Salt Spring Island Conservancy

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Last call for dropping off invasives for chipping this spring! Sunday, May 31, at Fulford Hall from 10 am to 3 pm. ✅ Bri...
05/29/2026

Last call for dropping off invasives for chipping this spring! Sunday, May 31, at Fulford Hall from 10 am to 3 pm.

✅ Bring Woody Invasives: Gorse, broom, holly, blackberry, daphne, woody ivy stems
❌ Don’t Bring: Soft tissue plants, giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed (For soft invasives like periwinkle, lamium, yellow flag iris, place in plastic bag, add water and leave in the sun to solarize).

❌ Absolutely no roots (They can contain rocks and dirt that can destroy chipper blades)

Drop-off fees vary by load
Car Trunk: $5-$20
Truck: $20-$40
Larger vehicles: $50-$200

Payment: Cash Only

This is a residential service – not for commercial disposal.

TSS, SSI Conservancy, and the SSI Garden Club will carry on the 15-year tradition!

Sharing this fun opportunity for children, offered by our neighbours at the the Salt Spring Nature Academy - Playful Nat...
05/26/2026

Sharing this fun opportunity for children, offered by our neighbours at the the Salt Spring Nature Academy - Playful Nature: A Wildlife Attuned Summer Camp inviting children into a week of connection, creativity, and outdoor exploration on the land!

Camp Details:

Location: Blackburn Conservancy
Dates: July 6–10 and July 20–24
Time: 9:15am – 3:15pm
Ages: 6–10 (children turning 6 this year are welcome)
Cost: $350 per 4-day grouping
Spots: Limited to 20 spots per week

About the Camp:
These immersive camps are designed to foster meaningful relationships, with each other and with the natural world. Each day follows a gentle, consistent rhythm beginning with circle time, followed by songs, storytelling, movement games, free play, and nature-based crafts.

Daily themes will guide exploration, offering children rich opportunities for hands-on, sensory-led learning rooted in curiosity and play. The experienced team brings a strong foundation in nature connection, wildlife awareness, storytelling, and creative expression.

Camp Team:

Naomi Woodward
Scott Lucyk
Era O’Donnal

Together, they create a warm, engaging environment grounded in respect for the land and each child’s unique way of learning.

If you’re interested in registering or would like more information, feel free to reach out to [email protected]

We’re excited to invite you to our Annual General Meeting (AGM) - an opportunity to connect, reflect on the past year, a...
05/25/2026

We’re excited to invite you to our Annual General Meeting (AGM) - an opportunity to connect, reflect on the past year, and shape the future of our community together.

Date: Monday, June 29th
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: 265 Blackburn Road

Your voice matters, and we’d love for you to join us! Whether you’re a long-time member or new to our community, your perspectives are welcomed as we discuss our achievements, challenges, and plans for the year ahead. What to expect:

-Updates on our progress and initiatives, including highlights of our strategic planning updates
-Opportunities to ask questions and share ideas
-Light refreshments and time to connect with fellow members

If you aren't yet a member or would like to renew your membership prior to the AGM, you can do so on our website's membership page linked below:

https://saltspringconservancy.ca/get-involved/membership/

Please RSVP to [email protected] if you would like to attend the AGM on June 29th so we can plan accordingly - thank you!

The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) is celebrated on 22 May annually to commemorate the adoption of the...
05/22/2026

The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) is celebrated on 22 May annually to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 22 May 1992. This observance proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly provides an opportunity to foster wide support for the implementation of the Convention, its Protocols and related action frameworks.

“Acting locally for global impact” is the theme of the 2026 edition of IDB.

Salt Spring Conservancy and Nature Salt Spring have partnered to deliver a weekend of workshops to highlight our local biodiversity - and there's still time to get involved! Check out https://www.naturesaltspring.org/events to register for one of the many fantastic "Biodiversity Extravaganza" events.

If you've been curious about the restoration work being done in Xwaaqw'um, this is a valuable opportunity to learn more!...
05/22/2026

If you've been curious about the restoration work being done in Xwaaqw'um, this is a valuable opportunity to learn more! Delivered by ecologist Rachel Bevington and hosted by the Salt Spring Island Public Library.

Tomorrow kicks off Biodiversity Extravaganza, hosted in collaboration with Nature Salt Spring! Dr. Elaine Humphrey will ...
05/20/2026

Tomorrow kicks off Biodiversity Extravaganza, hosted in collaboration with Nature Salt Spring! Dr. Elaine Humphrey will be at the Conservancy tomorrow evening with her scanning electron microscope, then the festivities continue from Friday til Sunday with pond-studies, tardigrade-searching, birding, and more. Check out https://www.naturesaltspring.org/events for a full listing of the weekends workshops and to register. Folks interested in volunteering for these events are invited to contact [email protected]

Tardigrade photo by National Geographic

05/19/2026

Music in the Meadow: Acclaimed pianist and composer Brent Alan Huffman will be performing in support of the Salt Spring Island Conservancy on June 20th and you are invited! Brent creates original live piano music in the moment, transmitted directly to you through headphones. As you nestle into the peaceful surroundings of the Blackburn meadow, or stroll the wetlands and Garry Oak ecosystem, the music invites you on an intimate journey of serenity, reflection, and quiet.

