Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region

04/06/2026

May 26th, Stephanie Higginson, MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside recognized the inaugural BC UNESCO Biosphere Region Day in the Legislature, describing UNESCO biosphere regions as internationally recognized places that serve as “living laboratories for sustainable development” and that inspire “a positive future for all living species.”

We are grateful for MLA Higginson’s continued recognition of the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region and for her strong words about the value of biosphere regions across British Columbia. As she shared in the Legislature, “being an MLA for a biosphere region is without a doubt one of the best parts of my job.”

In speaking about MABR, MLA Higginson highlighted that our region “spans from the mountaintops to the seas” and includes “the entire watershed draining into the Strait of Georgia.” This recognition reflects the interconnected nature of our region - where ecosystems, communities, watersheds, and shared responsibilities are all linked.

MLA Higginson also noted that this September, the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region will host EuroMAB 2026 in Parksville, bringing together representatives from more than 300 biosphere regions across 53 countries “to share strategies on sustainability, biodiversity, and community development.”

MABR is proud to stand alongside BC’s other UNESCO biosphere regions Átl'ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound Marine Stewardship Initiative and Clayoquot Biosphere Trust and continue contributing to what MLA Higginson described as “the province’s environmental and economic future” through healthy ecosystems, resilient communities, collaboration, and learning.

Watch MLA Higginson’s statement here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXKrvS1OSW4

Connecting people with nature and community.



Learn more about what Canada's UNESCO Biosphere Regions are doing by following Canadian Biosphere Regions Association

The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia43rd Parliament2nd Se...

01/06/2026

Ready for a summer adventure in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region?

From June 1st until August 31st, we’re inviting residents, families, visitors, and curious explorers to discover the region’s 10 Amazing Places through the Official Amazing Places Geotour and Amazing Places Adventure Labs.

🧭 Try the Geotour:

Use the Geocaching app or GPS to follow clues, find hidden geocaches, visit interpretive signs, and learn what makes each Amazing Place special. Complete the challenge and you can redeem your collection page for a customized Amazing Places Geotour geocoin. https://www.mabr.ca/geocaching

📱 Try the Adventure Labs

Prefer a digital challenge? The Amazing Places Adventure Labs guide you through fun, place-based questions at each site. No physical geocache container required—just visit the location, read the clues, and answer each question as you explore. https://www.mabr.ca/adventure-labs

🌲Explore three learning adventures:

Ecosystems - Englishman River Falls, Top Bridge, and Notch Hill
Watersheds - Cathedral Grove, Cameron Lake, and Little Qualicum Falls
Humans and Nature - Rathtrevor Beach, Parksville Community Park, Heritage Forest, and Milner Gardens & Woodland

These activities are a fun way to connect with nature, learn about local ecosystems, and experience the Amazing Places that were nominated by the community for their beauty and ecological value.

Join the challenge and tell us in the comments:

✅ Which Amazing Place will you visit first?
📸 Share a photo from your adventure
🌿 Tag a friend or family member you’d bring along
🧭 Tell us if you’re Team Geocaching or Team Adventure Labs!

Explore the Amazing Places:
https://www.mabr.ca/amazingplaces

Plan your visit with Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association:
https://www.visitparksvillequalicumbeach.com/blog/amazing-places-mount-arrowsmith-biosphere-region/

🌎 Explore responsibly. Stay on trails. Respect wildlife. Pack out what you pack in. Help keep these places amazing for everyone.

Learn more about Canada's Biosphere Regions at the Canadian Biosphere Regions Association.



https://www.mabr.ca/amazingplaces

31/05/2026

On May 29, MABR joined Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute summer students at Kwalikum Secondary School to introduce high school students to iNaturalist and its role in community science. Students set up their own accounts, explored key platform features, and learned how iNaturalist can be used to document local species, strengthen community science, and support mainstreaming biodiversity knowledge across the MABR.

Following the classroom training, students and MABRRI staff travelled to Hamilton Marsh to put their new skills into practice. Each student was challenged to identify and upload 10 species to the KSS 2026 ROAMS project on iNaturalist. Together, the group recorded 221 observations representing 76 species. Common observations included salmonberry and salal, while more unique finds included a clay-covered weevil, bird’s nest fungi, and a rough-skinned newt.

