MAY 2024

Enjoy a nature break every day!

Take advantage of the lovely spring weather to recharge outside and pause to enjoy the view.

Ground cherry plant in the GCA Food Forest

Photo credit: Cedana Bourne

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FEATURED NEWS

ROCKFISH CONSERVATION

The Galiano Conservancy is embarking on its 10th summer season of monitoring recreational fisher compliance within Rockfish Conservation Areas. In partnership with the University of Victoria, the GCA has been monitoring the three Rockfish Conservation Areas (RCA) bordering Galiano Island’s shoreline.

MORE ABOUT ROCKFISH →

WATER CONSERVATION

Water is life, and on a small island, water conservation is essential to the health and resilience of both human and more-than-human communities. Did you know that rebates on costs of purchasing and installing water meters and rainwater cisterns are available for Galiano households and businesses?

MORE ABOUT WATER REBATES →

NOTICE OF AGM

Mark your calendars!

This year, the GCA's annual General Meeting will take place on July 6th, 2024 at 1:30pm at the Millard Learning Centre. (Attendance via Zoom is also possible).

To renew your membership prior to the AGM, click on the button below.

MORE ABOUT AGM →

RENEW YOUR GCA MEMBERSHIP

GET INVOLVED IN CONSERVATION

MAKE A DIFFERENCE WEEK

Make a Difference Week is your chance to roll up your sleeves and join us in protecting the beautiful landscapes of Galiano Island. At the Galiano Conservancy, this week is a special time when our community comes together to take part in meaningful activities that help preserve our precious environment. Whether you're restoring habitats, learning about sustainable practices, or sharing your love for nature with others, your efforts during this week make a real impact. By participating, you're not just helping us protect our ecologically sensitive areas —you’re also becoming part of a community dedicated to safeguarding our natural heritage for generations to come.

Find out more about Make a Difference week

VOLUNTEER AT THE GCA

✓ Know that your time and effort will have a significant, lasting and positive impact on the environment

✓ Spend time in nature working on interesting projects

✓ Learn from experts in the fields of sustainable agriculture, ecological restoration, and biodiversity conservation

✓ Gain valuable skills that you can use in your everyday life

✓ Make connections with like-minded people and create lasting friendships within the Gulf Islands community

✓ Contribute to a brighter, greener and more collaborative future for all

CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES →

GET INVOLVED IN CONSERVATION - BECOME A

WETLANDKEEPER

The B.C. Wildlife Federation is hosting a free Wetlandkeepers workshop in partnership with the Galiano Conservancy Association (GCA) from June 7-9, 2024.

Join us to learn about wetland conservation including how to identify and steward your local wetlands, wetland delineation, plant and animal identification, soil sampling and other wetland stewardship skills!

You'll have the opportunity to visit local wetlands and learn about previous and ongoing wetland restoration work led by the GCA.

Please note that at the time of writing, only a few spots were left for this free workshop.

For more details and to register, contact Alana Higginson, BCWF Wetlands Education Program Coordinator, at WEP@BCWF.bc.ca.

EDUCATION UPDATE

Kids from Belmont Secondary exploring the shoreline at Qw’xwulwis - Cable Bay

Photo credit: Katherine Hazen

The GCA's education team is having one of its busiest field trip seasons ever! We are thrilled to be welcoming students from all over the region to experience nature firsthand.

Introducing children to nature from an early age provides countless benefits that enrich their lives in meaningful ways:

Playing outside sparks their curiosity and helps them discover the wonders of the natural world, all while keeping them active and healthy.
It encourages creativity and imaginative play, which are crucial for their cognitive growth.
Time in nature also helps reduce stress and boosts their mental well-being, making them more resilient and happy.
By nurturing a love for the environment early on, we’re helping them grow into caring individuals who will cherish and protect our planet for future generations.

In other news, Ria Okuda, our wonderful and dynamic Education Coordinator, has recently obtained her bus driver license, which will enable her to drive our young program participants to the best program locations, all over Galiano! Give Ria a wave if you spot her on the road!!

Ria Okuda, GCA Education Coordinator, in her new element as GCA bus driver

Photo credit: Katherine Hazen

STAFF UPDATE

The GCA is looking for a Sustainable Food Systems Technician!

This 8 week position is primarily working in the Conservancy Nursery & Food Forest, in addition to occasionally assisting with restoration, conservation & other projects.

Please see the job description linked below, and apply ASAP if you are interested, or know someone who might be!

As this position is funded by Canada Summer Jobs, applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 30 and be either Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or a person with refugee status eligible to work in Canada.

Learn more about this great work opportunity!

See What We're Up To