MARY LAKE NATURE SANCTUARY

WMÍEŦEN Centre for Nature and Human Connection

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. ~ John Muir

The natural world is a precious and necessary partner to the healthy existence of all beings including humans. We believe that all aspects of nature deserve to be respected and protected now and for future generations.

By cultivating a mindful relationship with nature, we can re-learn the critical interdependence of all life, and naturally be inspired to protect it from destructive practices.

In spending time in nature, we undergo a process of deepening our insight and awareness, a process in which we strengthen our connection with the natural environment. This fundamental shift in our perspective allows us to realize our ties and responsibility to all life.

“Everything has a purpose and that purpose is to be respected and protected for all time. You cannot own it. We have to share that moss and shade of tree with other parts of creation.” ~ Tom Sampson, Tsartlip Elder

In the District of Highlands only a 25-minute drive from the Victoria Inner Harbor.

WMÍEŦEN (Land of the Deer)

Traditional uses: • Hunting • Gathering • Medicine • Ceremony

A new Declaration of Partnership between Tsartlip First Nation and the Greater Victoria Greenbelt Society provides the opportunity for mutual collaboration to protect, restore and acknowledge the land for it’s ecological, cultural and spiritual values. The land and waters embody the teachings that are at the core of the indigenous world view, a place where elders can share their wisdom and guide the children of future generations. This project is on the forefront of the movement towards reconciliation with First Nations Peoples offering all of the learnings and wisdom that such a commitment fosters. There is a common understanding that our disconnection with the natural world is reaching a tipping point from the local to the global level that calls for a reconciliation of our place in nature. The Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary provides a natural setting to address this issue through stewardship, business, academic, political, artistic and First Nations engagement while maintaining a light footprint.

Through conversations with First Nations community members, leaders and experts, these areas of will be addressed:

1. Community involvement and engagement 2. Indigenous co-governance 3. Land based language revitalization 4. Land-use and management planning 5. Plants for healing wisdom 6. Operational procedures

The site also has the potential for Aboriginal Youth Internships and Indigenous Guardians programs related to conservation. The property will provide a natural space where both indigenous wisdom and the western naturalist traditions will foster a caring respectful attitude towards the earth. In addition, the UVIC Indigenous Law Program has visited the Nature Sanctuary and considers it an ideal location for workshops that teach the lessons learned from Salish law drawn from the land “The UVIC Indigenous Law Program brings together Indigenous law practitioners and diverse thinkers to share challenges and solutions, identify critical issues and advance best practices in accessing, understanding, and applying Indigenous laws today.”

Ecological and Conservancy Values

The WMÍEŦEN SANCTUARY is 69 acres of land considered a rare gem in that it has been under conservation ownership since 1947 resulting in maintenance of the ecosystems. It is one of the last protected private lakes in the region.

Protects Diverse Eco Systems Plant ecologist Hans Roemer has identified seven distinct ecosystems on the Mary Lake property including:

It is an excellent example of an advanced older second growth forest in the endangered Coastal Douglas Fir Zone of Vancouver Island

• The Coastal Douglas-fir bio-geoclimatic zone (CDF zone) is the smallest and most at-risk zone in BC and is of conservation concern (Biodiversity BC, 2008). • It is very high priority for preservation, home to 29 endangered plant communities. • Only about 9% of the CDF zone is protected in conservation areas • Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystems are among the most imperiled coastal ecosystems. CDF ecosystems have been largely destroyed, fragmented and damaged by logging and urban, residential and agricultural development. (CRD)

We are a member of the

The largest ecosystem within the property is riparian (75 % of the property) with a 7-acre lake and multiple streams.

“Extremely important is all of the Riparian habitat – the edges of wetlands, of streams and of the lake itself. All of those wet spots are incredibly abundant and extremely rare. In the surrounding areas we have already lost over 80% of our wetland and riparian ecosystems, unfortunately those are the ones that a lot of wildlife really relies on” ~ Adam Taylor past Executive Director of Habitat Acquisition Trust Image showing riparian setbacks

“Streams and lakes are vital to the survival of fish, waterfowl and amphibian populations as well as the associated aquatic organisms and vegetation upon which these populations depend. Many riparian ecosystems in Vancouver Island’s eastern coastal lowland, as identified in the Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory (SEI) are characterised by lack of continuity and intense fragmentation. Efforts need to be made to maintain connections with adjacent upland ecosystems and to reduce fragmentation in order to preserve wildlife migration and dispersal functions.” (Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory Project 2018 - Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service and CDC)

“The Wetlands exhibit the greatest species diversity……… the most interesting species combination, with a few remaining Vancouver Island aspen, hardhack, Pacific crab apple, slough sedge, skunk cabbage (to name just a few dominants). This combination originally occurred in many wetlands on southern Vancouver Island, but is now rare, mainly due to early conversion into agricultural land.” ~ Hans Roemer, ecologist.

