Small cluster of bats.Photo by Juliet Craig

There are over 1,000 species of bats in the world, 16 of which are found in British Columbia, and 10 species throughout the Kootenays. Bat names are excellent indicators of their appearance; big brown, hoary, silver-haired, fringed, Western and Northern long-eared, long-legged, and Townsend’s big-eared bats are several species found in the Kootenay region.

Bats, like humans, are mammals. They have fur, are warm-blooded, and mothers give their young (also known as pups) milk. However, bats are the only mammals to take flight. The scientific name for the bat is Chiroptera – taken from the Greek word meaning “winged hand”. To picture their wing bone structure, hold out your hand and imagine a thin elastic membrane stretching between your fingers. Bat wings are thinner than bird wings, thus allowing them to manoeuvre with greater precision while finding food.

Though groups of bats around the globe eat a variety of insects, fruits, nectars, fish and blood, Canadian bats are strictly insectivorious. As the colder seasons of autumn and winter approach, bats are busy adding bulk to their bodies so as to survive the upcoming months. The long-legged bat is a master insect catcher and can devour over 600 mosquitoes in an hour.

Because bats are unable to cope with Canada’s interior winter climate, they will soon begin to bunker down and find suitable hibernation roosts. Once settled, their breathing and heart rates lower and they spend several months relying on energy reserves to make it through until spring. During this time they are extremely vulnerable to even slight disturbances – a great deal of energy is required to rouse themselves out of slumber and may detract from their ability to survive. Bats seek areas that have stable low temperatures and high humidity; barns, attics or caves on your property may be perfect roosting grounds.

Yuma bat colonyPhoto by Juliet Craig

Indeed, our mythology of bats and their history as rabid animals has led them down an unfavourable road; to date, half of British Columbia’s bat species are considered threatened or vulnerable (red or blue listed).  Bat disturbance, habitat destruction, and the effect of pesticides on their diet are all factors contributing to their decline. Learning more about bats and encouraging their existence within our ecosystems are both excellent ways to begin maintaining a healthy bat population.

A great place to start is by building a bat house on your property. Bat houses promote safe roosting areas by providing cover and accessible holds, therefore discouraging bats from settling down in less favourable spots.

To find out more about bat houses and where you may be able find the plans to build your own, contact the TLC Kootenay Region’s Terrestrial Stewardship Advisor Emily Nilsen at enilsen@conservancy.bc.ca.

Editor’s note: Nilsen writes a regular column for the Nelson Express on the importance of protecting habitat for plants, animals and natural communities. This story appeared previously in the publication.

Fort Shepherd Conservancy Area

Teck Metals Ltd. has donated $400,000 to create an endowment fund ensuring future management of the 964-hectare Fort Shepherd Conservancy area, which runs along more than 8 kilometres of the Columbia River, south of the city of Trail.

The Fort Shepherd Conservancy Area is one of The Land Conservancy’s (TLC) model conservation properties and features an abundance of ecological, historical and recreational value. In September 2006, Teck Metals Ltd. announced the transfer of the lands as part of its efforts to publicly recognize the Centennial of the founding of the Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada Ltd. – now Teck Metals Ltd. The transfer of the land was completed in December 2008.

“By having an endowment in place, TLC can ensure that the ongoing cost of owning and managing land will be covered forever,” says Kathleen Sheppard, TLC’s Director of Operations. “These funds are often discussed at the time of purchase or donation, with site specific usage of funds.”

The interest generated from the $400,000 will be put towards site management. The funds will enhance the diversity of the flora and fauna, and preserve the property’s important historical and natural features, while also ensuring the land can still be utilized for recreation.

“We are very pleased to make this financial contribution in addition to the land already transfered to TLC,” says Mike Martin, General Manager, Teck Trail Operations. “Our goal is to see the Fort Shepherd lands protected through this endowment and with the efforts of TLC and the Trail Wildlife Association. This endowment reflects Teck’s commitment to sustainability and to the communities in which we operate.”

The Fort Shepherd Conservancy area is unique in B.C. as grasslands, dry forests, rocky slopes, cliffs and caves dominate the geography. It provides habitat to numerous species-at-risk including Great Blue Herons, Nighthawks, Canyon Wrens, Townsend’s Big-Eared Bats and Racers (a type of snake). Also the area provides a valuable winter range for Mule Deer. The area is named for the Hudson’s Bay Company trading post at Fort Shepherd that operated on the site from 1857 to 1870. Today the area is a popular recreational destination.

About TLC

Formed in 1997, The Land Conservancy of BC has been saving special places throughout the province for today and future generations. It is B.C.’s leading non-profit, charitable land trust, having protected more than 300 properties of fast disappearing natural areas, historic sites, farms and ranches, and places of community and recreational importance. The Land Conservancy works on behalf of more than 7,000 members. For more information, please visit TLC’s website at www.conservancy.bc.ca.

About Teck
Teck is a diversified resource company committed to responsible mining and mineral development with major business units focused on copper, metallurgical coal, zinc, gold and energy. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, its shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TCK.A and TCK.B and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TCK. Further information about Teck can be found at www.teck.com.

