Juniper Ridge

British Columbians from all over the province came together to protect 517 acres of BC’s rare and beautiful grasslands—forever! Every single donation helped raise the full $1 million needed to safeguard this special area near Juniper Ridge. This is the power of people coming together to make an impact that lasts forever.

The Grasslands Conservation Council, the Kamloops Naturalist Club, Juniper Ridge Community Association, and Brock Central Lions Club all stepped up to contribute. Kamloops residents Rendal and Leah Tschritter gave a huge boost to the campaign along with hundreds of other Kamloopsians. There were also supporters from across BC, including Heather Merilees, who made a major gift. Even then, with a few weeks to go, funds were still needed to reach the fundraising target. That’s when an anonymous Kelowna donor stepped up with a large gift and others came through to complete the crowdfunding goal.

Next, we’ll work with community partners to develop a management plan to ensure this special place can be enjoyed safely and responsibly.

Dr. Tom Dickinson, a Kamloops resident and Chair of the Grasslands Conservation Council of British Columbia, supports this crowdfunding campaign because of the importance of conserving areas like this.

“Over thirty species of birds have been sighted in this area,” says Tom. “As well as some trees that go back 250 years.”

Grasslands like those near Juniper Ridge are among the rarest ecosystems in British Columbia, covering less than 1% of the province. Despite their rarity, they are vital for producing clean air and water, preventing erosion, and supporting biodiversity and threatened species, including bighorn sheep, badgers, and butterflies. Nearly all of BC’s grassland plant communities are considered at risk, yet few are protected, making conservation efforts like these so critical. Your donation to this crowdfunding campaign ensures this at-risk ecosystem stays thriving forever.

The property is also home to ancient trees, including Douglas Fir, Ponderosa Pine, and Rocky Mountain Juniper—some of which have stood for over 250 years. These trees, along with the delicate microbiotic crust that binds the soil, create a resilient but fragile environment.

Even though this area near Juniper Ridge is just minutes away from the urban centre of Kamloops, Nancy Flood and her friends are immediately immersed in another world when they go there for a walk.

“It really is a treasure,” says Nancy, President of the Kamloops Naturalist Club and a campaign supporter. “There’s so much nature here.”

In addition to its natural values, the lands provide majestic views of Kamloops and the surrounding area at the confluence of the Thompson, North Thompson, and South Thompson Rivers.

For Dickinson, Flood and other Kamloops residents who appreciate just how important these areas are, and see how much has been lost over the years, being a part of a campaign like this is a direct way to make a difference.

“This is a beautiful area and a part of British Columbia’s natural heritage that is becoming increasingly rare,” says Nancy. “We want to keep it for everyone to enjoy.”

Every single donation, large and small, helps get across the finish line. And thanks to our matching donor, your contribution is going twice as far. Your $50 becomes $100, $100 becomes $200, and $500 becomes $1,000. Every dollar brings the amount closer to safeguarding this beautiful place forever.

This area near Juniper Ridge is a breathtaking 517-acre landscape east of Kamloops, home to rare grasslands, centuries-old trees, and vital habitat for species at risk. These grasslands support over 30% of the province’s threatened species, yet they cover less than 1% of British Columbia. By joining our crowdfunding campaign, you have helped safeguard them today, for all, for always.