Member of the

The property is in the 13,000-year-old Millstream Creek Watershed which begins at Jocelyn Hill in the Gowlland Tod Park and flows 18 km through many communities on its way to Esquimalt Harbour, near the town of View Royal and the City of Victoria, B.C.

A major tributary of the watershed is – Earsman Creek (4.2 km) which also flows through the Mary Lake property. Potential pathway for Salmon

The Millstream Creek is considered to be a future Fishway for salmon to reach Upper Millstream for spawning thus increasing the salmon populations. When important fish ladders are built at Aitkens Rd. in View Royal and Matson Lake in the District of Highlands, salmon will be able to ascend as far as Mary Lake.

“Loss of spawning and rearing habitat is a major factor in the decline of local salmon stocks. This occurs when wetlands and estuaries are filled in for construction of buildings and roads, and when streams are placed in culverts and otherwise modified. Removal of streamside vegetation is a common consequence of development and has a number of effects.” CRD

Lake Stewardship Research

Starting in 2019 the Greater Victoria Greenbelt Society GVGS) and the Highlands Stewardship Foundation (HSF) will be collaborating with students from the Royal Roads University (RRU) B.Sc Environmental Environmental Studies Program in the development of a Mary Lake Stewardship Program. Studies Program

The Mary Lake Team, consisting of five students from RRU, will allocate one day per week from January 2019 to August 2019, for the completion of the necessary research, field trips and data analysis, resulting in a final report that will be presented to the public, RRU instructors, the student’s peers and GVGS. Educational programs such as the Mary Lake Stewardship initiative provides the opportunity to integrate both science and indigenous knowledge when planning a long-term management strategy for the watershed.

The property’s position between the Gowlland Tod Provincial Park and Thetis Lake Regional Park thus marks it as an important wildlife corridor. It’s acquisition by the Greater Victoria Greenbelt Society has also made it possible for the CRD to acquire a 25-acre section to complete a 25 km world-class trail loop in the Highlands District.

Corridors are critical for the maintenance of ecological processes including allowing for the movement of animals and the continuation of viable populations.” ~ CRD

Species or Ecological Community Confirmed Probable CDC Rank1 SARA Rank2 Garry Oak/Arbutus Ecological Community (EC) X Red N/A Red Alder/Skunk Cabbage EC X Red N/A Trembling Aspen/Pacific Crab Apple/Slough X Red N/A Sedge EC Douglas-fir/Dull Oregon-grape EC X Red N/A Garry Oak/Ocean Spray EC X Red N/A Western Red Cedar-Douglas-fir/Oregon X Red N/A Beaked-Moss EC Grand fir/Dull Oregon Grape EC X Red N/A

Little Brown Bat3 X Yellow Endangered

Western Screech Owl4 (kennicotti subspecies) X Blue Threatened Great Blue Heron (fannini subspecies) X Blue Special Concern Olive-sided Flycatcher X Blue Threatened

Sharp-tailed Snake X Red Endangered Norther Red-legged Frog5 X Blue Special Concern

Blue-grey Taildropper X Blue Endangered Puget Oregonian Snail X Red Extirpated?

Slender gentian X Red Not listed Bryum subapiculatum X Red Not listed Common Bluecup X Red Not listed Phantom Orchid X Red Threatened

1 BC Conservation Data Centre ranking: Red = species or ecological community that is endangered or threatened. 2 Federal Species at Risk Act ranking: Species that are endangered, threatened, or a special concern. 3 Bat houses for Little Brown Bats were installed in 2018. 4 Screech owl nesting boxes were installed in 2018. 5 Active bullfrog (predator of red-legged frogs) management under way.

Value of Ecological Services of Ecosystems per year: vital to the health of the region.

2.8 ha Lake = $17,172 + 3 ha Wetlands – $110,751 + 21 ha Temp. forest = $90,930 Total ESV on 67-acre lot at Mary Lake is $218,853 per yr.

Highlands Integrated Community Sustainability Plan: This initiative complies with 20 different subsections under the following categories: Land Use and Natural Areas, Education and Leisure, Economy and Work, Transportation and Mobility, Healthy Community plus Water and Waste Systems.

Habitat Acquisition Trust has been an ongoing supporter for research and restoration projects which have included to date species assessments, installation and monitoring of six nest boxes for the western screech owl (another species at risk). The nest boxes will be checked for occupation on a regular basis.

HAT also installed Two bat houses (a maternal box and a rocket box) suitable for the little brown myotis (federally endangered), big brown bat and Yuma myotis in late April 2018.