Sound Journey Piano creator Brent Alan Huffman is a pianist, composer, conductor, vocalist, and practitioner of kindness. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, he led a successful 25-year Broadway and touring career as conductor, music director, and pianist, also lending his singing voice to several hit Disney films. In 2022, Brent released his solo piano album Zenprovisations to international acclaim, and now shares his original music live in serene locations along the West Coast. To learn more about Brent’s artistry, visit https://soundjourneypiano.com/

Date: Saturday June 20

Time: Doors at 7pm, music from 8-9:30 pm.

Location: Salt Spring Island Conservancy, 265 Blackburn Road

Details: This event is BYOB – Bring your own blankets (and pillows!) or chairs if you prefer, for lounging in the meadow.

Price: $75 early-bird ticket until June 1st, then $100. Ticket price includes light appetizers. There will also be a cash bar.

To purchase tickets, please visit : https://saltspringconservancy.ca/music-in-the-meadow-fundraiser/

Stroke a Western Screech Owl wing and marvel at the graceful shape of a Coho salmon fry! As part of our biodiversity mon...
05/08/2026

Stroke a Western Screech Owl wing and marvel at the graceful shape of a Coho salmon fry! As part of our biodiversity month celebrations at the Conservancy, we invite you to drop in and view the forest specimens currently on loan from the Beatty Biodiversity Museum until May 27th. Office hours are from Monday to Thursday, 10 am - 4 pm, and we are located at 265 Blackburn Road. Come say hello! 😃

🦋📣Biodiversity Extravaganza: Workshop Registration is Now Open (List below👇)! Join Nature Salt Spring and the Salt Sprin...
05/07/2026

🦋📣Biodiversity Extravaganza: Workshop Registration is Now Open (List below👇)!

Join Nature Salt Spring and the Salt Spring Island Conservancy for a series of engaging workshops exploring the island’s rich biodiversity! From birding to pond life, marine ecosystems to plant structures, there’s something for everyone -whether you’re a family, a budding naturalist, or an adult looking to deepen your knowledge.

PRESENTATION:

Introducing Small-Life Biodiversity by Dr. Elaine Humphrey

Date & Time: Thursday May 21, 7 - 8:30 pm

Cost: Free for Nature Salt Spring and Salt Spring Island Conservancy members, otherwise $10

Elaine will introduce the world of small-life biodiversity that can be investigated with microscopes including the a portable SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) she will bring over from UVIC. This is a unique opportunity for Salt Spring Islanders to explore our biodiversity with some essential tools of biological research.

WORKSHOPS:

Session 1: Birding 101

Date & Time: Friday, May 22, 7:30–11:00 AM
Cost: $10

Learn the basics of birdwatching with expert-led hikes, explore feather structures under microscopes, and enjoy stunning bird photography. A special optional session on bird photography with Pierre Mineau is also available (email [email protected] to sign up).
Session 2: Small Life in the Salish Sea

Date & Time: Friday, May 22, 1:00–4:30 PM
Cost: $10

Dive into the hidden world of the Salish Sea! Collect plankton and marine samples, then examine them under high-powered microscopes. Discover the fascinating life histories of Dungeness crabs, skeleton shrimp, and more.
Session 3: Plant Structures & The Elusive Water Bear

Date & Time: Saturday, May 23, 8:30 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $10

Explore the intricate structures of plants and hunt for the elusive water bear (tardigrade)! Use microscopes to uncover the tiny adaptations that help plants thrive and survive.
Session 4: Muddy Buddies are Pond Detectives

Date & Time: Saturday, May 23, 1:00–4:30 PM
Cost: Free for families (register via Nature Kids BC)

Get hands-on with pond life! Search for turtles, tadpoles, dragonfly larvae, and more. Use nets, buckets, and magnifiers to uncover the hidden critters of Blackburn Lake. Note: Wear waterproof boots and bring a snack!
Session 4b: Pond Studies for Adults

Date & Time: Saturday, May 23, 1:00–4:30 PM
Cost: $10

A deeper dive into pond ecosystems! Join marine naturalist David Denning to explore freshwater inhabitants like phantom midges and leeches. Observe your findings under microscopes and return them safely to their habitat.
Session 5: Plants, Pollen, and Pollinators

Date & Time: Sunday, May 24, 8:30 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $10

Uncover the vital relationships between plants, pollen, and pollinators! Examine flowers, learn about their adaptations, and discover the tiny world of pollinators that keep ecosystems thriving.
Session 6: Who's Feeding the Birds?

Date & Time: Sunday, May 24, 8:30 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $10

This nature walk will address questions about who, or what, is feeding all the birds, and what we can do to support our fine-feathered friends. Join us for this final session which reveals the stories of native plant and insect stewardship which is essential to support biodiversity on our island home.
Appetizer Potluck & Happy Hour

Date & Time: Saturday, May 23, 5-6:30 pm
Cost: Free

Join us for an informal social/happy hour gathering at the SSI Conservancy Blackburn Lake facility. Please bring along a ‘finger-food’ appetizer. No-host bar available. Donations gratefully accepted.

For more information about individual workshops and to register, please visit:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/biodiversity-extravaganza

If you are interested in volunteering for any of these events, please email [email protected]

Address

Salt Spring Island, BC
V8K2B8

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