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Past Conservation Holidays
| Wattle Fence Construction |
| Vancouver Island: Cowichan River |
| Friday, February 17, 2006 - Wednesday, February 22, 2006 |
| Our first Conservation Holiday of the year offers you the opportunity to create a positive change to the landscape and learn a valuable new skill. Help us create a living retaining wall to prevent erosion and foster native species regeneration. This winter conservation holiday will be perfectly accented by the warm wood stove at our cozy Cowichan Cabin; a dwelling you'll be reluctant to leave by the end of the holiday. |
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| Traditional Ecological Knowledge |
| South Winchelsea Island |
| Friday, April 07, 2006 - Sunday, April 09, 2006 |
| A strong focus on Traditional First Nations Ecological Knowledge will interweave and permeate this very special conservation holiday. We will gain insight from knowledgeable resource persons about indigenous land management; techniques such as traditional camas harvesting, intentional burning, and pit cooking, as well as other uses of plants in the Garry oak ecosystem. |
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| Creativity and Stewardship |
| South Winchelsea Island |
| Friday, May 12, 2006 - Monday, May 15, 2006 |
| This is a special Conservation Holiday which encompasses both vital conservation stewardship and creative appreciation. We will open our eyes, and explore the unique gem that is South Winchelsea Island both visually and texturally. Satisfying physical work will be balanced with a foray into the art of 'Nature Printing' through a work shop with artist Charles Morgan. Our evenings will be rounded off by natural history presentations by knowledgeable resource staff, music and games. By the end of your holiday you will gain insight into the importance of saving existing Garry oak ecosystems in light of predicted changes in our climate. This the perfect holiday to help recalibrate the soul. About Nature Printing: Nature printing is a very old art form, going back at least to the ancient cave paintings in France. Nature prints have been used variously as accurate botanical records and to prevent counterfeiting. More recently, nature printing has evolved into an art form in its own right. The simplicity of the technique will allow even beginners to produce lovely prints. It is hard to find any other art form that so simply or precisely records the subtle distinctions and graceful beauty of nature and at the same time lets you feel the shapes and textures of nature while you express their designs. About the Instructor: Charles Morgan holds graduate degrees in mathematics, computing science, astrophysics, and philosophy. He has studied art with a number of professional artists, as well as at the University of Saskatchewan, Camosun College, and Victoria College of Art. His work has appeared in group shows in Canada, the United States, and Australia. He is a life member of the Nature Printing Society. |
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| Archaeology and Heritage Restoration |
| The Okanagan: Hardy Mountain Doukhobor Village Historic Site |
| Monday, June 05, 2006 - Saturday, June 10, 2006 |
| Doukhobor Village is situated on a knoll overlooking the junction of the Kettle and Granby river valleys in the beautiful Selkirk Mountains. Your Conservation Holiday work will be rich and diverse requiring both your mental and physical resources. Busy days will be balanced by relaxing evening as you spend your nights camping on lush grass covered ground surrounding the main field camp. Rain gear, a good sun hat and sturdy boots are recommended. Easily accessable by road, the village is located one kilometre south west of the community of Grand Forks in the central interior of British Columbia. The picturesque setting is blest with a mild climate consisting of warm days and cool nights. Black bears and rattlesnakes, although rare, represent the only natural hazards to be seen in and around the site. |
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| Cowichan River Conservation & Tubing Adventure |
| Vancouver Island: Cowichan River |
| Friday, July 21, 2006 - Sunday, July 23, 2006 |
| Smack dab in the heart of our glorious Vancouver Island summer, this Conservation Holiday offers a great balance of work and play. Come out to our Cowichan River propety and help us with a variety of important stewardship projects and site improvements. After all the work is done you'll be rewarded with an exciting river adventure as you sweep down the refreshing jade hued Cowichan River in a big rubber inner tube! Relax and unwind as soaring eagles and other plentiful riparian species greet you along your several kilometre journey. |
| This holiday SOLD OUT! |
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| Conservation and Ocean Kayaking |
| South Winchelsea Island |
| Friday, September 08, 2006 - Tuesday, September 12, 2006 |
