The Horsefly River in the fall. Photo courtesy of C. Iwan

TLC purchased the first phase of the Horsefly River on October 30, 1998.  The Horsefly River Riparian Conservation Area is one of our largest properties. Between 1999 and 2006 we purchased almost 400 hectares in 7 parcels along the mid-section of the Horsefly River Valley. Together this property represents almost 12 km of river shore line. This property represents some of the best sockeye salmon spawning habitat in the world. It is also used for spawning and rearing by rainbow trout, Chinook and Coho salmon. This broad riparian valley bottom is also home to a wide range of songbirds, waterfowl, wading birds, and high densities of grizzly and black bears which gather to feed on spawning sockeye in the fall. It is also exceptional moose habitat.

Restoration: Since the early 1900′s, the area has been cleared and used for agricultural purposes. This activity has caused extensive damage to the riparian areas, resulting in bank erosion, siltation and destabilization of the Horsefly River. Once we took ownership of the property, efforts began to reverse some of these issues.
Initially, restoration activities were carried led by the Ministry of Environment with assistance from the DFO. The first task was to remove livestock from the areas immediately adjacent to the river. This was accomplished with the construction of wildlife-friendly fencing of selected areas. Following this, an extensive restoration project ensued. Restoration included extensive planting of riparian species, re-sloping of sections of the river with heavy machinery with subsequent planting, the construction of a 500 m rearing channel, and the breaching of a containment dyke that was causing fish to become stranded.

As time progressed, we have assumed the task of further restoration efforts. More recently, our efforts have been scaled back and are focused on smaller, planting projects, experimental use of horses and use of shade cloth coupled with live staking of willows to control reed canary grass. We have also breached a small containment dyke that cutoff an oxbow from the main stem of the Horsefly River to alleviate a fish stranding problem and help restore ecosystem function.

While we are working to restore some of the original habitat along the main stem of the Horsefly, we are also working with adjacent ranchers to maintain agriculture in specific parts of the conservation area. Approximately 30% of the area is leased to neighbouring ranches. These areas are well away from the active part of the Horsefly River.

Fish and Wildlife Values
Fish — The Horsefly River is one of the most productive sockeye salmon spawning runs in the world. At times the number of fish returning to spawn on the Horsefly River has surpassed the runs on the Adams River. The off channel habitat in this reach is also very valuable for the rearing of juvenile rainbow trout, and chinook and coho salmon. The Horsefly River itself produces an estimated 75 per cent of the total rainbow trout in Quesnel Lake, which has the second largest sport fishery in the Cariboo region.

Wildlife — Because the area is almost exclusively low elevation riparian habitat, it represents extremely valuable habitat for a wide range of terrestrial species. This includes nesting habitat for a variety songbirds that frequent riparian areas, and breeding and migratory habitat for a diversity of other birds such as sandhlill cranes, great blue herons, bald eagles, ospreys and waterfowl. In fact, migratory and breeding bird surveys conducted on the site have documented over 100 species of birds. With the continued restoration efforts we anticipate that over time the large areas of this floodplain will be converted back to shrub willow habitat and mixed wood forests, thereby enhancing the habitat for many of these species of conservation concern.

Mule deer and moose are common to the area year round. Additionally, the area is known to be home to large carnivores such as grizzly bear, black bear, cougar and the grey wolf. Grizzly and black bears frequent the area especially during the fall for feed on spawning salmon. Furbearer species known to occur within the watershed include beaver, muskrat, coyote, red fox, marten, fisher, long-tailed weasel, mink, and lynx.  

To find out more about the field trip at ECOmmunity Place, please contact the En'owkin Centre's ECOmmunity Place team at (250) 493-7181 ext 2236, or via email at ecommunityplace@vip.net.

With support from Environment Canada’s Interdepartmental Recovery Fund, Aboriginal Funds for Species At Risk, and the Southern Interior Reptile and Amphibian Recovery Team, the En’owkin Centre’s ECOmmunity Place staff are continuing exciting work to protect and recover critical habitat for the nationally Endangered Blotched Tiger Salamander, known as ncʕacʕaynaʔ to the Syilx (Okanagan people). Already home to Penticton’s last remaining population of these declining salamanders, ECOmmunity Place will soon be home to several new shallow breeding ponds, designed and built by the En’owkin Centre’s Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) keepers and conservation ecologists in an attempt to increase the local population as part of the South Okanagan-Similkameen Conservation Program’s biodiversity conservation efforts.

