Our Mission
We work with the community to conserve the ecology of Mayne Island and its surrounding waters for future generations.
Our Beginnings
In 2003 a group of interested islanders sought to identify priority areas on Mayne Island wherein conservation tools might, by invitation, be applied. They cultivated relationships with landholders in such areas, in order to build awareness of the existing ecological values and offer walkabouts and other conservation-oriented resources, while building the case over time for the application of conservation tools. The group offered general education and hands-on experiences for Mayne Island residents and visitors related to preserving the ecological integrity of the island for future generations. These actions addressed the core intent of what has become the Mayne Island Conservancy Society. Read more about our beginnings here.
Our Work Today
- Caring for the land. Working with local partners to restore and manage natural areas for public use including removing invasive species and planting native trees and shrubs from our nursery.
- Shoreline care. Leading nearshore marine monitoring programs for eelgrass and bull kelp to document long-term changes in these important habitats; organizing annual beach cleanups; and engaging citizen scientists.
- Community education and engagement. Hosting educational activities and youth programs; producing a monthly newsletter to inform and involve members and the community.
- Landholder consultations. Providing stewardship guidance to conserve and restore natural habitats on private property.
- Land acquisition. Raising money to help purchase land to conserve natural areas.
- Advocacy. To protect our natural areas and marine environment, with a current focus on the ecological damage caused by the overabundance of invasive fallow deer and native deer.
Won’t you join us?
Land Acknowledgement
The Mayne Island Conservancy acknowledges that we work on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territories of the Straits Salish peoples on the Island called SḴŦAḴ in SENĆOŦEN, the language of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. It is with respect that we strive to restore and conserve the lands and waters in their territory.
Read about Indigenous Relations and the Conservancy here.