Our work
Where NCC works in BC. Click to enlarge.
In 1974, the Nature Conservancy of Canada's (NCC's) acquisition of Mud Bay marked our first project in British Columbia. Since then, we have completed over 100 projects in this province, helping to conserve almost 1 million acres (400,000 hectares) of lands and waters.
We focus our conservation work in priority areas, identified through science-based planning initiatives. These are areas where healthy habitats for animals, plants and people face the greatest threats.
In British Columbia, we work in three program areas. Each program area encompasses several smaller priority natural areas. Together, these landscapes span the wide range of habitats and ecosystems that make BC unique.
West Coast
Abundant marine life, lush forests and a mild climate characterize this incredible region of BC. NCC is actively engaged along the length of the West Coast, from the busy and densely populated Salish Sea region to Haida Gwaii.
Learn more about our work in this region >
Southern Interior
From the Okanagan and Similkameen to the Thompson-Nicola Valley, NCC works with ranchers, naturalists, biologists, businesses, governments and individuals to protect the Southern Interior's biodiversity. Special climate and conditions make much of the grassland, open forest and wetland here globally distinct.
Learn more about our work in this region >
Canadian Rockies
BC's Rocky Mountain region encompasses formidable mountains, fertile valleys and an extensive network of lakes and rivers. NCC's largest conservation area is found here, as are many expansive wildlife corridors. This is a place in which conservation can, and should, think big.
Learn more about our work in this region >
Stewardship and restoration
Conservation Volunteers at work stabilizing stream banks (Photo by NCC)
Our work doesn't end once a property is protected. Detailed management plans guide how we monitor the land's long-term health and resiliency.
Field staff work with dedicated volunteers to tackle ongoing maintenance like invasive plant removal and habitat enhancement. In some cases our team undertakes extensive restoration of degraded sites to rehabilitate the land's natural ecology.
Learn more about our stewardship initiatives >
Guided by science
Research scientist Megan Adams gathers a bear hair sample (Photo by Dave Humphries)
The Nature Conservancy of Canada applies the most up-to-date conservation research to all aspects of what we do. As a science-based organization, our conservation work starts with the examination of large expanses of land called ecoregions. Then we develop a conservation blueprint based on the needs of these ecoregions. That way, we ensure our projects focus on activities that will most efficiently and strategically protect threatened species and at-risk landscapes.
NCC is proud to engage in field work, develop and share best practices, and support external research projects as part of our mission. The discoveries we and our partners make in the field help build our knowledge and expertise of natural land conservation.
