? Check out our Halloween post, and learn about some of the amazing creepy crawlies stalking your home, your garden, or your dark basement!

Giving Tuesday is on November 29 Giving Tuesday is an international day of philanthropy celebrated all over the world. It is a day to give back to causes that give to the community and create a bright future. All donations to support our crews during the month of November will be included in our Giving Tuesday campaign. Join The Nature Trust in our commitment to protecting BC from climate change through nature-based solutions This year, we will be celebrating Giving Tuesday by honouring our Conservation Field Crews and their tireless work restoring and maintaining the ecosystems that we protect. All donations will be directed to funding the Crews' incredible work. Thank you! Support our campaign here.

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www.naturetrust.bc.ca