Our Conservation Adventure

August-September 2004

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
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by Paula Hesje

Tripmates on our South Winchelsea holiday.

As I headed down to the dock, I was greeted by a sea lion fin flapping languidly in the bright blue waters. The sleek appendage was incongruously connected to a ton of whiskers, blubber, flippers and bone suspended in the water below me.

I was here, on South Winchelsea Island, against the accompanying backdrop of barking sea lions and nodding chickweed monkey flowers, to greet my companions— a dozen intrepid women—for two days of conservation work a nd two days of paddling.

The 25-acre island is one of the nineteen islands nested in the Ballenas- Winchelsea Archipelago, located just off Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island in Georgia Strait. The island contains the nationally endangered Garry oak ecosystem, reduced to only 5% of its original distribution. On Winchelsea, the oaks are at their northerly range and the gnarly trees can be found twisted and contorted into Tolkeinesque forms, surrounded by blooming camas, chocolate lily and blue-eyed Mary.

Due to the island’s biological significance, it was brought to the attention of The Land Conservancy when it was put on the market in 1997. TLC is a non-profit charitable land trust that works to protect areas of ecological and cultural significance in BC. In 1998, with the help of two other land trusts, TLC purchased South Winchelsea.

A cabin on the northern end of the island has been modified by TLC to become a model of sustainability. Solar panels are situated on the roof and a rainwater collection system gathers water for bathing, cooking and washing.

TLC is working to remove invasive species from the island— the nefarious Scotch Broom and the insistent Himalayan blackberry. Hence the arrival of our keen outdoor enthusiasts on TLC’s first Adventure Conservation Holiday. The holiday formula: eager volunteers to do on-the-ground restoration and maintenance work, TLC leaders to educate them on the ecology and wildlife of the area, plus delicious west coast fare and a generous amount of laughter.

We also had the opportunity to discover what the wild waters of this archipelago have to offer. Ocean River Sports of Victoria donated the use of kayaks, equipment and two incredible guides, Mark and Gary. Under their watchful eyes, neoprene skirts were pulled on, sunscreen lathered, biceps flexed and off went our fleet of brightly colored boats.

Harlequin ducks, black turnstones and a massive young eagle greeted us as we rounded the rocky knolls of the Ada Islands. But the real treat was the wide-eyed, curious harbour seals popping up all around us. Seals used to be hunted extensively and populations have increased since culling programs have ceased.

After exploring more of the islands, we took a break on a tiny islet, gingerly sliding out of our boats to stretch our limbs. A small rocky beach provided a protected nook from the rising winds as we snacked on trail mix in the afternoon sun.

Sea lions basking on the rocks.

Launching again, heading east towards South Winchelsea, our fleet came upon a large sea lion sunbathing on a navigational buoy. It judiciously examined us as we floated by. Both Steller and Californian sea lions have chosen the protected waters between the Winchelseas as their haul-out area. The Steller sea lion has been designated as a species of Special Concern because of the small number of breeding sites, as well as its susceptibility to human disturbance and oil spills.

In the past, Steller sea lion populations were reduced by intensive culls intended to reduce predation on commercial fish species. These programs were discontinued in the 1950s, and populations now show some increase.

Californian sea lions are the smaller of the two and quite common on the Pacific Coast. These exuberant and intelligent sea lions, tan to chocolate brown in color, are unfortunately often the ones you find in zoos and aquariums as they can be easily trained.

The last day of our holiday was sunny and blustery, so we remained island-bound until the wind subsided. Oystercatchers called farewell in their high-pitched song as our boats glided into the rolling waters. We affectionately bid Winchelsea adieu and had a magnificent paddle back to Schooner Cove on Vancouver Island. Time to get into our cars and reflect on the harmony—both the landscape and the amazing people who came together for four days of stewardship and adventure.

For more information about TLC call 250-479-8053 or check out www. conservancy.bc.ca.

© Paula Hesje is TLC’s Vancouver Island Warden. She has been leading Conservation Holidays for four years and used to be a kayak guide on Saltspring Island. paula@conservancy.bc.ca Web: www.conservancy.bc.ca