Lasqueti Island Nature Conservancy

Islands in the Salish Sea - Community Atlas now on a website!

In the year 2000, as awareness of environmental problems grew, a group of Islanders from the Strait of Georgia got together to map what they knew, saw, heard and loved around the major islands in the this part of the Salish Sea. These maps were brought together, with accompanying text, in an award winning book, Islands in the Salish Sea, A Community Atlas. By 2010 the book was sold out and used copies are hard to find.

In 2024 Bert Webber & Sheila Harrington with Olivia Hobson of BlueWater GIS and assistance from Briony Penn, brought the original maps, a few new maps, and text about the Salish Sea together into this website. Please spread this mapping initiative by bookmarking the site, and forwarding this to other individuals and organizations you think might be interested. Note that the site is best viewed from a desktop or tablet, not a mobile device.

There is much in this collection of artistic community maps and their stories that can be helpful for all of us in 2024 and for the years ahead to better understand our sense of place in all parts of the Salish Sea. We hope that this collection of island maps will be an inspiration for others and that they will help protect the natural web of life around these precious islands. This website includes new information on “where and what” is the Salish Sea along with a few new maps. We hope that, in time, more maps of the islands in the Salish Sea from all regions will join the collection. https://bit.ly/SalishSeaMaps

For further information:
Bert Webber – [email protected]
Sheila Harrington – sheharrington at gmail.com

This is such a great accomplishment!

Protecting nature on Bowen Island - Bowen Island Conservancy The Bowen Island Conservancy protects and preserves the natural environment of Bowen Island and surrounding waters.

🍂 The Fall LINC Newsletter is here for your reading enjoyment!
Find it online here:https://linc.lasqueti.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LINC-Newsletter-Fall-2024-web.pdf
🍃 Dive into stories about the plants that feed our birds and pollinators, the incredible world of fish reproduction, the invasive green crab 🦀, Marine Island’s ongoing protection efforts, updates on the Mt. Trematon biodiversity study 🌿, the Holly Haul, the Salish She's Cleanup 🌊, and a beautiful poem by Shelley Easthope of Pender Island.

📸 Want to have your amazing photos featured in the next issue's "Seen in Passing"? Send them to sheharrington(at)gmail . com with a brief description. Next issue: Spring 2025! 🌸

What an awesome place and story! The centre is right up there in Errington.

It is a rare occasion for us to get to release a Great Blue Heron, which makes this herons story that much more special!

These stunning (and lanky!) birds are high-stress and fragile - we only admit a handful of herons every year, and when we do, they're usually in very, very rough shape.

This heron was barely able to stand up when first admitted, though we can't be certain of what caused this. Incredibly, by his second day, he was standing upright, and eating every last one of the little fish we brought him from our pond (it wasn't easy to keep up!).

With high stress animals, it is especially important that we work to minimize the amount of time spent in care, as the stress of captivity can lead to further health complications. And so, after almost a week on his feet, and a very successful flight test, it was time for him to return to the peace of the wild.

We've posted his stunning release video in the comments below - we could not be more thrilled!

We invite you to get involved in LINC’s first-ever Holly Haul this coming Sunday!
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When: Sunday, September 29th at 10 AM
Where: We’ll meet on the road just before Squitty Bay Park and walk in together.
Lunch: Lunch is provided, but please RSVP by contacting LINC at [email protected] or call James at 250-333-8784 by the evening of Friday, September 27 to reserve your meal.
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Join us as we work to protect the Young Point conservancy lands by removing invasive holly. With BC Parks Foundation’s support, we’re aiming to prevent this species from spreading and taking over our local wetland. The good news? Most of the trees are still small, making them easy to pull up, so the work will be moderate and accessible for all.
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Don’t forget to bring gloves, clippers, and a shovel (though we’ll have some extra tools on hand too).
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Let’s work together to preserve the beauty of our natural spaces!
We hope to see you there!
📸Photograph by Lynda Stevens from “Flora Around Nanaimo"

LINC invites you to participate in the first ever Holly Haul!
Sunday, September 29th at 10 AM
🪓💪🏼🌱
Under a contract with BC Parks Foundation (BCPF) we hope to control the spread of invasive species on the Young Point conservancy lands. Holly has begun to infest the wetland there and if left unchecked, it can spread rapidly to dominate the native landscape.
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Presently most trees are very small, only 1 or 2 feet high, so easily pulled. The terrain is flat, open and easily accessible, but could be damp. The labour will be moderate and suitable for all.
On Sunday, September 29th at 10 AM we will gather on the road just before Squitty Bay park and walk in together for a day of hauling up holly.
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Bring gloves and a pruning saw or clippers and a digging shovel. Some tools will be supplied.
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Lunch will be provided for those who contact LINC at [email protected] or phone 250-333-8784 to reserve yours before Friday September 27.
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Come out with your neighbours and help keep our natural places natural!
📸 Photograph by James Schwartz

