There are many ways to describe Saturna Island in British Columbia. It is at the southern end of the Gulf Islands on the east side of Vancouver Island, it is close to the U.S.-Canada border, it is within Bird Conservation Region 5–the Northern Pacific Rainforest– and it is home to a number of rich ecosystems and habitats. One of Pacific Birds partners in Canada, The Nature Trust of British Columbia, recently completed an acquisition that will protect a property on the island that has rocky bluffs, wetlands, grasslands, woodlands and mature coniferous forests.
In a good way, this property defies strict characterization into one of Pacific Birds conservation priorities. It fits within our coastal wetlands priority, but also contains Garry oak (more commonly referred to as Oregon white oak south of the border). This is close to the northern extent of the Garry oak’s range. As in the U.S., Garry oak ecosystems have dramatically declined in Canada as have some species associated with them.
Among the other ways to describe Saturna Island, it is located along the Pacific Americas Flyway. So this project benefits not only resident birds, but a portion of the millions of migrants that use the flyway’s habitats to rest, refuel or overwinter. The Nature Trust of British Columbia has, to date, conserved 5,463 hectares (13,498 acres) within the Pacific Birds BC boundaries. We are excited to share the news of this recent conservation success!