Engaging new audiences in BioBlitzing expands our regional biodiversity sampling effort and helps us identify as many species as possible, while also mainstreaming biodiversity knowledge throughout the MABR.

Learn more about Canadian Biosphere Regions by following Canadian Biosphere Regions Association

29/05/2026

NEWS RELEASE: MABR Joins Provincial Leaders for First BC UNESCO Biosphere Region Day

MABR was honoured to take part in the inaugural BC UNESCO Biosphere Region Day at the BC Legislature, alongside our colleagues from the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust and the Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative. Together, we shared how biosphere regions advance conservation, science and research, sustainable economies, climate resilience, reconciliation, and community well-being across Government of British Columbia.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Environment and Parks for hosting the event. To Minister Tamara Davidson, Minister Randene Neill, MLA Sheldon Clare, Jeremy Valeriote MLA, and Minister Josie Osborne for speaking and to Stephanie Higginson, MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside for bringing us all together and emceeing. Also to all the MLAs, Ministers, Premier and Legislative Assembly staff whose participation, support, thoughtful questions and engagement helped make this inaugural gathering a success.

This event provided an opportunity for provincial leaders and staff to connect directly with representatives from B.C.’s Biosphere Regions, learn about our local initiatives, and explore how these internationally recognized regions contribute to provincial priorities, including biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, reconciliation, and sustainable economic development.

“This inaugural BC UNESCO Biosphere Region Day was an important milestone for Biosphere Regions in British Columbia,” said a MABR representative. “We are grateful to the Ministry of Environment and Parks, the participating Ministers and MLAs, and the Legislature staff who created space for this important conversation. Their support recognizes the value of Biosphere Regions as places where people work together across jurisdictions and sectors to care for the lands, waters, economies, and relationships that sustain our communities.”

UNESCO Biosphere Regions are designated under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme and are internationally recognized as places that serve as living laboratories for sustainable development. They bring together local and First Nations governments, researchers, community organizations, residents, and volunteers to advance conservation, support sustainable economies, and promote education and research.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in the Hall of Honour to learn more about the role of Biosphere Regions in BC and across Canada. We look forward to continuing this important work together.

Learn more about MABR: www.mabr.ca
Learn more about Canada’s Biosphere Regions: https://biospherecanada.ca



About Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region

The Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region is a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Region located on eastern Vancouver Island. MABR connects people with nature and community to support collaborative, place-based solutions for environmental health, community well-being, reconciliation, education, research, and sustainable development. MABR is also proud to be part of the Canadian Biosphere Regions Association, a national network that connects and supports Canada’s UNESCO Biosphere Regions.

21/05/2026

MABR is pleased to share this special community event: “Life in the Nest” - an intimate and inspiring video experience showcasing the lives of Great Blue Herons, presented by Save Estuary Land Society and the Arrowsmith Naturalists.

Witness remarkable moments of courtship, nest building, and the tender (and sometimes humorous!) interactions between adult herons and their chicks, offering a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting the ecosystems that sustain biodiversity in our region.

Tuesday, June 2
Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Presentation: 7:00–8:00 PM
Full details available at:
https://www.saveestuarylandsociety.ca/

As part of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme, the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region works to foster harmony between people and nature through conservation, education, and community stewardship. Events like this help deepen our collective understanding of local species and inspire action to protect critical habitats for future generations.

Thank you to everyone dedicated to conserving biodiversity and supporting the stewardship of our shared natural heritage.

30/04/2026

Join us on May 5th in recognition of the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People.

As a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Region, MABR recognizes Red Dress Day as both a powerful expression of remembrance and an ongoing commitment to reconciliation.

Reconciliation is a central strategic priority for MABR, embedded in our mandate and guiding our work across the region. Honouring Red Dress Day is one way we bring this commitment into action. It affirms a shared responsibility to support healing, safety, and justice for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people across the lands and waters that sustain us.

