Clad in suspenders and boots, he has the build of a logger – but Tal Engel approaches the forest like a doctor in a clinic. He picks off leaves and digs handfuls of soil, looking for clues that indicate the health of the ecosystem. We invited Tal, founder of WolfTree Read more
As one of the Ecosystems Technicians this Summer on SḴŦAḴ | Mayne Island, I’ve spent many days in a variety of landscapes across the island. From removing Scotch broom at the height of soaring turkey vultures on Henderson Hill, to meticulously combing through herbaceous plants on my hands and knees Read more
A landscape in New Zealand, where similar invasive species to BC are being managed. Photo by Ethan Heckrodt. I knelt to tie my boots, leather shining from the rain. It was a soggy morning in Bluff. A small fishing village at the bottom of Aotearoa | New Zealand, Bluff is Read more
Here on SḴŦAḴ | Mayne Island, we are incredibly fortunate to call this place home. From its natural beauty, strong sense of community, to the abundance of outdoor spaces that connect us to the land, it is truly a unique place. But, did you know just how unique it really Read more
We are celebrating the awe-inspiring Coastal Douglas-fir forest–supporting knowledge of, and connection to, the Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystem is our theme* for 2026! Did you know that the beautiful Douglas-fir biogeoclimatic zone we call home is incredibly rare? The “Coastal” designation indicates this type of Douglas-fir ecosystem only occurs along the Read more
Among the diversity of bird species we have on SḴŦAḴ | Mayne Island, there is one group that stands out in my mind – the woodpeckers (Picidae). We have five species of this family as year-round residents and they are known to many who have suet feeders. While they provide Read more
Did you know that you can make important contributions to science simply by using your phone? Becoming a Citizen Scientist doesn’t have to be hard. By using a few apps, you can participate in plant, animal and fungi research with ease. Whether you are an avid birder, curious hiker, or Read more
In January the Conservancy hosted a hands-on workshop building western screech owl nest boxes. Five participants joined our Stewardship Coordinator, Justine, at the Mayne Island Community Center for a successful and fun event. Each participant left with their very own nest box to put up around their island homes. Currently, Read more
Summer is in full swing, and as we spend time at the beach this season enjoying the cool lapping waves and sun on our skin, I want to point your attention to some of the native plants that exist in these shoreline ecosystems. Not all plants can handle these sites, Read more
Have you ever found yourself in nature, contemplating its history? Photo monitoring offers a glimpse into the past, capturing the same spot over the years. It’s a tool that helps us answer questions like, “How long did these trees take to grow?” and, “Is Scotch broom re-sprouting after removal?” Currently, Read more