For further information, please contact:

Kathleen Sheppard

Director of Operations

The Land Conservancy of BC

Ph: 250-479-8053

ksheppard@conservancy.bc.ca

Carol Vanelli Worosz

Communications Manager

Teck Trail Operations

Ph: 250-364-4113

Save a special place and honour someone you love this holiday season with a TLC Tribute Gift. It’s the perfect gift for everyone on your list.  TLC will send a personalized card to the special person you have honoured with your thoughtful gift.
A tax receipt will be sent to you for income tax purposes.
Visit our website for more details.

Sooke Potholes. Photo by JoshMcCulloch.com

The Land Conservancy held a ceremonial “burning of the mortgage” at the Sooke Potholes today.  TLC recently received a significant donation specifically for the Sooke Potholes that will allow it to pay off the remaining funds on the “green mortgage” that enabled TLC to secure the site.

“This is a great moment,” said TLC Executive Director, Bill Turner.  “Not only does this mortgage-burning signal the completion of the Potholes acquisition project, but it also comes at the end of ten very successful years working with the CRD to help build one of the finest Regional Parks systems anywhere.  There’s a lot to celebrate.”

The Sooke Potholes project is symbolic of how this partnership can achieve such success, Turner indicated.  “It was complex and with a very challenging timeline.  It required a willingness to act quickly and creatively, and to take some risk.  But it worked, largely because of the faith and the support shown by thousands of area residents and, in particular, by the eleven green mortgage lenders who stepped up at the critical time.  It also needed the vision and determination of the CRD.  It’s been said many times that this project could never have been successful without this unique partnership.”

CRD Parks Committee Chair, Christopher Causton pointed out that the relationship with TLC has resulted in many other important achievements for the region:  additions to regional parks at Mount Work, Thetis Lake, Horth Hill, Island View Beach and the Galloping Goose and Trans Canada Trails, and the creation of new parks at Gowlland Point, Matthews Point, Burgoyne Bay and the Sooke Hills – the magnificent backdrop and viewscape for the entire Region.

“The burning of this mortgage is also an opportunity for us to look forward to the next phase of our relationship”, added Alastair Craighead, Chair of TLC’s Board of Directors.  “The CRD is currently looking at an extension of the Parks Acquisition Fund for another ten years.  TLC will be addressing the parks committee this week to encourage them to go forward with a bold and comprehensive plan to complete the Parks system in this Region.  And we will be making a commitment that TLC will be there as a partner – as we have been before – to help make the vision a reality.”

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For more information:

Bill Turner                    250-589-8024

In the News:

• Burnt Mortgage shows TLC has fire in its belly. Jack Knox, Times Colonist, Victoria.

Madrona Farm (photo by Andrew Taylor)

Help protect Madrona Farm by visiting www.avivacommunityfund.org and voting everyday for this agricultural gem in Aviva Community Fund’s competition (first round voting ends November 29, and semi-finals end December 16). Help us get through the first round!  The most popular ideas will have a chance to be funded with the $500,000 Aviva Community Fund.

At 3:30 p.m., TLC’s Vice Chair, Briony Penn, will present “How to Offset Our Carbon Emissions through Nature Conservation”.

A reception will follow until 5 p.m., allowing time to hear your comments and suggestions. We look forward to seeing you there!

What: TLC’s Board of Directors Meeting

When: Saturday November 28 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. (reception to follow)

Where: 2195 West 45^th Ave, Vancouver (across form the Ryerson United Church at the Ryerson United Church school/administrative building)

Ross Bay Villa

Penticton -  Saturday, December 5
TLC’s Okanagan Office
4 - 6 p.m.
201-262 Main St
RSVP 250-492-0173

Victoria -  Wednesday, December 9
Abkhazi Garden
3:30- 7:30 p.m.
1964 Fairfield Rd
RSVP 250-479-8053

Eagles Estate at night. Photo by Tom Freebairn

 Burnaby - Friday, December 11
Eagles Estate  Heritage Garden
4 -  7 p.m.
5655 Sperling Ave.
604-733-2313

Hope to see you there!

Cougar Adoption Kit

When you adopt a grizzly bear or cougar for someone you love, the “new parent” will receive:

• a cuddly bear or cougar plush toy
• a personalized adoption certificate
• a fact-filled booklet that explains how this symbolic adoption will help save grizzly bear or cougar habitat and other special places in B.C.

Adoption kits can be shipped to you, or directly to the recipient.  All orders shipped by Expedited Parcel service for prompt delivery.  You will receive a $40 tax receipt for every kit you purchase.

To adopt an animal today visit our TLC Store.

TLC’s Baldwin House on Deer Lake in Burnaby is currently available for booking during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Enjoy the privacy and tranquillity of one of Arthur Erickson’s architectural wonders while taking part in a once in a lifetime event.

The Baldwin House will provide you with the feeling of being in nature while maintaining your proximity to all the action of the Olympic Games. The house also has a TV with cable so the games can be watched in the comfort of your own home.  Up to six guests can stay overnight.

Take the whole two weeks at the special rate of $750 per night, or take the first or second week at $1,000 per night.  Olympic rental rates run from Friday, February 12 to Sunday, February 28, 2010.

To book your Baldwin House 2010 Olympic Winter experience with TLC, please call 250-383-4627 or 1-888-738-0553, or visit www.conservancy.bc.ca/ecotourism.