| Explore the ecologically outstanding South Winchelsea Island by both kayak and land during this unique 4 day trip. The Land Conservancy manages this island as an ecological reserve and your time and enthusiasm is vital to the survival of the many red and blue listed species that call South Winchelsea home. Help us with our stewardship responsibilities and be rewarded with a kayaking excursion you'll remember for the rest of your life. Protect special places for future generations and immerse yourself in one of British Columbia's wild spaces. |
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| Wildwood Conservatory Repair and Gardening |
| Vancouver Island: Wildwood |
| Friday, September 15, 2006 - Sunday, September 17, 2006 |
| Wildwood is widely recognized as a model for ecoforestry. Through this conservation holiday you will gain an understanding and appreciation for the sustainable forestry practices that have been utilized by Merve Wilkinson on this site for over 60 years! Come out and assist us with vital building and restoration projects and gain new knowledge into alternative ways of managing our Provinces forests. Merve's small conservatory is in desperate need of repair and a little TLC. We'll first dismantle the 10' x 6' glass and wood structure and then reconstruct it salvaging what materials we can. Construction skills are not necessary in order to participate in this holiday. Tools, and skilled guidance will be provided. There is also work to be done in Merve's garden helping to control ever encroaching invasive plant species. Weather dependent, there may be opportunities for fresh water swimming and sunning at the end of your busy day. |
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| Conservation and Education |
| South Winchelsea Island |
| Friday, October 20, 2006 - Sunday, October 22, 2006 |
| Wave good bye to the summer with us as you gaze upon the tranquil Libra moon setting over majestic South Winchelsea Island. Through this Conservation Holiday you will gain perspective about the importance of our Garry Oak ecosystems and learn about the future challenges facing these treasured areas in light of predicted changes to our climate. Your vital work will ensure that others are gifted with this enchanting experience in the future. |
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| Winter Broom Bash |
| South Winchelsea Island |
| Friday, February 23, 2007 - Sunday, February 25, 2007 |
| TLC is looking for brave and dedicated souls to help us purge the island of the dreaded Scotch Broom and to comb her shores for winter storm debris. This is our first Conservation Holiday of the 2007 season and perhaps one of our most important. Once invasive species gain a foot hold it's quite a challenge to convince them to move on. Barking sea lions await your arrival. We'll have a presentation during a cozy evening by the fire and tell you what they're up to. |
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| Glenairley - Farming for Earth and Spirit |
| Vancouver Island: Glenairley Farm |
| Tuesday, June 05, 2007 - Friday, June 08, 2007 |
| "All we saying, is give squash a chance." Glenairley is a 25 acre working farm with beautiful forested areas, a restored wetland, a colourful market garden, orchards and an oceanfront vista. We are the proud owner of 2 new jersey cows! Come, discover how to make cream cheese, immerse your hands in Sooke's fertile soil and learn some of the basic farming techniques that provide us with the food that sustains us. Together we will usher in the grand opening of a new squash field - planting Blue Hubbard, Delicada, Butternut and other squash varieties. Ah, but all is not peaceful in paradise. Invasive species such as Scotch broom and Himalayan knotweed have are advancing and we need your help to give the squash a chance! |
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| Archaeology and Heritage Restoration |
| The Okanagan: Hardy Mountain Doukhobor Village Historic Site |
| Sunday, June 10, 2007 - Saturday, June 16, 2007 |
| Not quite Indiana Jones - but just as enthusiastic - our resident Archaeologist Merlin will introduce you to the real practices that professionals use out in the field. A treasure trove of discoveries await to be catalogued! Your work site is truly historic and incredible. Hardy Mountain Doukhobor Village is a 16.9 acre property containing what remains of the historic Makortoff Doukhobor Village. Much of the conservation and resoration work will be accomplished around the site of the main village house which was constructed in 1912. Our first conservation holiday in 2006 made great strides and we are inviting you to join us in the continued process of restoring and exploring this irreplaceable dwelling. |
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| South Winchelsea Island: The Great Canadian Shoreline Clean Up |
| South Winchelsea Island |
| Friday, September 21, 2007 - Sunday, September 23, 2007 |
| This year The Land Conservancy’s Conservation Holiday program will be participating in the “Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup” (www.vanaqua.org/cleanup). We will also be continuing to carry out our fundamental task of removing invasive plant species from this living laboratory of Garry oak ecosystem communities. |
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| Keating Farm: Harvest Time |
| Vancouver Island: Keating Farm |
| Thursday, October 04, 2007 - Sunday, October 07, 2007 |
