FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
48-acre campus of Hollyhock Leadership Learning Centre now under permanent protection
The Land Conservancy of B.C. (TLC) and Hollyhock Leadership Learning Centre (Hollyhock) are pleased to announce the protection of 4.1 acres mature Douglas-fir and Western Red Cedar grove.
This ecologically significant area is part of a network of large, intact properties on the southern portion of Cortes Island including Siskin Lane, Siskin Forest Park, South Chains, Treedom Ventures and Hank’s Beach Forest Conservation Park, all of which are protected by conservation covenants. This connected wildlife corridor safeguards habitat for Columbia black-tailed deer, cougar and the coastal wolf.
Located on Cortes Island, the traditional territories of the Klahoose, Tla’amin, Homalco Nations, Hollyhock’s campus is the site of the educational institute’s leadership programming to advance social change and cultural transformation.
“We acknowledge that the land is our greatest facilitator here,” said Peter Wrinch, Hollyhock CEO. “And now with the protective covenants on our land, a process started and secured by former CEO Dana Bass Solomon, we will honor the legacy and work of all those who came before us, and all those who will come after.”
This initiative is part of phase two of Hollyhock’s Forever Fund, where over $2 million was raised through private donations to eliminate Hollyhock’s mortgage debt, and means that Hollyhock can now never be subdivided, keeping the land fully intact.
In 2018, Hollyhock will offer nature and land-based learning programs including forest bathing, sea scrubbing, and Cortes Island nature/sea adventures. There is also an all-new ‘Sustainable Futures’ category that includes courses in urban homesteading, permaculture, Indigenous leadership essentials, and climate activism.
“None of us are far from the impact of global warming, but each step we take in the name of conservation helps to preserve the health of ecosystems and the families of countless species that call our province home,” said Cathy Armstrong, TLC Executive Director. “Permanent wildlife corridors, like the protected habitat crossing Hollyhock, further encourage the survival and resilience of species.”
A registered charitable land trust, TLC achieves its mission to protect and restore the biological diversity of B.C. for present and future generations through the use of conservation covenants. With a focus on sustainable operations with fiscal accountability and transparency, TLC holds more than 240 covenants, which are an economical and collaborative way to protect a wide range of ecosystems.
A covenant is a legal agreement between a landowner and a monitoring organization like TLC. Covenants are made on property title and stay with the property indefinitely, even as a property changes ownership. TLC’s Covenant Program now sustainably protects more than 12,750 acres throughout the province which include streams, lakes, riparian areas, forests, greenbelts and rare and endangered species.
TLC’s 2018 season of covenant monitoring and restoration begins in May. Volunteers interested in volunteering this summer can contact TLC at (250) 479-8053 or [email protected] for details.
About Hollyhock
Hollyhock exists to inspire, nourish, and support people making the world better. Founded in 1982 as a project of Greenpeace activists and human potential movement leaders, Hollyhock has catalyzed connection, collaboration, personal growth, and progressive social change for over 35 years. Hollyhock is located in the traditional territories of the Klahoose, Tla’amin, Homalco Nations.
Hollyhock became a registered not-for-profit in 2006 to strengthen its vision for a fair, just, and inclusive future. Each year, programs and conferences in Social Innovation, Wisdom Teachings, Creativity, and Wellness are offered to thousands of participants from around the world. More information at hollyhock.ca or @hollyhocklife on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
About The Land Conservancy of BC
The Land Conservancy of BC (TLC) is a non-profit, charitable Land Trust working throughout British Columbia. TLC’s primary mandate is to benefit the community by protecting habitat for natural communities of plants and animals. Founded in 1997, TLC is membership-based and governed by an elected, volunteer Board of Directors. TLC relies on its conservation partnerships and a strong membership and volunteer base to help maintain its operations.
Media contacts
Charlene Lo
Hollyhock Program & Communications Director
604-661-4119
Cathy Armstrong
TLC Executive Director
(250) 479-8053
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