The trees of St. John Point are older than they look. Conservancy biologist Rob Underhill recently took core samples of some of the Douglas firs growing on a dry ridge there. While the diameter of the tree was only .6 to .8 metres (2’ to 2.5’), it turns out the trees were about 250 years old! Rob found fire scars on several of the trees—these old residents are survivors. Let’s work together to ensure they have a healthy forest to live in, in the years to come.
Photo by Toby Snelgrove.
We are in our final push to have St. John Point taken off the open market. We are close: together, our community has raised $1.75 million. Just $250,000 more will take the property off the market and allow us to raise the remaining funds—from government, private foundations and private citizens—to purchase the property before the end of 2017.
It’s crucial for us to meet our goal of $2 million in the near future. Please talk to your friends and neighbours about the St. John Point campaign, and if you haven’t pledged yet—or wish to increase your pledge—the time is now! Visit our pledge page, or call our fundraising chair Helen O’Brian directly, at 250-539-5619.
Artists of various disciplines are currently at work, preparing their creations to be featured in our Artists on the Point Auction, Show and Fundraiser on Saturday, July 29 at 7:30 pm at the Agriculture Hall. Drinks and snacks will be on hand. There will be performances, and a chance to purchase beautiful artwork, inspired by the artists’ visit to St. John Point in May of this year. Please make a note in your calendar—you won’t want to miss this event.
Mayne Island Conservancy is once again offering guided tours to St. John Point. They will take place Sundays, July 2, 16 and 30th from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. Group size is limited and pre-registration is mandatory; sorry no drop-ins. To sign up, stop by the Farmers’ Market the day before the walk, or sign up online at sjp.conservancyonmayne.com.
Please be aware that there is no parking at St. John Point; the roadside turnaround at Horton Bay is to be kept free from parked vehicles at all times. Also note that St. John Point remains in private hands—please respect the privacy of the landowners.
Do you have your “I Helped Save St. John Point” pin? If you’ve contributed to the campaign, please pick up your pin at the Farmers’ Market or at our office in Miners Bay. And please wear it proudly.
Together we will save St. John Point.
(Photo credit: Toby Snelgrove Photography)
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