Over the last 150 years, and particularly during the last 60 years, local amphibian populations have been heavily impacted by the destruction, degradation and fragmentation of breeding ponds and important foraging areas in adjacent grassland/shrubsteppe habitats. Many of the human developments we have added to the landscape have benefitted us, but are driving other wildlife species to the brink of local extinction. Reversing this trend by changing the way we think, plan communities, and act, will be the focus of a special field trip event to be hosted at ECOmmunity Place in summer/fall 2012. Local landowners, land managers, conservation ecologists and TEK keepers are all invited to share their knowledge and wisdom about being good stewards of Blotched Tiger Salamanders and the habitats they share with us and other local species.

On Wednesday, January 11, Sue Hemphill resident of the Horsefly Area, environmental educator and long-time TLC supporter was named a ‘Salmon Hero’ by the Fraser Salmon & Watersheds Program. The Salmon Hero awards were a way for the Fraser Salmon & Watersheds Program to honour those who have made a lasting and tangible contribution to the preservation, enhancement, and improvement of the Fraser River watershed and its Pacific Salmon populations.

Sue Hemphill, left, working with students.

TLC has been lucky to know and work with Sue.  She is best known to TLC for her early support of the creation of the Horsefly River Riparian Conservation Area. Since that time Sue has drawn TLC into salmon conservation  by enlisting Northern Region Manager, Barry Booth and other TLC staff to help  deliver the educational components of the Horsefly River Salmon Festivals that she has coordinated. In recent years, Sue has worked in close association with Barry to bring high school students out to the Horsefly River Riparian Conservation Area learn about our restoration efforts on this property. According to Barry, Sue is, without doubt, the most dedicated environmental educator that he knows, and in his mind she personifies what a ‘salmon hero’ would be.

Photo by C. Funk.

TLC assisted MetroVancouver in purchasing West Creek Wetlands on December 18, 2006.  TLC holds a covenant on the property.

The property is special for a couple of reasons. First, it is a large, relatively undisturbed greenspace – one of the largest unprotected areas of natural vegetation in the municipality. Second, it is unique because of the variety of habitats. The area contains several creeks, a large shallow-water wetland and a bog. Nearly 170 different species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, 22 of which are endangered or threatened, call this area home. The main channel of West Creek runs through the property; this creek is one of BC’s 14 designated “sensitive streams,” with healthy stocks of Coho and Chum salmon and small but stable populations of resident and sea-going Cutthroat Trout. Wood Duck Lake, in the northern half of the property, contains an active population of beavers.  

Come out and support TLC’s Wild Hills and Beaches Campaign at our 2nd Annual Beers for Beaches. Tickets are $10 and are available at the SUB info office or at the door.

Anchusa or Common bugloss was spotted for the first time in the Okanagan-Similkameen region in a gravel pit near Hedley in 2010; it is not known to occur elsewhere in the region. Photo by Lisa Scott.

Here is a list of resolutions that you may wish to consider for 2012, and it has nothing to do with weight loss, more exercise or stopping smoking (not that those aren’t good things to resolve to do). These resolutions will help to reduce invasive plants in the Okanagan- Similkameen region and improve the overall health of our natural habitats and agricultural areas. It will also help us save lots of money, because weeds in crops and pastures alone costs Canada approximately $2.2 billion annually.

Whether you’ve battled bindweed in your back yard, picked hound’s-tongue seeds off your pants or noticed the abundance of Siberian elm trees along our lakes and rivers, you’ve become aware of the spread of invasive plants. Invasive plants are a problem, but often the solutions are relatively straightforward. Take the time to read through these top twelve resolutions and chose the most suitable ones that you can strive to achieve in 2012.

1. Learn to identify invasive plants growing in the Okanagan-Similkameen region. Check out website (www.sosips.ca), pick up some information sheets from the Regional District office in Penticton or peruse local or provincial websites such as www.weedsbc.ca or www.invasiveplantcouncilbc.ca.

2. Report sightings of new invaders in our region or patches of common species in remote locations where they may go undetected.

