April 2021 eNews
Introducing the Circle of Life
Spring Priority Projects
Last month we introduced you to our first priority project of the year – Nicomen Slough in the Heart of the Fraser. Fundraising efforts are underway for this prime salmon habitat. Now let us share our second acquisition project – Park Rill Floodplain in the sunny south Okanagan. 
Park Rill Floodplain is 153 acres (61 hectares) located in the White Lake Basin, in the South Okanagan. This is an exceptional conservation property just teeming with life. And The Nature Trust needs your help to conserve it.

The property supports six sensitive ecosystems: sagebrush steppe, grassland, open coniferous woodland, seasonally flooded fields, wet meadow, and sparsely vegetated rocky outcrops. These kinds of ecosystems are a conservation priority for The Nature Trust. 
Rare ecosystems provide vital habitat for many species at risk. The very dry ecosystems on this property provide ideal conditions for many vulnerable amphibian and reptile species.

The Great Basin Gopher snake, BC's largest snake, which can grow up to 2.4 meters and the Western Rattlesnake, which is known for creating a buzzing sound with the rattle at the end of its tail to warn off intruders also inhabit this property.
You may even see the Nuttall's Cottontail, a small tawny rabbit whose coat does not change colour. This is one of the rarest rabbits in Canada and can only be found in the South Okanagan.

To seize this opportunity, we need to raise $600,000 by June 30, 2021.

Meet Our Conservation Heroes
Each month of this anniversary year, we will salute some of the many people who have contributed to our organization’s achievements. We are delighted to share stories on two of these people with you
Reflection on 50 years: Ron Erickson
Ron Erickson’s recollections of the early days of The Nature Trust of British Columbia are filled with powerful stories: how a Red-tailed Hawk helped seal the deal on a million dollar donation; how synchronicity played a role in his becoming the Executive Director of The Nature Trust; and how a book about building an ark helped him launch an innovative approach to land acquisition.

Ron played a key role in taking the organization into a new era in conservation from 1984 to 2001.
Conversations on Conservation
with Stephen Partington
A brilliant microbiological technologist, an engaging speaker and author on the importance of preserving nature, a local environmentalist and a dancer – this is Stephen Partington.

Stephen has received well-deserved recognition for his outstanding contributions to conservation. He took time out to share his thoughts and observations on conservation before heading out to review the Camosun Bog conservation project in Pacific Spirit Park. The driving rain was no deterrent to his desire to be out in nature.
Monthly Giving Makes a Difference
Looking for a way to help? Become a monthly donor and join a community of donors known as our Arbutus Circle.

Monthly gifts provide a way for you to make a manageable gift and provide great ongoing support for The Nature Trust. 

We chose the Arbutus tree to symbolize our monthly program because this tree is special in so many ways with its curving trunk & branches, evergreen broad leaves and peeling red bark.