Honouring Michael Dunn
On January 18th, 2026, the Conservancy held a dinner to honour Michael Dunn, and to celebrate his many contributions over twelve years as Executive Director. We were joined that evening by a number of collaborators and supporters to raise a glass to Michael, and thank him for his dedication to the organization.
Michael’s commitment to the Conservancy is informed by an unparalleled understanding of both biological systems, and the legal frameworks within which land protection and conservation are achieved. During his time as Director, Michael successfully established Land Trust status for the organization and qualified it for the Ecological Gifts Program, while maintaining countless relationships with other conservancies and land managers throughout the region. These include various levels of government and the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council, WJOŁEŁP | Tsartlip hunters, and SENĆOŦEN language educators. He worked closely with many staff and volunteers over the years to develop familiar Conservancy programs such as habitat restoration, the native plant nursery, nearshore marine monitoring, and youth and public education. Michael will continue to provide valuable guidance in the delivery of these important programs.
As perhaps his most impressive accomplishment as Director, Michael successfully completed the complex administrative work needed to protect both St. John Point and Edith Point, and his article: Serendipity and St. John Point describes the many fortuitous developments that led to this successful adventure in land protection.
More recently, Michael approached the Board to say he wanted to transition to a new role to focus on field work, and together we’ve created a new role for Michael as the Land and Species Specialist for the Mayne Island Conservancy.
This past summer, Amy Kamarainen began working with Michael on a part-time basis to become acquainted with the organization from the inside before officially stepping into the role of Executive Director on September 1st. She is now leading the Land Protection Program, as well as managing staff and liaising with the Board of Directors and our many dedicated volunteers. As Land and Species Specialist, Michael is engaged in more field-oriented work, leading bird counts and youth education sessions, and of course Bat Week activities in the fall. He can be reached at michael@mayneconservancy.ca.
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