🌲 The Lasqueti Island Nature Conservancy (LINC) is excited to share with you the newest conservation project on Xwe’etay/Lasqueti Island, the acquisition and protection of Marine Island by the BC Parks Foundation.
🌲 LINC is grateful to the BC Parks Foundation for helping secure Xwe’etay/Lasqueti Island's natural heritage.
🌲 To learn more about The BC Parks Foundation and the latest Marine Island acquisition: https://bcparksfoundation.ca/blog/10-acre-marine-island-protected/
📸Photograph courtesy of the BC Parks Foundation

🏖 qathet Regional District Announces New 2.2 Hectare 'Spring Bay Regional Park' at Lasqueti Island on Sunshine Coast BC Canada 🇨🇦

qathet, BC – The qathet Regional District (qRD) is excited to announce the successful establishment of a new regional park on Lasqueti Island, following a recently secured lease agreement for a 2.2-hectare area of undeveloped Crown land at the end of Spring Bay Road.


At the June 5, 2024 Regional Board meeting, the Board requested staff to pursue a License of Occupation from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. This license will be granted for five years with options for renewal.


Spring Bay Regional Park is home to a magnificent forest of mature Coastal Douglas-fir, and Western Red Cedar. The establishment of the park ensures the protection of this ecosystem, and will feature a rough trail along the waterfront, which, with minor improvements, will provide access to the scenic areas within the Park.

The Board’s decision follows a presentation from the Lasqueti Island Nature Conservancy at the January 13, 2022, Committee of the Whole meeting, President Gordon Scott advocated for creating a regional park on the Ministry of Transportation’s undeveloped right-of-way at the end of Spring Bay Road. The decision to establish Spring Bay Regional Park aligns with the desires of Lasqueti Island residents, as indicated by a Lasqueti Island Nature Conservancy community-wide survey. The survey revealed a strong local desire for park land and trails on the north end of the island, emphasizing the importance of access to off-road walking paths.



The acquisition of Spring Bay Regional Park aligns with the qRD’s Parks and Trails Strategy to identify, acquire, and manage new regional parks and trails, enhance the protection and management of natural areas, and strengthen community partnerships and volunteer resources. In support of the development of the Parks and Trails Strategy, the online survey highlighted that Lasqueti Island was one of the most frequently requested areas for new parks and trails. To read the qRD Parks and Trails Strategy please visit: qathet.ca/parks-and-recreation.



“Seeing Spring Bay Regional Park come to fruition showcases the great things our community can accomplish when we work together,” said Electoral Area E Director, Andrew Fall. “We thank the Lasqueti Island Nature Conservancy for their advocacy to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities and land conservation on Lasqueti Island.”



About the qathet Regional District:

The qathet Regional District serves the rural areas from Lund to sḵelhp (Saltery Bay), the City of Powell River, Texada Island, Savary Island, and Lasqueti Island. The qRD provides some services, through contract, to Tla’amin Nation. To learn more please visit qathet.ca.

View of the Ocean from Spring Bay Park. (Photo supplied by the Lasqueti Island Nature Conservancy)

LOCATION: Lasqueti Island is located at the southern tip of Texada Island in the Salish Sea aka Strait of Georgia between Vancouver Island and Halfmoon Bay on Sunshine Coast BC.

🌿 Explore the world of community science with us! 🌿 Discover how you can get involved in local conservation efforts and make a difference by contributing to an online biodiversity atlas for southwest BC. Follow the link below:

actionforadaptation.square.site

July 21, Sunday, 4 pm, Judith Fisher Centre

Join the Lasqueti Island Nature Conservancy and local author Sheila Harrington as she launches her new book, Voices for the Islands: Thirty Years of Nature Conservation on the Salish Sea. Hear about Sheila’s inspiring sailing trips to detail the legacies of founders and current activists on seventeen local islands. Celebrate the stories of these dedicated conservationists. Learn about the community’s challenges and successes as well as their methods and tools for protecting these precious natural places. BOOKS FOR SALE

“In these troubling times of climate change and biodiversity loss, Harrington’s book is an uplifting testament to how individuals and communities working together to protect what they cherish can make an incalculable difference.” SARAH COX, author of Signs of Life and Breaching the Peace

Big Gratitude to all who came out to LINCs Forage Food Feast yesterday!

Duane led us on a hike to “Lasqueti’s Lonely Doug”, a single Old Growth Douglas Fir left standing in an old logging site near the Community Hall.

Along the way we sampled wild mint, investigated a rare White Pine, and a fallen, yet still living, Yew tree.

Returning to the Hall and feast of epic proportions unveiled -- with local Nettle Mutton Saag and Mutton Korma by the astounding Reza & Junie and family, an invigorating salad of local greens by Violet Rosehart and her supremely decadent Labrador tea, Spruce tip, Lemon balm Forage Cake with Lemon balm, Rose custard, Huckleberry curd, and Salmonberry buttercream!

With beautiful chocolate shared by Allison & Shen, the room was abuzz with foraging tips and goodness.

Simply a lovely way to celebrate nature, summer and the abundance around us.