| “We must give more in order to get more. It is the generous giving of ourselves that produces the generous harvest.” Orison Swett Marden It's harvest time at Keating Farm. The best time of the year! Baskets of apples, squash, cabbage, and carrots need a helping hand to make it from the field to the table. For a back to nature experience, nothing beats surrounding yourself with fresh local produce and getting your hands dirty in the process. Together we'll pick, can, pickle, and juice away our days and then rest blissfully at night under the open sky. Keating Farm is in an ideal location - a number of wineries are also in the area and an evening visit might just be the ticket after a hard days work. |
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| Birds, Bulbs, and Broom |
| South Winchelsea Island |
| Friday, May 02, 2008 - Sunday, May 04, 2008 |
| Springtime on South Winchelsea Island brings nesting birds, carpets of moss and ferns, splashes of wildflowers, brilliant sun and nourishing rain showers. Unfortunately, it also brings new growth of the invasive plant species that threaten this rare and sensitive Garry oak ecosystem. Removing these intruders is an ongoing responsibility TLC bears and we are seeking out your help so that native flora and fauna can continue to flourish. Bring your cameras for this holiday, folks. South Winchelsea is blessed with quite a contingent of Bald eagles and other shore birds. Perhaps one of your shots will find its way on to our website next year! |
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| Back to the Farm: Foxglove and Grandview |
| Saltspring Island: Foxglove Farm, Grandview Farm |
| Wednesday, June 11, 2008 - Sunday, June 15, 2008 |
| As a society, we are becoming increasing disconnected from the farms that supply us with the basic means to survival: Food. This year TLC is partnering with a number of local farms in the Vancouver Island area to help urban dwellers reconnect with the land and learn just what it takes for farmers to bring food from the fields to the table. Foxglove Farm is the culmination of a lifetime of inspiring work by Michael Ableman and Jeanne-Marie Herman. Halfway up Mt. Maxwell, this diverse and historic 120 acre farm will eventually have 40 acres in food production. From our basecamp here at Foxglove, we will also journey to explore and work in the fertile fields of Grandview farm, owned by Kim Hanson and Ron Puhky. Grandview is located in the Fulford Valley, and this 175-acre farm specializes in certified organic grass-fed beef, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Come out to gorgeous Saltspring Island this coming June to experience these two spectacular farms. You'll learn about sustainable farming techniques and immerse yourself in a beauty and diversity of ecology that will leave you aching for your own patch of earth to till. |
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| Madrona Farm: A Conservation Holiday Taster |
| Vancouver Island: Madrona Farm |
| Sunday, July 06, 2008 - Sunday, July 06, 2008 |
| This one day inclusive Conservation Holiday is the perfect choice for those looking for a 'taste' of what our holidays are all about! On a diverse 27 acres in Saanich, Nathalie and David Chambers maintain a mix of cultivated fields, open fields, wooded areas – namely Douglas fir and Garry oak ecosystems – and four natural ponds. This myriad of land use comprises Madrona Farm and it provides the ideal location for this day-long ‘holiday’. The diversity of food crops grown here is bountiful: beets, lettuce, carrots, artichokes, garlic, scallions, broad beans, peas, leek, zucchini, radishes, turnips, arugula, cilantro, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, spinach, corn, potatoes, chard, kale, Brussels sprouts, peaches, apricots, plums, apples, watermelons, cantaloupe, mixed grains, chickens (eggs) and flowers. Whew! Come see this beautiful farm, nestled on the shoulder of Mount Doug park and see food production that is happening right within the Greater Victoria city limits. A day of healthy work activities will end with a tasty dinner prepared by farmer David - who just also happens to be a chef extraordinaire! The food will taste extra scrumptious as you will have definitely earned your supper. |
| This holiday SOLD OUT! |
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| Organic Farming at Duck Creek |
| Saltspring Island: Duck Creek |
| Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - Friday, July 25, 2008 |
| Roll up your sleeves this summer and come out and learn about sustainable food practices by immersing yourself in the lush fields of Saltspring Island! If you want to learn about organic agriculture in BC – whether it be policy, directions for the future or just plain knowledge about how to grow a good carrot – John Wilcox is your man. He’s a fixture in the local farming community and his energy and passion for local food is inspiring. The principles of bio-dynamic agriculture are practiced here, emphasizing ecological diversity, optimum soil health and plant vitality. |
| This holiday SOLD OUT! |
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| Keating Farm: Experience Organic Farming |
| Vancouver Island: Keating Farm |
| Friday, August 22, 2008 - Sunday, August 24, 2008 |
