April 15, 2008
The following is a press release from The Land Conservancy of BCCreekside Rainforest Saved
The residents of Salt Spring Island and members of TLC The Land Conservancy of British Columbia have something to celebrate. After a five-month long fundraising campaign, Creekside Rainforest is now saved from any future development and will become TLC's newest Nature Reserve.
On March 31, 2008, TLC with funding assistance from the Salt Spring Island Conservancy, The Islands Trust Fund, The Salt Spring Foundation, and the citizens of Salt Spring Island, purchased almost 20 acres of mature temperate rainforest with a salmon-bearing creek, cedars modified by First Nations long ago, and several vulnerable species such as the red-legged frog. The land will be protected in perpetuity for future generations to enjoy.
"It has been amazing to see the community coalition, led by Maureen Moore, unite citizens to save a special place in their community. This is what makes our work at TLC worthwhile," says TLC Executive Director, Bill Turner. "Working through the highs and lows of a fundraising campaign can be stressful, but it all disappears when you see the smiling faces of residents, especially the children, after a property is saved."
TLC is in the process of calling in pledges from across Canada, the United States and Europe. To date over 1,000 individuals have donated to the campaign. Contributions have come from bake sales, art shows, musical evenings, organized rainforest tours, a literary reading, a play and local small business challenges. The interest in saving this temperate rainforest so rare that it's found on less than 1 percent of Earth's land surface, even intrigued children. Pupils from the Salt Spring Centre School collected donations from selling handmade cards and birdhouses, and from their allowances. Fulford Elementary Nature Club also donated.
"Many people said it would be impossible to raise over a million dollars in five months to save a natural treasure on Salt Spring Island," says Maureen Moore, Save Salt Spring Rainforest Appeal Coordinator. "Yet support grew and soon an all-island effort was in place. I feel lucky to live within such a remarkable and generous community. Our volunteers did an awe-inspiring job. Support came from part-time Saltspringers and full-time residents. As well, friends from afar sent money and encouragement. Thank you to all who joined together to make this miracle happen."
As for next steps at Creekside Rainforest, nature tours will be planned to educate individuals of all ages about the importance of protecting plant and animal life in B.C. As well a stewardship and management plan will be created to protect the sensitive ecosystem.
Contacts:
Maureen Moore, Save Salt Spring Rainforest Appeal Coordinator
250-538-1732 (cell 604-764-8476)
Bill Turner, C.M. Executive Director,
TLC The Land Conservancy- BC's "National Trust"
Office: (250) 479-8053 Fax: (250) 744-2251
www.conservancy.bc.ca
Patricia Barclay, Save Salt Spring Rainforest Appeal (Radio Contact)
250-537-1958
Matt Tobey, Save Salt Spring Rainforest Appeal
(Guided Walk Coordinator & Webmaster)
250-537-2953
Bob Weeden, President, Salt Spring Island Conservatory
250-538-0318
Recent Events
Salt Spring Creekside Rainforest Benefit Concert Feb 24 2008Ocean Island hostel, Victoria, BC
12-hour musical marathons. Organized by Dylan Stutt, over 30-plus musicians participated.
Rainforest Fundraising Gala Feb 16 2008A Four-Course Gourmet Winemakers Dinner prepared by Myles Ferryman & Jesse Blanchette. Featuring Godfrey Brownell Vineyards
Master of Ceremonies: Arthur Black
Guest Speaker: Iona Campagnolo P.C., C.M., O.B.C, Honorary President of The Land Conservancy
Art for the Rainforest Dec 15-21 2007Exhibit & Silent Auction at ArtSpring on Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island’s best artists express the dynamic, diverse and passionate ways they see the natural world. A beautiful exhibition featuring works for sale by: Birgit Bateman, Robert Bateman, Allan Bibby, David Borrowman, Andrea Collins, Janet Dwyer, Steve Friedman, Tamar Griggs, Susan Huber, Shari macdonald, Theresa Mackey, Osman Phillips, Karen Reiss, Samantha Sanderson, Kevin Steinke, and Phyllis Webb.
Reading for the Rainforest Dec 7 2007Warm words on a winter night from some of Salt Spring’s best writers.
Arthur Black, Chris Smart, Kathy Page, Mona Fertig, Peter Levitt, Murray Reiss, Shirley Graham, Sandi Johnson, Derek Lundy, Kelsey Mech, Elizabeth Woods, Pat Barclay, Brian Brett, Briony Penn, Nadine Shelly and more! Poets, novelists, and nonfiction writers explore diverse and lively themes related to the natural world.
Website:
http://www.savesaltspringrainforest.net - dialup internet
http://www.savesaltspringrainforest.com - highspeed internet
Video:
A video produced by Brandy Glovka, with video and music by Alan Miceli.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7-AP1zp60U
Images:
The following photos have yet to be published. Please contact for permission to use.
All rights reserved by photographer.
Uma and mother Alya McIninch enjoy the guided walk of the Creekside Rainforest.
In the background biologist Bristol Foster is giving a colorful explanation of the forest ecosystem.
photo: David Borrowman
Recent guided walk through Creekside Rainforest
with biologist Bristol Foster.
photo: David Borrowman
An exceptional turnout on Feb 24th for the last guided walk of the month.
photo: BJ Vicks
photo: Shari Macdonald
photo: Matt Tobey
Members of the Salt Spring Island Trail and Nature Club
visit the Creekside Rainforest.
photo: Matt Tobey
photo: Matt Tobey
