Saturna Island

Thanks to an extraordinary community effort, 372 acres of pristine waterfront on Saturna Island will now be protected forever. This rare property, nestled beside the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, boasts more than three kilometers of coastline, pockets of old-growth, and Garry Oak meadows—comprising one of British Columbia’s most endangered ecosystems.

The campaign to protect this land was made possible through the dedication of the original landowner’s family, the generosity of donors of all sizes, and the commitment of conservation partners. After major contributions from Wilson 5 Foundation and Environment and Climate Change Canada, a final push of $500,000 was needed to get across the finish line. Supporters from across BC and beyond came together to meet the goal, including key gifts from BC Marine Parks Forever Society, Ilka and Allen Olsen, and the Bloom Alter Ego Trust.

“This is about the power of community,” says Andy Day, CEO of BC Parks Foundation. “From small donors to major contributors, each and every person played a part in protecting this place forever. It shows what we can accomplish when we come together around the things we value.”

The land holds deep significance to the family that stewarded it for decades.

“My father spent every moment he could exploring the property, maintaining the land, and gazing out at the ocean and the incredible views,” says Alex, whose family made the decision to conserve the property in his honour. “The Garry Oak meadows, old-growth cedars, and stands of giant Douglas firs create an incredible variety of coastal ecosystems. These kinds of places are precious—they’re what make BC beautiful. I’m so grateful for everyone who has come together to support BC Parks Foundation in their efforts to protect this land.”

The property lies within the Coastal Douglas Fir biogeoclimatic zone, one of the rarest and least protected ecosystems in BC. Its diverse ecosystems, including Garry Oak meadows, wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, and coastline, are home to a variety of plants and animals, including at-risk species such as the Northern Red-legged Frog and the Great Blue Heron, which have faced a steady population decline since the 1980s due to habitat loss and human disturbance.

This is one of the largest conservation projects in recent years for private waterfront in the Gulf Islands, protecting more than three kilometers of undeveloped waterfront. "I was very pleased to hear from BC Parks Foundation that there would be an opportunity to acquire key properties on Saturna Island," says Jim Phillips, President of BC Marine Parks Forever Society. "The B.C. Marine Parks Forever Society is supported by recreational boaters and conservation groups, and we were excited to learn that we could help protect and conserve 372 acres of undeveloped land, with 3km of shoreline overlooking waters favoured by Orcas."

The property's ecological and conservation value is significant, which is why it also received strong support from the Saturna Island Marine Research and Education Society (SIMRES). In addition to making a financial contribution, SIMRES played a key role in community outreach and raising awareness about the campaign. “SIMRES supports the purchase by BC Parks Foundation and is very pleased that this special Saturna property will be undeveloped and preserved as a conservation area in perpetuity,” says SIMRES President Maureen Welton.

With the land now protected, the next steps will involve working with the community, First Nations, and conservation partners to develop a management plan that safeguards its sensitive ecosystems while allowing for safe and responsible light recreational use.

“We all know about climate and species loss and the problems we face these days,” says Day. “This is an example of something tangible that people can do to make a difference. Protecting a place like this is a gift that keeps giving for wildlife and people now and far into the future. I can’t think of anything better than that.”

Find photos of the Saturna Island property here.