3. When gardening, choose plants wisely. Be suspicious of plants promoted as “fast spreaders” or “vigorous self-seeders.” Do not transplant aggressive species that are known to be invasive. Instead, select native plants that are adapted to our local ecosystems or non-invasive ornamental species.

4. Avoid using exotic wildflower seed mixes.

5. Be wary of wild birdseed mixes. Carefully select the seed mix or create the mix yourself. Put the seed mix on cookie sheets and bake to prevent germination. In the spring, remove any unusual plants growing under or near your bird feeder, before the plant goes to seed.

6. Dispose of invasive plants carefully. Do not ‘recycle’ garden debris or compost. Properly dispose in trash bags or by drying out any material to destroy remaining vegetative parts.

7. Avoid letting invasive plants fruit or set seed, as birds and animals can spread the plants to other areas. Deadhead flowers, seedpods and berries of known invasive plants.

8. Reduce soil disturbances and re-seed disturbed soils with a suitable seed mix.

9. Avoid picking plants from roadsides, gravel pits or other disturbed areas.

10. When exploring the great outdoors, check your vehicle, boat, bike, camping gear, shoes and pets for invasive plant seeds that may have hitched a ride. Dispose of any seeds carefully.

11. Encourage friends and neighbours to learn more about invasive plants, and share information that you have learned such as how to identify a certain species.

12. Get involved with local efforts to control invasive plants.

For further information on invasive plants contact the Invasive Plant Program Coordinator for the Okanagan-Similkameen, Lisa Scott at 250-404-0115 or email her at sosips@shaw.ca.

White-headed Woodpeckers need dead or dying trees for food and shelter. Photo by Jared Hobbs.

Article by Lisa Scott.

The New Year is a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. What if our local wildlife could submit resolutions on our behalf? Their list might read something like this:

Please consider adopting at least one of the following actions in 2012 to help ensure our future:

1. Learn which species are “at risk” in the Okanagan- Similkameen at the website: www.speciesatrisk.bc.ca.

2. Create habitat for wildlife on your property. Plant a wildflower garden with native forbs, shrubs and trees; maintain brush piles; or participate in a local habitat restoration project. Speak to someone at a local native plant nursery or refer to www.naturescapebc.ca for ideas.

3. Learn about invasive plants and take action to limit their spread. For more information go to: www.sosips.ca

4. Leave dead or dying trees standing on your property, when it is safe to do so. This will provide food and shelter for a range of species from woodpeckers to owls and flying squirrels. Learn more through the Wildlife Tree Stewardship (WiTS) program at www.wildlifetree.ca.

5. Install nest boxes which can provide temporary nesting and roosting sites for cavity nesting birds or install a bat box for natural insect control. Speak with a local naturalist or biologist to decide what would be most suitable for your property.

6. Reduce energy use at home, at work and in your vehicles. This will help protect air quality for all of us. As an added bonus, you’ll save money.

7. Watch out for wildlife on roads and waterways. If safe to do so, please move a turtle off the road and try to place it in the direction it was traveling.

8. Purchase paper products that are 100 per cent post consumer recycled content to help save our forests.

9. Keep your cat indoors especially when birds are nesting.

10. Consider making a donation to charitable organization [like TLC] that helps protect wildlife or their habitat.

Thanks, from your feathered, furred and finned friends!

This property consists of 63 hectares stretching for five km along the east side of the Sooke River, and lies immediately adjacent to the Sooke Potholes Provincial Park. This stretch of the Sooke River contains a series of unique geological formations – rock pools and carved canyons known as “the Potholes”. These clear green pools are linked by picturesque waterfalls and gorges and are surrounded by the beautiful forests of the Sooke Hills. Along the eastern boundary of the property runs the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, a tremendously popular recreational corridor used by cyclists, equestrians, runners and hikers. The Sooke Potholes site is part of the region’s Sea to Sea Greenbelt. TLC purchased the property with the support of the Capital Regional District and many of the area’s residents. The pothole pools in the river have been the region’s most popular swimming spots for many years. TLC’s acquisition means that it can continue to be enjoyed for its recreational values as well as its environmental and geological significance. The TLC campground at the north end of the property is open for visitors during the summer season. 

TLC’s Fall/Winter 2011 Stewardship Newsletter is now available online. View articles on becoming a wildlife habitat steward, riparian restoration, invasive plants and much more.

