East Sooke

Located adjacent to East Sooke Regional Park lies 169 acres (68.47 hectares) of Coastal Western Hemlock – a rare habitat of towering old growth and mature forest. Less than 10 percent of these types of forests are protected in BC. But now this one is protected forever, thanks to the foresight, commitment and generosity of a consortium of donors and a Victoria family.

In addition to a donation by the owners under Canada’s Ecological Gifts program, donors included the Wilson 5 Foundation, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and a range of individual BC Parks Foundation supporters.

The family originally purchased the property in 1964. Even 60 years ago, the donors’ father understood how important untouched greenspace is to our health and climate. His sole goal for the property was always a simple one: to be a steward of the land and “to watch the trees grow.”

With a mix of Douglas Fir, Hemlock and Western Red Cedar, the land slopes toward Sooke Inlet and is crisscrossed by four streams. It is home to the Ancient Murrelet, Black Swift, and Great Blue Heron – all blue-listed species. It is also a critical habitat for the federally endangered Little Brown Myotis bats.This newly protected area is also an important wildlife corridor for animals and species in East Sooke Regional Park.

The opportunity to sell the property to the BC Parks Foundation was a “miracle” that ended almost 15 years of attempts by the family to find a suitable and willing conservation partner. “Families like these are helping not only Vancouver Island, but the entire province with their generous contributions,” says Andy Day, CEO of the BC Parks Foundation. “With their dedication and stewardship over the years, this land is in pristine condition and, thanks to them, it will now remain that way forever.”

Thanks to the family, and the other generous donors, who helped make this wonderful project happen.