A rare opportunity exists to give a beautiful living gift that will not only last lifetimes, supports everyone in our local community and beyond, is convenient, plus is a climate solution in alignment with zero waste.
If you are looking for the best Christmas gift, birthday present, bequest or holiday party substitute, why not contribute to saving a stunning 49-acre forest filled with pockets of old growth trees, second growth Douglas Firs, Garry Oak meadows, Arbutus groves, a spring fed stream that is part of the headwaters of Colquitz River System, and a wildlife corridor filled with a multitude of species.
A local family has owned this rare 49-acre forested property, on Mountain Road, between Interurban Road and Prospect Lake, for nearly 50 years. Recognizing the ecological and community values of the property, the family has been pursuing a permanent conservation option for this urban forest for many years.
Now, partnering with the Capital Regional District (CRD) and Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT), an agreement has been reached that will allow the family to sell the property so that it can be permanently designated an urban forest park. The family has even committed to contribute $200,000 to match the first $200,000 in private donations. The CRD is contributing $2 million and partnering with HAT to ensure this stunning property with high conservation values remains intact for generations to come.
A short window exists to provide habitat for wildlife, birds and save this rare urban forest. $1.4 million needs to be raised through private, charitable donations by Earth Day, April 22, 2021. Your private donation is tax deductible and a donation receipt will be issued immediately by the Habitat Acquistion Trust.
This zero waste gift solution will go a long way to providing a gift to last lifetimes that requires no packaging or wrapping and allows everyone and everything to breathe a little easier thanks to the life giving, pollution and carbon absorbing benefits provided by this rare forest ecosystem.
We were so inspired by this beautiful forest that we created this short video in partnership with Ballet Victoria and multi-award winning recording artist and author, Ann Mortifee.
Thank you for considering and sharing this gift to last lifetimes with your friends, family, co-workers, and networks.