The Bilston Conservation Corridor
In May 2024, the Metchosin Foundation, in collaboration with the BC Parks Foundation, announced the creation of a landmark nature reserve in the heart of Southern Vancouver Island’s Bilston Creek watershed.
The ultimate goal of the Bilston Conservation Corridor project is to protect a continuous line of vital ecosystems stretching from the hilltop headwaters all the way to the seashore at Witty’s Lagoon.
Why This Land Matters
BC’s dry Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystem is currently highly endangered due to rapid urbanization. By securing this corridor, we are protecting:
- Keystone Species: Critical habitat for large mammals including bears, cougars, and wolves.
- Species at Risk: Essential sanctuary for vulnerable wildlife like the sharp-tailed snake.
- Diverse Landscapes: A rich mosaic of wetlands, mature forest, and upland manzanita scrub.
How You Can Help
The work is far from over. We are continuing to fundraise to make the full Bilston Conservation Corridor a reality.
We need your help to protect this landscape. Please watch the video below to learn more about the project, or donate today to support our efforts.
Interested in getting involved? Contact the Metchosin Foundation to find out how you can contribute to this legacy.
The SC’IȺNEW Mary Hill Project
The Metchosin Foundation was privileged to be closely involved in the SC’IȺNEW Tribal Park (Mary Hill IPCA) Project, during its visioning and proof-of-concept phase, from early 2019 until early 2022. Our multi-year contribution was reflected in the invitation extended to our President, Valerie Jaeger, to speak at the February 2022 public announcement of the Project’s “Standstill” Agreement.
Following this public announcement, a process of deliberate transition occurred wherein our considerably larger ally agency, Habitat Acquisition Trust, increased its support role and the Metchosin Foundation simultaneously reduced the scope of its role, concluding formal involvement on the Project’s Steering Committee later in 2022. To learn more about the Tribal Park Project, we encourage you to visit: https://scianewtribalpark.ca/
The Metchosin Flying Insect Biomass Study
Insects are essential contributors to Earth’s ecosystems, providing food for birds, mammals, and reptiles, pollinating native plants and human agriculture, and breaking down organic matter. Insect numbers, biomass, and biodiversity have been documented to be in steep decline in many places worldwide. The Metchosin Flying Insect Biomass Study is a citizen science initiative that has measured trends in insect biomass in Metchosin for six field seasons. Led by Dr. Neville Winchester from the University of Victoria and supported by the Metchosin Foundation, this is the largest such study in North America. Private landowners and volunteers from the Metchosin community maintained a network of sample collection sites around the district that built up a highly valuable dataset across field seasons (May–October every year).
The SC’IȺNEW Marine Education Pilot Project
Young people from the SC’IȺNEW Nation worked with elders and marine experts to develop leadership for their community. Through days of experiential activities, the youth were immersed in learning land stewardship, ocean resources and conservation, marine technology, and cultural connections to their natural worlds. The project received enthusiastic response from all, and Metchosin Foundation was proud to contribute to this needed initiative.
Scholarships for Environmental Stewardship
The Foundation provides competitive scholarships to Metchosin students taking post-secondary studies. The scholarships, each for $1000, are awarded to graduating grade 12 students who demonstrate leadership and/or academic achievement in environmental stewardship or community citizenship. The Metchosin Foundation is strongly committed to supporting a new generation who will care about the well-being of people and ecosystems in which they live. Learn more »
Moralea's Meadow
This Garry Oak Meadow on the Metchosin Municipal grounds is being restored and replanted with native species in memory of Moralea Milne. Moralea was an ardent advocate for the environment and long term Metchosin District Councillor. Her sudden death shocked the community, and now volunteers and donors work to complete this beautiful meadow. Metchosin Foundation has supported this worthy project since its inception. Learn more »