Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

☀️🍉 Check out our June newsletter! Catch up on the latest updates from our team, read more about recent gatherings, and much more.

https://mailchi.mp/5fc5b9e1c9b8/cbt-june-news

↪️ Not receiving our newsletter in your inbox yet? Sign up with the link below!
https://tinyurl.com/newslettercbt

📷 Marcie Callewaert

06/02/2026

🌿🏛️ Our first Biosphere Day at the BC Legislature was a success!

Last week, BC's three UNESCO biosphere regions came together in Victoria to meet with MLAs and staff of all political parties. Together, we shared examples of how each biosphere brings people, nature, communities, and organizations together to support place-based solutions shaped by each region’s unique strengths and priorities.

We’re incredibly grateful for the support, interest, and meaningful conversations shared throughout the day. We especially appreciate the many MLAs who took the time to speak about the importance of biosphere regions in BC.🤝🌲

Did you know? BC is home to 3 of Canada’s 19 UNESCO biosphere regions:

💚Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative
💚Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region
💚 Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region

With over 750 UNESCO biospheres in more than 140 countries, we’re proud to be part of this incredible global network working for people and nature. 🌍

👇Do you live in or near a biosphere region? Let us know in the comments below!

Canadian Biosphere Regions Association Canadian Commission for UNESCO / Commission canadienne pour l'UNESCO

06/01/2026

🐟🌊 Today is Wild Salmon Day!

The CBT exists to help advance community priorities, and in this incredible place we call home, it’s clear that wild salmon are deeply connected to the health of our ecosystems, cultures, communities, and future.

Wild salmon are a thread woven through so much of our work and are at the heart of many community-driven projects we support and programs we facilitate. From arts and culture to youth and education, to applied biology and ecosystem restoration, salmon continue to connect people across generations, sectors, and communities. 💙

The CBT is proud to be able to support and grant to local organizations leading inspiring, collaborative efforts that help sustain wild salmon and the ecosystems and communities that depend on them.

Here are a few examples of salmon-focused projects we have supported in recent years:

🐟 Wild Salmon Roundtable
🐟 Salmon Trail Youth Learning Events – Ucluelet Aquarium Society & Redd Fish Restoration Society
🐟 ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ Culture Group at the Clayoquot Salmon Festival - Friends of Clayoquot Sound
🐟 Working with ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ to Build a Vision around a Healthy Haʔukmin – Ha’oom Fisheries Society
🐟 Salmon enhancement - Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government & Thornton Creek Enhancement Society
🐟 Landslide restoration, juvenile salmon salvage, and salmon escapement surveys - Hesquiaht First Nation & Redd Fish Restoration Society
🐟 Coho Vitality Project – Ha’oom Fisheries Society

And many more!

📷 Thank you to and for the incredible photos and videos!

05/28/2026

We're so grateful for all the support.👏

05/28/2026

💡💛 In early May, the Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) Island Network gathered in 'Yalis/Alert Bay for the annual Summit, a rotating gathering hosted each year in a different island community.

The Summit brings together NSG champions from across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, featuring local guest speakers and inspiring community project leaders who share the incredible work happening in their regions. It’s an energizing, uplifting space to connect, learn, and be inspired by the creativity and impact unfolding across the island(s).

🌟 The CBT co-coordinates the NSG Island Network alongside The Victoria Foundation and the Campbell River Community Foundation, supporting collaboration across NSG programs. Together, this network is part of a province-wide initiative supported by the Vancouver Foundation and powered by local coordinators and champion volunteer committees. 🙌

05/25/2026

🌱🙌 We’re now accepting applications for the 2026–27 Leadership Vancouver Island West Coast Chapter cohort!

Starting September 2026, this community-driven, west coast-focused program brings together emerging and established leaders from across the region to learn, connect, and grow together. If you’re passionate about strengthening your community, expanding your leadership skills, and being part of meaningful, place-based change, we invite you to apply before August 15th.

💙 Rooted in local relationships and the unique context of the coast, the West Coast Chapter offers a learning experience grounded in place and community. Upon completion of the program, participants are eligible to receive six credits from Vancouver Island University.

To learn more and apply, visit https://clayoquotbiosphere.org/initiatives/leadership-vancouver-island

📷 1 & 5: Marcie Callewaert - 2, 3 & 4: Sam Phillips

05/20/2026

Volunteer Spotlight! 🙌

🏊‍♂️💙This past winter, Tyler Tong took on an incredible challenge to support the CBT’s work. Over the month of February, he swam 100 km in 28 days, which meant swimming a minimum of 3.5 km every single day. In total, he spent 23.5 hours in the pool to reach his goal.

From downtown Vancouver to Burnaby, Victoria, and even Revelstoke, Tyler found a way to keep swimming no matter where he was. Why? After moving to Vancouver from Toronto 3 years ago, he quickly fell in love with the West Coast and places like Tofino and Ucluelet. He wanted to give back to the region that has inspired him.

And he did just that! 🎉
During his fundraising campaign, he raised a total of $2,300 for the CBT.

🙏 Thank you so much, Tyler, for going the distance (literally!) and making a difference for the region! We’re incredibly grateful for your dedication and support.

05/18/2026

🌼🌿 Our May newsletter is here! Catch up on the latest updates, explore upcoming learning opportunities and events, and take a look back at recent gatherings with community foundations across Vancouver Island and Biospheres from around the world.

https://mailchi.mp/02540edd024c/cbt-may-news

↪️ Not receiving our newsletter in your inbox yet? Sign up with the link below!
https://tinyurl.com/newslettercbt

📷 Marcie Callewaert

05/15/2026

🌿🐋 The West Coast NEST, CBT’s regional education tourism initiative, is hosting a four-day celebration in honour of the 2026 International Day for Biodiversity in collaboration with partners across the region.

🗓️ May 21–24
📍 Ucluelet, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve & Tofino

Join guided walks, stewardship activities, creative workshops, cultural experiences, citizen science, and more. From invasive species removal and shoreline exploration to eco-poetry and wildlife watching, there are many ways to learn, connect, and experience local biodiversity.

🔍 Participate in the region-wide BioBlitz through iNaturalist
🌊 Youth ages 11–18 can also enter to win a trip to Hot Springs Cove!

Explore the full schedule here:
https://www.westcoastnest.org/courses/biodiversity-discovery-days-may-2026

Access the iNaturalist project here:
https://www.inaturalist.ca/projects/clayoquot-sound-unesco-biosphere-region

📸 1 & 3: Ocea Green - 2 & 4: Nicole Gerbrandt