By Shauna Doll, Gulf Islands Forest Project Coordinator, Raincoast Conservation
Trees to Seas EcoFair provided opportunities for education and building community connections and in the process raised $15,000 toward the protection of KELÁ_EKE Kingfisher Forest.
Hannah Stoakes at the Meadow Making Workshop Photo by Kelly Irving
After a record-breaking 100-day drought in the Salish Sea region, the morning of October 22nd dawned to the welcome sound of a light rain, the perfect beginning to the first annual Trees to Seas EcoFair. Hosted by the Pender Islands Conservancy, Raincoast, and PenderPOD on S,DÁYES, EcoFair provided opportunities for land based education via such events as a Native Plant walk led by ethnobotanist, J.B. Willams, fungi forays led by Dr. Hugues Massicotte, and a meadow making restoration event at S,DÁYES Flycatcher Forest. It also featured an EcoExpo, a chance to interact with conservation leaders from across the Salish Sea Region; an EcoGala, featuring music and storytelling, and many more events!
Julia Nicholls(committee member and volunteer caterer extraordinaire) and Gregory Nichols at the Eco Gala. Photo by Kelly Irving
While the intention of EcoFair was to provide hands-on opportunities to participate in conservation action, it was also a fundraiser to bring Raincoast and the Pender Islands Conservancy closer to our goal of permanently protecting KELÁ_EKE Kingfisher Forest. We are thrilled to announce that together we were able to raise over $15,000! This brings our fundraising total to $1,461,965. Though we still have $638,034 to raise by the end of the year, we are hopeful that with such a supportive community behind us we will be able to meet our ambitious fundraising target.
Dr. Hugues Massicotte and Lisa Baille at the Fungi Foray . Photo by Kelly Irving
The Eco Gala at Sea Star Winery Photo by Kelly Irving
We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to all of the people who made the Trees to Seas EcoFair not only possible, but such a great success. This includes an incredible group of intrepid volunteers who helped with everything from initial planning, to weaving environmentally friendly wristbands, to hosting the silent auction, to preparing food for the EcoGala.
Thanks includes all of the wonderful artists, businesses, and individuals who donated items to the silent auction. The auction alone accounts for over $5,000 in donations raised! Donors Included:
Morgan Warren, Arc’teryx, North Park Bike Shop, Munro’s Books, Fjällräven Victoria, Tree of Life Eco Tours, Palli Paddle, Phillips Brewing & Malting Co., Patagonia, EcoCruising Tours, Symphony Vineyard, 10 Acres Restaurants & Farm, Driftwood Brewing Co., Zambri’s, Jo’s Place, Twin Island Cider, BC Liquor Store, Dara Woodworks, Marina Wright Art, Sandy Shreve, Peter Pare & Lisa Baile, Bev Peden, Don Peden, Slow Coast, Raincoast Conservation, Pender Pender Islands Conservancy, SeaDoc Society, Kelly Irving, Nancy Silo, Pender Pharmacy, Monica Bennett, Corinne F. Parker, Rebecca Jardine, Pender Islands Pharmacy, The Farmer’s Daughter, Poet'sCove , Andrea Spalding , Pender Chocolates ,Diane MacDonald , Pender Island Home Hardware , The Hub , Island House & Home Hardware, Petal and Paws, Driftwood Auto , Julia and Gregory Nicholls, Barbara Edwards
We are also so grateful to those who provided venues for EcoFair, including Sea Star Winery, the Pender Islands Community Hall, and the Studio at Hope Bay.
Thanks to the Eco Gala artists! Guests enjoyed the amazing music of Lester Quitzau and the storytelling of Faye Mogensen. Kim Pollard's painting “Untitled” raised over $4000 for KELÁ_EKE Kingfisher Forest at the Eco Gala auction itself!
A thank you is also due to all of the organizations and experts who made the EcoExpo such a success. It is so empowering to know that we have such a dedicated and knowledgeable conservation community in this region.
Organizations Included:
Southern Gulf Islands Whale Sighting Network (SGIWSN)
Finally, to all who attended EcoFair: a sincere and hearty thank you!
Lester Quitzau sharing his talent at the Eco Gala! Photo by Kelly Irving
Eco Expo at the Pender Islands Community Hall Photo by Kelly Irving