To view past newsletters please view our Stewardship Publications and Factsheets page. For more information on the South Okanagan-Similkameen Stewardship Program please contact Alyson Skinner at askinner@conservancy.bc.ca or 250-809-8802.

Photo by Jill Patterson.

DUNCAN, B.C. – The Land Conservancy of British Columbia (TLC) is delighted to announce that a significant gift of $100,000 has been made to Sansum Point, the 128-acre property located on the Stony Hill Peninsula near Duncan. The donation was made by an anonymous donor in honour of Cortlandt Mackenzie and his late wife Jean.

The Mackenzie’s loved the Cowichan Valley and resided there for many years. During their time in the Valley Dr. Cort Mackenzie was the Medical Health Officer for the Central Vancouver Island Health Unit. He later became a professor at the University of British Columbia and was highly regarded for his expertise in environmental health issues. He enjoyed sailing through the Sansum Narrows with its scenic views of the point and coastal bluffs which are now protected as parkland.

“TLC is honoured to be the recipient of this wonderful gift.  I can’t think of a better present to give than the protection of a community treasure like Sansum Point,” says Bill Turner, TLC’s Executive Director. “It’s a gift that will make a lasting difference for current and future generations.”

Photo by Nicole Haddad.

When the property came up for sale earlier this year TLC secured an option to purchase the site, valued at $1.85 Million, and partnered with the Cowichan Valley Regional District and the Cowichan Land Trust.

After an intense 5 month fundraising campaign, the property became a Cowichan Valley Regional District Park in early September. TLC and the Cowichan Land Trust have carried on with fundraising to fulfill their financial contribution and thanks to this generous gift only $380,000 remains to be raised. A conservation covenant is held on the property by TLC and the Cowichan Land Trust – giving it every level of protection possible in B.C. This three-way partnership is an important step for building future parkland acquisitions in the Valley.

Support from the community, including local businesses, has also been a key aspect in the campaign to save Sansum Point.  Without it the stunning waterfront seascapes, vulnerable Coastal Douglas fir ecosystem, and future recreational opportunities of this property may have been lost forever.

“Public support and engagement are critical in protecting our natural and cultural heritage. Sansum Point is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when a community comes together,” says Bill Turner, TLC’s Executive Director. “We look forward to raising the remaining funds this spring.”

To make your donation to Sansum Point in time for the 2011 tax year or to honour a loved one today, please call 1-877-485-2422 or visit conservancy.bc.ca.

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For further information, please contact:

Bill Turner, Executive Director
The Land Conservancy of BC
Ph: 250-589-8024
Email: bturner@conservancy.bc.ca
conservancy.bc.ca

What: 2nd Annual Beers for Beaches Fundraiser
When: Saturday, January 14, 2012
Time: 8:30-1:00am
Where: Felicita’s Campus Pub, UVIC Student Union Bldg, Victoria 250-721-8626
Cost: Tickets $10 each

Don’t miss out on the 2nd Annual Beers for Beaches Fundraiser in support of TLC’s Wild Hills & Beaches Campaign. Proceeds go to finalizing the 3 year purchase project of the 2700 ha in the Jordan River area on south Vancouver Island. There will be free giveaways, a photo booth by Pink Sugar Studios, and live music by local artists Georgia Murray and The Ghostbirds. Tickets available online, at the UVIC Student Union Building info desk, and at Coastline Surf Shop.

For more information on the campaign please visit our Wild Hills and Beaches page.

For further information please contact Jill Patterson, TLC Outreach & Development Officer, by phone at 250- 479-8053 or email at jpatterson@conservancy.bc.ca.

Earlier this fall the Nanaimo River Stewardship Symposium, facilitated by the Nanaimo Area Land Trust, brought together a number of organizations with an interest in the river to identify priorities and processes to move forward collectively with a community-wide initiative.  A rough-cut version of ‘Voices of the River’ was screened at the symposium and was well received.

“We’re now in the final stretch to finish the film but still need to raise the funds to complete the remaining work – a final edit, sound-track, audio mix, graphics work and mastering” said Manly.

The Land Conservancy has stepped forward to help with that fundraising effort.  TLC has had a long running interest in the Nanaimo River, and is very supportive of further initiatives to expand protection.  In 2001, TLC purchased the land for the Nanaimo River Regional Park, the only public park on the River.  