| It's harvest time again at historic Keating Farm. Fruit laden trees, rows of carrots, beets, broccoli and squash need help finding their way from fields to baskets and then to tables. Harvesting is definitely the focus of this holiday but our gentle climate here on Vancouver Island also means that late August is planting time for Fall and Winter greens. The farm is in an ideal location - there are a number of wineries in the Cowichan Valley and an evening visit might just be the ticket after a hard days work. For a back to nature experience, nothing 'beets' surrounding yourself with fresh local produce and getting your hands dirty in the process! |
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| The Great Canadian Shoreline Clean Up |
| South Winchelsea Island |
| Friday, September 19, 2008 - Sunday, September 21, 2008 |
| Walk the seashores pretty much anywhere in our fair Province and the evidence of our ever increasing human footprint is easily noted. South Winchelsea Island, TLC's very first acquisition is no exception. Various plastics, shoes, pieces of foam tied to rope; all of these threaten to choke the shores of our beloved 25 acre island preserve. Here's a chance to make a difference. For the fourth year in a row, The Land Conservancy’s Conservation Holiday program will be participating in the "Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup” Stand up, and help us rid South Winchelsea Island of its noxious flotsam and jetsam so we can give the local birds and sea creatures the space to thrive. |
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| South Winchelsea Island: The Blackberry Patch |
| South Winchelsea Island |
| Friday, March 06, 2009 - Sunday, March 08, 2009 |
| HOLIDAY DESCRIPTION Come experience the east coast of South Winchelsea Island. This ragged coastline offers windswept rocks, mounds of reindeer lichen and the ever-present invasive plants. Since first purchasing the island in 1998, it has been a challenge to reach the east side of the island. Over the years a patch of blackberry has taken over the landscape and this will offer us several hours of work to remove it. This holiday is best suited for those seeking a rugged working holiday as it will require us to carry tools over a rough trail and to work in potentially unpredictable weather. But, aaahh the satisfaction. In the evening, cozy inside the cabin, we will have a discussion about plant identification and the adaptive strategies of plants, particularly as they pertain to invasive plant species. |
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| Foxglove Farm: Experience Sustainable Food Production |
| Saltspring Island: Foxglove Farm |
| Thursday, June 04, 2009 - Sunday, June 07, 2009 |
| HOLIDAY DESCRIPTION Join Michael Ableman and his wife Jeanne-Marie Herman on their stunning 120-acre farm on the shoulder of Mt Maxwell. The farm is surrounded by forest, pastures, and creeks, and borders pristine Maxwell Lake. The farm currently produces strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, asparagus, melons, a wide range of annual Mediterranean vegetables, and a new orchard of diverse varieties of peach, plum, apple, pear, quince, persimmon, and cherry. Grain production and mixed livestock are also in development. Michael and Jeanne-Marie have over 30 years of farming and market garden experience. Learn more about Foxglove Farm and Michael Ableman here: www.fieldsofplenty.com |
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| Wildwood Ecoforest: Lakeside Cabin Restoration |
| Vancouver Island: Wildwood |
| Friday, July 17, 2009 - Sunday, July 19, 2009 |
| HOLIDAY DESCRIPTION Located near Ladysmith, spend a weekend this summer at Wildwood, camping in the forest, learning about Merv Wilkinson’s sustainable forestry practices and picking up some renovating skills. Participants will help restore a small cabin overlooking the lake. This cabin was built in the '60s or '70s by a 16-year-old member of Merv’s family and is well built, but beginning to show its age. By making improvements to the structure and giving it a fresh coat of paint, you will make this place a future destination for volunteers, researchers, students, and guests. An experienced builder will be leading the project and for those not wanting to pound nails or roll on paint, there will be some gardening and invasive plant removal to be done. |
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| South Winchelsea Island: The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup |
| South Winchelsea Island |
| Friday, September 25, 2009 - Sunday, September 27, 2009 |
| HOLIDAY DESCRIPTION Be a part of TLC’s 3rd Annual Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up as we once again take to the rocky shores of South Winchelsea Island to rid it of garbage. This small gem of an island, purchased by TLC in 1998 and located near Nanoose Bay, is home to a sensitive Garry Oak ecosystem and a shoreline teeming with life. As stewards of this special place, TLC works each year to clear the shoreline of garbage and to remove invasive plant species throughout the island. Come join us for this end-of-summer holiday and go home feeling windswept and satisfied after a weekend of work, relaxation, and camaraderie. |
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