Valdes Island Conservancy

04/16/2026

Buggy Bioblitz is Back 🐛🪲 💚

Join GWAS and for a Bioblitz in Esquimalt Gorge Park on Sunday April 26 from 11:00am - 2:00pm.

Drop by the Gorge Waterway Nature House to learn more about iNaturalist and the 2026 City Nature Challenge.
Then flutter, crawl, or ooze through a guided nature walk with UVic's CICADA Club at 11:30 and 1:00 🦋

You have a chance to win amazing prizes for your species observations, all while learning and having fun in your nature-loving community. Check out the link in our bio for more details!

04/16/2026

TAKE ACTION: Speak up for Southern Resident killer whales today.
With only 74 SRKW remaining, every voice matters.
We’ve pulled together clear, easy-to-use talking points to help you submit your comments and support stronger, lasting protections before April 21, 2026.
Boaters on the BC coast will see important new measures in 2026 to better protect SRKW. Starting June 1, proposed updates to the Marine Mammal Regulations would expand the minimum approach distance from 200m to 1,000m — a critical step to reduce vessel disturbance.
Importantly, the Government of Canada is proposing to make this 1,000m distance permanent, establishing a clear, year-round standard focused on SRKW protection.
🔗Submit your comments and take action here: https://georgiastrait.org/work/species-at-risk/orca-protection/protection-measures-for-srkw/
This is a rare opportunity to help secure meaningful, long-term protections — don’t miss it..

04/07/2026

These facts will make you a beaver believer.

04/01/2026

I hear many islanders are investing in this same technology!

Bidets to be installed at 7 existing pit toilets in the Salish Sea.

BC Marine Trails has received a grant to install bidets on seven pit toilets at campsites in the Salish Sea, including on Galiano Island, South Thormanby Island, Wallace Island, and Salt Spring Island.

This project is part of a broader initiative to allow a greater range of people to feel comfortable in the outdoors.

"Just because you’re in the backcountry surrounded by wildlife doesn’t mean you have to act like an animal," explains funding partner (Clean Bottoms, Full Hearts) Executive Director, John Pissoir.

The foundation hopes to fund similar projects in future years, with funding applications closing annually on April 1st, April Fools Day.

03/27/2026

❗️The Government of Canada is seeking public feedback on proposed amendments to the Marine Mammal Regulations that would strengthen protections for endangered Southern Resident killer whales.

Southern Residents are one of the world’s most endangered groups of killer whales. Scientific research shows that vessel noise and disturbance can interfere with their ability to communicate, navigate, and hunt for Chinook salmon – their primary prey. Reducing these disturbances is an important part of their recovery.

Comments must be inputted directly into the Canada Gazette portal, either anonymously or as an individual. The latter requires registration and is more involved than the anonymous option.

The deadline is Tuesday, April 21st.

Read the guide and submit your comments: https://www.raincoast.org/2026/03/guide-regulations-protect-southern-residents-105058/

Photo taken from land by Karolin Cullen.

03/22/2026

Join us in this 4-part webinar series as we explore the Salish Sea, unraveling the beauty, life, and deep connections to our local waters.