TLC Executive Director Bill Turner says “We have several hundred members in the mid-Island area who are deeply interested in the future of the Nanaimo River.  Our goal over time is to increase the protected area along the River, and we’ve already got a good start on what could be a magnificent regional park or protected area that could rival the protections on the Cowichan River.”

Turner also said that TLC is very supportive of the broader initiatives to engage people in the overall stewardship of the river and its watershed.  “We all need to appreciate the tremendous values of the river and the water supply, and to understand better the opportunities and threats that are there.  This film, ‘Voices of the River’ provides an excellent insight into all those complex issues.”

Over the last year, Manly Media has also partnered with The Land Conservancy on their ‘Be the Change Campaign’ developing and producing a series of public service announcements (PSA’s) with some well known BC personalities including actress Pamela Anderson, snow board champion Maelle Ricker, artist Arthur Vickers, Lulu Lemon founder Chip Wilson and economist Moura Quayle who all want to see sensitive habitat in BC preserved and protected.  So far the ongoing campaign has raised over $2 million and has helped secure new protected area at Sansum Point and helped TLC pay off its mortgage on the Wildwood property in Cedar. The PSA’s can be viewed on the TLC website at www.bethechangebc.ca

Manly Media is offering sponsors of the film the opportunity to get their names listed in the credits as sponsoring producers for donations of $50 or more. Sponsors will also receive a DVD copy of the finished film. “We’re not building a physical structure with this campaign but we are offering ‘digital bricks’ for smaller donations and ‘digital park benches’ for larger ones. The digital park benches are full screen recognition of sponsors – which can also be used as memorials or as tributes for people who have long standing connections to the river.”

All contributions to the film that are made through the TLC are eligible for a charitable tax receipt and can be sent to the TLC at 301-1195 Esquimalt rd. Victoria BC V9A 3N6. For more information about the project ‘Voices of the River’ contact Paul Manly at paul@manlymedia.com .

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For more information:

                Bill Turner (The Land Conservancy)     250-589-8024

For photos please contact Paul Manly 250 729-1254

Victoria, B.C The life and memory of a BC researcher, whose life ended tragically in January of this year, will be remembered forever as the friends and family of Randy Sulyma secured the rights to name a species of lichen new to science yesterday. It was an intense final day of bidding in The Land Conservancy (TLC) of British Columbia’s auction to name the species which will support the creation of a much-needed wildlife corridor for Wells Gray Provincial Park. Sylvia Sulyma, Randy’s mother coordinated the bid of $17,900 that will allow the lichen, discovered by botanist Trevor Goward, to bear the name Parmelia sulymae, in her son’s honour.  

“To win this auction for the naming of the lichen is amazing. For all who knew Randy, this is such a fitting legacy. The whole family is excited and overwhelmed today”, says Sylvia. “When we started the campaign we never dreamed it would grow as much as it did. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to everyone who so generously donated to Randy’s fund.”

Trevor Goward, the botanist the discovered this new species of lichen, was noted as saying: “My hearty congratulations to the Sulyma family, who have earned the right to name an undescribed lichen in honour of the late Randy Sulyma. Randy enjoyed thinking about lichens. For me it’s a great pleasure knowing that from this day forward his memory will live on in Parmelia sulymae – a name I expect will endure as long as our civilization does”.  Goward also stated that this is a first run for taxonomic tithing – putting unnamed species to work for their own conservation. “I believe that future auctions of this kind will garner even more support as Canadians awaken to the honour of being linked, if only in name, to other living species that share this planet with us” Goward said.

TLC’s Northern Region Manager Barry Booth echoed those sentiments of Goward.  “Knowing Randy’s love of the Wells Gray/Clearwater Valley area, his passion for the outdoors and his professional association with lichen makes a wonderful connection that is truly fitting. This is a wonderful legacy for Randy, and his family and friends,” said Booth. Booth also tipped his hat to Trevor Goward for allowing TLC to auction the name of this lichen to help raise funds for their work in the Clearwater Valley. “This was an incredibly generous gesture by Trevor and we at TLC are grateful for the honour that he has bestowed upon us. It speaks volumes to Trevor’s commitment to conservation in this exceptional part of BC”.

