Beaver dam, Canada geese and baby goslings at the Snk’mip Marsh Sanctuary. Photo by Moe Lyons.

Valhalla Foundation for Ecology

is a charitable organization that protects ecologically valuable land for environmental conservation...

preserving wild places for wild things

About

We currently steward conservation properties in British Columbia (see What We Do). We are operated by a dedicated all-volunteer board of directors.

The Valhalla Foundation for Ecology is a Canadian charity, registered with the Canada Revenue Agency: 86847 5641 BC0001. All donations to the Valhalla Foundation for Ecology are tax-deductible. We are also a non-profit society registered under the BC Society Act.

The directors of the Valhalla Foundation for Ecology include biologists, forestry experts, a communications expert, experienced conservation activists, an ecotourism business owner… all of us folks who care deeply about protecting and stewarding the natural world.

Our vision

On a planet imperiled by species extinction, massive habitat loss, and devastating global climate disruption, our vision is a world where adequate habitat is protected for all living things and where the rights of nature and a healthy environment come first.

We work toward a world where humanity lives in balance with nature. We recognize we have a responsibility for protecting and stewarding the natural world and we reject the world-view that justifies exploiting nature solely for profit or human convenience.

We further this vision by acquiring and stewarding ecologically vital areas for environmental conservation. Some of our properties are profiled below.

Our nature sanctuaries provide places for youth to connect with nature. Photo by Chillia Zoll.

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 or plowed under. But 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. The Valhalla Foundation for Ecology purchased this 35-acre parcel of wetland in the Slocan Valley and is currently undertaking an extensive wetland restoration and expansion project.

We provide nature interpretive opportunities for school groups. Volunteers and donors support the Valhalla Foundation for Ecology and participate in our events, and we collaborate with other conservation organizations. (Photo by Chillia Zoll.)

Restoring the wetland at Smk'mip marsh. Here, a biologist captures an endangered amphibian for relocation.

Elkin Creek Nature Preserve

Grassland sanctuary for nature

Grasslands are a very endangered ecosystem all around the world, vital to many endangered species. In the Chilcotin region of British Columbia, the Valhalla Foundation for Ecology stewards a 240-acre nature sanctuary to provide secure habitat for grizzly bears, wild horses, spawning salmon and a vast range of other species in need of a secure home. Recently, board members and volunteers fenced off a meandering section of Elkin Creek that transects the VFE's property to prevent free-ranging cattle from damaging riparian areas and salmon spawning beds.

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Wild horses are just one of the species protected at our nature preserve. Photo by Wayne McCrory.

Collen's Beach Park is a small chunk of lakeshore beach property on Slocan Lake located in the Village of Silverton. This parcel was donated to the Valhalla Foundation for Ecology in memory of noted environmentalist Colleen McCrory who passed away in 2007 and who lived nearby. Colleen was one of the founders of the Valhalla Foundation for Ecology, a key player in the Valhalla Wilderness Society and was recognized by the Goldman Foundation as a world leader in environmental advocacy.

Colleen’s Beach Park

Lakeshore beach for the community

The Valhalla Mile

Lake frontage 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) 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 on the Valhalla Mile parcel. This property is now saved in perpetuity for the enjoyment of all who wish to appreciate nature in Valhalla Provincial Park.