At the Snk’mip Marsh Sanctuary: beaver lodge, Canada geese and baby goslings. Photo by Moe Lyons.

Valhalla Foundation for Ecology

is a registered charity that protects ecologically precious land...

our mandate is to preserve
wild places for wild things

    About    

As a land trust, the Valhalla Foundation for Ecology stewards several nature sanctuaries and conservation properties in British Columbia, Canada (see What We Do). 

We are powered by a dedicated all-volunteer board that includes biologists, activists and ecological restoration experts.  We care deeply about protecting and stewarding the natural world.  Our work is supported by donations from generous individuals (like you!) in the communities where we work and beyond, as well as from conservation-oriented foundations and donor-advised funds.

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The Valhalla Foundation for Ecology is a Canadian charity, registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (Business Number: 868475641 RR0001). All donations to the Valhalla Foundation for Ecology are tax-deductible.  We are also a non-profit society in British Columbia under the BC Societies Act.  For up-to-date information about our organization, our board of directors and our charitable status, this link will take you to the Valhalla Foundation for Ecology's listing with the Canada Revenue Agency's Charities Branch.

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We strive to work collaboratively with the First Peoples of the areas where we have the privilege of stewarding nature sanctuary properties and we respect and recognize all First Peoples' unceded rights. 

We are a member of the Land Trust Alliance of BC and have adopted their standards and best practices.

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Our vision: humanity in balance with nature

On a planet imperiled by biodiversity loss, species extinction, massive habitat loss and devastating global climate disruption, our vision is to create a world where adequate habitat is protected for all living things and where the rights of nature and a healthy environment take precedence over human convenience.  Thus, we work toward a world where humanity lives in balance with nature.

We recognize that we have a responsibility for protecting and stewarding the natural world for future generations.  We reject the world-view that justifies exploiting nature solely for profit or human convenience.  Our work serves people as well as nature... we all need a healthy planet for the very air we breathe, water we drink and food we eat.
 

We further this vision by acquiring and stewarding ecologically vital areas for conservation and more broadly, advocating for the protection of wilderness and species at risk.

What we do

Snk’mip Marsh
Sanctuary

Wetland sanctuary
for nature

A staggering amount of the earth’s ecologically rare and biologically rich wetlands have been drained, filled, plowed under, flooded or otherwise destroyed. There is a noteworthy exception to the alarming global tide of wetland destruction and it’s taking place in the Slocan Valley region of British Columbia: at the Snk'mip Marsh Sanctuary. Here, a previously damaged wetland is being repaired and restored, inch by precious inch.  The Valhalla Foundation for Ecology purchased this 35-acre parcel of wetland in the Slocan Valley and is currently undertaking extensive wetland restoration and expansion work.
The Snk'mip Marsh Sanctuary is located in the unceded territory of the Sinixt First People.

We host nature interpretive opportunities for school groups.  Volunteers and donors support the Valhalla Foundation for Ecology and we collaborate with other conservation organizations.

Restoring the wetland at Smk'mip marsh. Here, a biologist monitors the health of an endangered amphibian.

Jaŝ Chinook Salmon Nature Sanctuary

Grassland sanctuary & creek for spawning salmon

Grasslands are a highly endangered ecosystem, vital to many species.  In the Chilcotin region of BC the Valhalla Foundation for Ecology stewards a 240-acre sanctuary to provide secure habitat for grizzly bears, wild horses, spawning salmon and a range of other species in need of a secure home.  Our nature sanctuary includes both grasslands and vital wetlands.  Recently, our board members and a crew of volunteers fenced off a meandering section of the creek that transects the VFE's property to prevent free-ranging cattle from damaging riparian areas and salmon spawning beds.
The Jaŝ Chinook Salmon Nature Sanctuary is located in the unceded territory of the Xeni Gwet'in First Nation.  We recently changed the sanctuary's name from Elkin Creek Nature Preserve to Jaŝ Chinook Salmon Nature Sanctuary.

Wild horses are another species protected at our nature preserve

Grizzly bears are just one species protected by the Valhalla Foundation for Ecology at the Jaŝ Chinook Salmon Nature Sanctuary

Colleen's Beach Park is a small strip of lake-shore beach property on Slocan Lake located in the Village of Silverton. This parcel of land was donated to the Valhalla Foundation for Ecology in memory of noted environmentalist Colleen McCrory who passed away in 2007. Colleen lived nearby.  From this lakeside park area, visitors can look across beautiful Slocan Lake and enjoy the incredible scenery and breathtaking wild mountains of Valhalla Provincial Park.

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Colleen was a founder of the Valhalla Foundation for Ecology, a leader of the Valhalla Wilderness Society, and a pivotal campaigner and advocate for the creation of Valhalla Provincial Park.  She was recognized by the Goldman Foundation as a world leader in environmental activism. 

Colleen’s Beach
Park

Lakeshore beach park for the community, in memory of a noted conservationist

Colleen McCrory and her child, exploring nature

The Valhalla Mile

A mile of undeveloped lakeshore...
now part of a BC Provincial Park

The Valhalla Foundation for Ecology spearheaded a campaign to raise funds to acquire a 155-acre parcel of forested private land (including a mile of lake frontage), an in-holding located within the boundaries of Valhalla Provincial Park in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia.  After an intense and successful fundraising campaign, the parcel was acquired and donated to BC Parks to become part of the park, with a strong conservation covenant.  This property is now protected in perpetuity for the enjoyment of all who wish to appreciate nature in Valhalla Provincial Park. We continue to monitor this property to ensure it remains fully protected.

A lovely stretch of wild, undeveloped shoreline on Slocan Lake in BC, part of the Valhalla Mile

Thanks to the VFE, this pristine lake-shore is protected and is now part of Valhalla Provincial Park

Snk’mip Marsh Sanctuary, Slocan Valley, BC. Drone photo by Issac Carter

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