The funds raised through this initiative will help the Land Conservancy create a permanent wildlife corridor for Wells Gray Park in south-central British Columbia.  Currently, TLC together with Trevor Goward, and his dedicated neighbors, John and Edwina Kurta are working to complete this project. The corridor is an incredibly vital endeavor as it will secure a travel corridor for the large mammals of Wells Gray Park that migrate from winter to summer ranges across the Clearwater Valley. Approximately $350,000  is required to purchase the parcels that make up the corridor.

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For more information, please contact:

Trevor Goward, Lichenologist, 250-674-2553, trevor.goward@botany.ubc.ca.

Barry Booth, TLC Northern Regional Manager, 250-564-2064, bbooth@conservancy.bc.ca.

Enjoy the full colour photos and descriptions of the species, and find out where they can be found.   Learn about what threatens the species survival and what you can do on your land to help them. 

This informational booklet is made possible thanks to collaborative work with many of our partners, the donation from photographers, and funding from Habitat Stewardship Program and Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.

One free field guide is available to any landowner with grassland habitats.  Please contact us at 250-809-8802.

A number of habitat types occur within these 51 hectares. A narrow band of floodplain and riverine habitats are adjacent to the Similkameen River. These transition into an elevated terrace of old river sediments. The terrace features varied forest and ground cover and several old growth ponderosa pines. To the east, the terrace gives way to steep, rocky slopes, scree, and talus piles of angular rocks.

Known occurrences of federally and provincially designated species at risk include Canyon Wrens, western painted turtles, western rattlesnakes, Great Basin gophersnakes, and western toads.

This property was acquired by TLC in 2000, and was our first Okanagan project. Knowing of the landowner’s desire to leave a conservation legacy, the South Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Program (which TLC subsequently adopted) made the introductions, and the rest is history!

VICTORIA, BC – Actress and activist Pamela Anderson is adding her voice among the many other British Columbians in support of The Land Conservancy of BC’s Be The Change Campaign. Through her video PSA Pamela speaks to the importance of protecting her hometown province’s natural beauty for future generations before it’s too late.

As a vegetarian and animal lover, Pamela believes in the ethical treatment of animals and the conservation of the sensitive ecosystems that they rely on to survive. Born in Ladysmith, B.C., Pamela currently resides on the beach in both California and British Columbia. She knows first hand the pressures facing the non-profit land trust in safeguarding natural areas, heritage sites, and agricultural lands for local food production.

“I support the efforts of The Land Conservancy of BC. Growing up in British Columbia is a blessing I want to share with future generations including my own kids. The oceans, mountains and forests make this a nature lover’s paradise, but it doesn’t take much to disturb this fragile environment. Join me in protecting the places that make this province such an incredible place to live. Donate to The Land Conservancy today at bethechangebc.ca.”

Inspired by the words “Be the Change You Want to See in the World” by Mahatma Gandhi, TLC launched its Be the Change Campaign in March, an overarching public engagement campaign to raise $10 Million for its mandate and operations. To date over $1.2 Million has been raised to help protect B.C’s special places, forever, for everyone.

TLC is encouraging people into action to be the change they want to see in the world. With this mission in mind, TLC is challenging British Columbians to step forward as never before, to dream about the kind of world that they want, and to make it a reality with TLC. As an agent for change, TLC is here to serve local communities in protecting the places that matter most to them.

Be part of the change and donate to TLC today at bethechangebc.ca or 1-877-485-2422. In Canada, individuals can text the acronym TLC to 30333 to donate $10.

Follow TLC at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Land-Conservancy-of-British-Columbia/50839065407
http://www.youtube.com/user/TLCAdmin
http://twitter.com/#!/TLC4BC

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For more information, please contact:

Researcher challenges Canadians to give something back to Canada and at the same time honour a loved one – or favourite hockey team – in the name of a native species: the perfect Canadian Christmas gift.

VICTORIA, BC – Public auctions for naming rights to two recently discovered lichens will close on 15 December, with proceeds going to two B.C. environmental groups: The Land Conservancy (TLC) of British Columbia (http://blog.conservancy.bc.ca/), working to create a much-needed wildlife corridor for Wells Gray Provincial Park; and the Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) (http://www.ancientforestalliance.org/), gearing up to protect B.C.’s remaining oldgrowth forests.