Our commitment is also reflected in how we work together. At the beginning of each MABR Roundtable meeting, our Culture of Engagement is read aloud, grounding participants in values of transparency, respect, and trust. A key practice within this culture is the symbolic act of “hanging bad feelings on a nail outside the door,” encouraging members to set aside differences and focus on shared goals for the well-being of the region.https://www.mabr.ca/s/Roundtable-Culture-of-Engagement.pdf

Each gathering also begins with an acknowledgement of the Traditional Territories on which we meet, demonstrating respect for Indigenous protocols and presence. In addition, MABR has adopted Principles for Collaboration with First Nations, which guide our approach to relationship-building and decision-making.

These principles recognize the unique and enduring relationship that First Nations have with the land and water. Connections that have existed since time immemorial and ensure that First Nations’ voices, perspectives, and priorities help shape every discussion.https://www.mabr.ca/s/Guiding-Principles-First-Nations_MABR.pdf

Through these practices, MABR continues to advance a model of collaboration rooted in respect, responsibility, and reconciliation.

Drop in anytime between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm May 5th. For more detail please visit https://www.mabr.ca/upcoming-events/red-dress-day

27/04/2026

Join us on Red Dress Day, May 5th, at ts’xwelikwshenawtxw for a meaningful community gathering to raise awareness, honour, and stand in solidarity with missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.

Create a red dress token using provided materials as a tribute to those we have lost, then take time to walk around ts’xwelikwshenawtxw - reflecting on our connections to one another, the land, and the path toward healing.

Together, we gather in remembrance and in action. Your presence helps honour lives lost and affirms a shared commitment to safety, respect, and healing on the land we all share.

We look forward to welcoming you to ts’xwelikwshenawtxw, the house at the foot of Mount Arrowsmith.

Please stop by and show your support.

https://www.mabr.ca/upcoming-events/red-dress-day

16/04/2026

MABR was honoured to host Minister of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship, Randene Neill, Stephanie Higginson, MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside and Minister Josie Osborne at ts’xwelikshenawtxw the MABR education Centre to learn more about our UNESCO Biosphere Region and the important work of the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute.

As part of the global network of UNESCO Biosphere Regions, MABR plays a vital role in advancing solutions that balance conservation, sustainable development, and community well-being. Biosphere Regions are living laboratories - places where local knowledge, Indigenous leadership, science, and community partnerships come together to address some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges of our time.

Here in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region, this work translates into tangible benefits for our communities: protecting biodiversity, supporting sustainable local economies, fostering environmental education, and strengthening connections between people and place. Through collaboration with First Nations, local governments, businesses, and community organizations, MABR continues to demonstrate how regional action can contribute to global sustainability goals.

We are grateful for the opportunity to share this work and to highlight the importance of continued investment in Biosphere Regions as models of resilience, innovation, and stewardship for generations to come.

Learn more about MABR at https://www.mabr.ca/

15/04/2026

A sincere thank you to the Parksville Lions Club for their generous $300 donation, kindly matched by TELUS, and to the four participating SD69 Qualicum School District PACs for raising over $700 through the silent auction and entry donations. Together, these contributions total $1,390.00 which will be directed to the SD69 Feeding Futures Fund to support local school food programs.

We are grateful to the Nanoose Bay Elementary PAC, Arrowview Elementary School PAC, WLC PAC, and KSS PAC for their contributions and support, which helped make the first-ever Brant Wildlife Family Festival School Food Program fundraiser a success. We also acknowledge the valued participation of the BC SPCA Parksville-Qualicum Beach, Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers, and several Regional District of Nanaimo departments.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the generous local businesses who contributed to the silent auction:

Untamed Ink
Short Cuts Hair Salon
ECHO Players
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
Lighthouse Feed & Garden
Arrowsmith Golf & Country Club
Courtyard Cafe
Jubu Bead and Gift
Fern + Cedar Brewing
Karuna Vihara
Sylvie Gently Used Furniture
Natures Arrow Photography
Finding Realm Body Therapy

The Brant Wildlife Festival is proud to celebrate 35 years of connecting people with nature and highlighting the vital link between sustainable food systems, biodiversity, and community wellbeing.

Biosphere Regions Association