*Update! Location Change, due to rainy weather forecast:
Join us for a Foraged Food Feast at The Hall
Saturday June 29th, 3-5pm
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With friendly weather we'll hike to the lookout at the Johnny Osland Nature Reserve.
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This is an afternoon walk and feast featuring local wild, garden, and foraged foods to thank our members and for folks curious to learn more about LINC!
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When: Saturday June 29th, 3-5pm
Where: Meet at The Hall at 3pm to carpool to Osland.
Walk to Osland lookout: 3pm-4pm
Return to the Hall for food: 4pm-5pm
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Bring any knowledge of local foraging to share as we explore the bounty of forest foods all around us.
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Reza will be cooking up dishes sourced from local ingredients: Nettle Mutton Saag, Mutton Korma, Cumin Rice, Spiced Yogurt, and a dessert featuring local apples.
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Violet will be creating a wild and farm fresh salad and another dessert option!
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If you are inspired, bring a foraged, wild, or local dish for sampling.
This is a thank you event provided by LINC to our members and any islanders interested in learning more about LINC.
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There will be the option to donate to the conservancy and renew your membership.
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Wild Food for Wild Times!
We look forward to seeing you there!

📷Photographs of Lasqueti Fungus Fest at the Hall, by Morgan Maher

*Update! Location Change, due to rainy weather forecast:
Join us for a Foraged Food Feast at The Hall
Saturday June 29th, 3-5pm
🥾
This is an afternoon walk and feast featuring local wild, garden, and foraged foods to thank our members and folks curious to learn more about LINC!
🌱
When: Saturday June 29th, 3-5pm
Where: Meet at The Hall at 3pm to carpool to Osland.
Walk to Osland lookout: 3pm-4pm
Return to the Hall for food: 4pm-5pm
🌱
Bring any knowledge of local foraging to share as we explore the bounty of forest foods all around us, perhaps a blanket to sit on, or chair if you prefer. This is a shared meal – we provide the food!
🌱
Reza and Junie will be cooking up a local mutton dish and Violet will be creating a big salad and desert!
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We invite you to consider:
What local species are edible? What is your favourite wild food recipe?
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If you are inspired to bring a foraged, wild, or local dish for sampling, please do, it is not required.
This event is a thank-you provided by LINC to our members and islanders interested in learning more about LINC.
🌱
There will be the option to donate to the conservancy and renew your membership.
🌱
Wild Food for Wild Times! We look forward to seeing you there!

Come join us for a community hike to the Lasqueti Ecological Reserve on Sunday June 16th.
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We will meet at 10:30 AM from the end of Lake Road
Carpooling or biking is encouraged due to limited parking.
The hike will last about 4 hours, a bush hike.
Please bring a snack, water, and lunch!
We will be in search of the blooming prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) that has been spotted in the Ecological Reserve.
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Hope to see you there!

Sunday is World Oceans Day
We are so lucky to live on the edge of this amazing Salish Sea, which has provided food and life for humans here for over 13,000+ years. June 9th is a day to celebrate. respect and honour the millions of species that live in the ocean.
This is a photo of a group at recently protected Marine Island during LINC's Annual General Meeting. If you live along the waterfront, contact LINC for ideas about Developing With Care to protect the forage fish and other species that thrive in the amazing ocean we all depend on!

***POSTPONED***

Come join us for a community hike to the Lasqueti Ecological Reserve.
🥾
We will meet at 10:30 AM from Richardson Bay.
Carpooling is encouraged due to limited parking.
The hike will last about 4 hours.
Please bring a snack, water, and lunch!
We will be in search of the blooming prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) that has been spotted in the Ecological Reserve.
🌵
Hope to see you there!

When: Friday May 24, 2024, 7:00-8:30 PM
Where: Arts Centre
What: A talk on "The History of Coast Salish ‘Woolly Dogs’ Revealed by Ancient DNA and Indigenous Knowledge."
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Coast Salish Peoples historically kept dogs for hunting, for meat, and for “wool” to use in weaving. These were special varieties of native dogs that were present before Europeans arrived, but are now extinct. The bones of these dogs are found archaeologically — and some have been found in archaeological sites on Lasqueti. Audrey Lin, from the American Museum of Natural History, is an evolutionary biologist who does research on the ancient DNA of "woolly dogs”.
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Audrey is coming to Lasqueti and has offered to give a talk about her work. She has done very cool research, combining these high-tech genetics studies and collaborations with contemporary Coast Salish weavers who are keeping their traditions alive. Working with the crew from the Xwe’etay/Lasqueti Archaeology Project, Audrey will be examining some of the dog bones found on Lasqueti.
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Here’s a link to an interesting article about Audrey’s work in Hakai Magazine if you want to see more about what she does:
https://hakaimagazine.com/news/the-story-of-the-indigenous-wool-dog-told-through-oral-histories-and-dna/
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Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Lasqueti Fungus Fest!
TOMORROW THURSDAY NOVEMBER 9th
Meet at The Hall at 1 pm...
For more details, check out our website:
https://linc.lasqueti.ca/news/lasqueti-fungus-festival-november-9th/