The two lichen species were discovered in B.C.’s rainforests by botanical researcher Trevor Goward. According to scientific protocol, the right to give a new species its scientific name goes to the person who describes it. However, an online auction running on each organization’s website since June will earn the highest bidders the right to name these lichens – whether after loved ones, themselves, or whomever they choose.

“This is as Canadian as it gets,” says Trevor. “With Christmas coming, here’s a perfect opportunity to give something back to Canada and at the same time honour a loved one – or a favourite hockey team – by naming a Canadian lichen after them”. “It’s been almost three centuries since Carolus Linnaeus invented the modern biological classification system; and even now the names of the people he honoured in the name of various plants and animals are still with us. With any luck, your name will last at least as long as Canada does.”

Lichens are small organisms often mistaken for plants, but perhaps better thought of as cooperative (symbiotic) unions of fungi and algae: fungi that have discovered agriculture http://www.waysofenlichenment.net/.

The lichen being donated to the Ancient Forest Alliance is a “Horsehair Lichen” or Bryoria, which forms elegant black tresses on the branches of trees. “These are the lichens that provide winter food for the Mountain Caribou, British Columbia’s version of Santa’s reindeer,” says Trevor. “Without lichens, caribou and reindeer would soon disappear; and where would Santa Clause be then”?

For the Land Conservancy, Trevor chose an undescribed “Crottle Lichen,” or Parmelia, consisting of strap-like lobes pale greyish above and black below. Hummingbirds use Crottle Lichens to camouflage their tiny nests, fastening it to the outside using strands of spider web. It too inhabits the branches of trees, and grows in the Clearwater Valley, where Trevor is working with TLC Goward on a Christmas present for BC Parks: a wildlife corridor linking the two southern lobes of Wells Gray Provincial Park: http://waysofenlichenment.net/wells/corridor project. TLC and its partners need to raise $350,000 for this project.

Recently Trevor decided to auction off the naming rights to some of his newly discovered species in an initiative he calls “taxonomic tithing”: http://www.waysofenlichenment.net/tithe/home . “Thousands of new species are described every year,” notes Trevor. “If our auction is successful, it could inspire taxonomists around the world to get involved in auctions of this kind: a whole new niche for conservation fundraising! My dream is that Canadians will lead the way on this initiative!

“I whole-heartedly support efforts to set aside biologically critical portions of B.C.’s forestlands. Putting my new species up for auction for two highly-deserving environmental organizations – one working to protect public lands and the other private lands – allows me to give something back to my home province,” says Goward. “Lately Canadians haven’t been very good at looking after their country. I believe we can do better. What better time to begin than at Christmas”?

Goward is an internationally acclaimed lichenologist who has described about two dozen species and genera of lichens, mostly in western Canada. He is curator of lichens at the University of British Columbia and author of more than 100 scientific papers and several books. His work can be found at: http://www.waysofenlichenment.net/portal. Goward lives in the Clearwater Valley near Wells Gray Provincial Park north of Kamloops, B.C.

To make a bid, visit the Ancient Forest Alliance’s website www.ancientforestalliance.org or phone 250-896-4007, or contact The Land Conservancy at www.conservancy.bc.ca or phone 1-877-485-2422. The auction closes on December 15.

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For more information, please contact:

Trevor Goward, Lichenologist, 250-674-2553, trevor.goward@botany.ubc.ca

Barry Booth, TLC Northern Regional Manager, 250-564-2064, bbooth@conservancy.bc.ca

Ken Wu, Ancient Forest Alliance Executive Director, 250-514-9910, kenwukenwu@gmail.com

Canadian Geographic published an article entitled The name of the lichen about Trevor Goward’s new species discovery and the auction. The article discusses the growing market for naming new species, and how conservation groups are getting involved, including TLC. Read the article and find out more about TLC’s Lichen Naming Auction.

Looking for a live Christmas tree to celebrate the season?

Garden Works on Blenkinsop Road in Saanich is offering potted Douglas fir trees between 4 and 5 feet for $69.99. Purchases include delivery and pick up services.

The best part: returned trees will be donated to TLC and planted to restore valuable wildlife habitat.

Get yours today! Call 250-721-2140, email mdickerson@gardenworks.ca or stop by 4290 Blenkinsop Road to sign-up. Find out more about Garden Works at gardenworks.ca