We are working with the Highlands Stewardship Foundation to educate and involve community members in a Bull Frog Management Program. Removal of invasive bullfrogs increased habitat quality and supports native species, especially species at risk (Red-legged frog)

Our Feathered Friends

So far, with the help of the Victoria Natural History Society we have identified 44 species of birds on the property.

Visit these links for more info: eBird Hotspot – Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary

Four-legged Residents

The lake is home and play area for 4 resident Otters and 3 busy Beavers and more…

Other beings…….

Elders join forces to Protect Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary

Two visionary elders, both champions of nature have joined forces to continue the protection of the Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary for future generations and the well-being of the natural world.

94-year-old Bob McMinn is the chair of the Greater Victoria Greenbelt Society and long-time advocate for green space in the Highlands District and Greater Victoria for the past 60 years. During that time, he has sat on the board of numerous community organizations some of which are Thetis Lake Sanctuary Association, Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary, the Capital Region Open Space Advisory Committee, and many District of Highlands select committees. Ever tireless in his efforts he initiated the action to protect the private Mary Lake property from encroaching development by putting down $100,000 of his life savings in 2016. In his own words “I am certainly hoping that places like Mary Lake will continue until it is another Cathedral Grove of old growth trees. I will only see it in my dreams, but I am dreaming of it now.”

Tom Sampson is a respected elder of the Tsartlip Nation and a vocal environmental advocate who served as Chief of Tsartlip for 24 years, and chairman of the South Island Tribal Council for 22 years. His spiritual beliefs form the heart of his environmental philosophy, that acknowledges a relationship to the land that is thousands of years old. This also has inspired his previous work some of which include launching the Coast Salish Sea Council, and raising awareness about the impacts of the proposed LNG plant and Bamberton Development on the Saanich Inlet. Tom’s many visits to the Mary Lake property since 2011, inspired him to approach Tsartlip Nation Council to become a partner on the project and seek Provincial and Federal funding to help retire the mortgage.

“Everything has a purpose and that purpose is to be respected and protected for all time. You cannot own it. We have to share that moss and shade of tree with other parts of creation.” Tom Sampson is the Heart of the Sanctuary

The secluded location of the 4,600-sq. ft. Nature House literally sits on the water’s edge of a private lake and offers the perfect space for retreats, workshops, meetings and gatherings. It enables individuals and groups the opportunity to experience a purposefully built space amid the rich and raw beauty of a natural forest.

Lakeview Main Room – 835 sq. ft

Coffee Bar Main Room

Garden-View Kitchen

Lakeview Meeting Room - 264 sq. ft.

Three restrooms on Main Floor

Patio Area

There are numerous historical trails and points of interest throughout the property.

This Nature Sanctuary is only the second nature area in the region that allows individuals with mobility challenges a direct immersive nature experience.

Intermunicipal Advisory Committee on Disability Issues sees great potential for the Sanctuary as a site with user- friendly trails

Already the 1 km long main drive is paved making it negotiable for all ages and all mobility levels.

This area would be suitable for small groups of 15-20

CONNECT

• Activities in Nature such as quiet reflection, meditation, mindful observation and artistic expression will enhance a deeper connection to ourselves, each other and nature. • Experience nature and forest therapy sessions that are beneficial for children and adults experiencing anxiety and unease. By slowing down, listening, and being present in the natural world you receive the inherent therapeutic benefits of nature.

RESPECT

• Discover local First Nations’ worldviews toward nature and their cultural practices related to it. • Participate in the work of Reconciliation. • Learn about how to coexist with nature without negatively impacting it • To go on inspiring nature trails along the Earsman and Millstream Creek while learning about the ancient watershed.

We never look deeply into the quality of a tree; we never really touch it, feel its solidity, its rough bark, and hear the sound that is part of the tree. Not the sound of wind through the leaves, not the breeze of a morning that flutters the leaves, but its own sound, the sound of the trunk and the silent sound of the roots. ~ Jiddu Krishnamurti

PROTECT

• Support ecologically sensitive habitats through restoration and stewardship. • Discover the conservation values of Mary Lake and contribute to wildlife research. • Learn about the seven different habitats and the species that live here. • Connect with a community that inspires a caring stewardship of the earth.

The Nature Sanctuary will host:

Speaker Series: • Indigenous Plant Knowledge • Nature & Human Health • Human impacts on Nature • Artists- creating in nature

Nature Ecology Classes: • Nature wisdom programs • Conservation and Covenants • Teacher’s professional development • Medicine Plants

Therapeutic Retreats and Programs: • Nature and Forest Therapy • Eco Psychology • Meditation • Wellness • Healing from Stress & Trauma

Community Building • Restorative Justice • The Work of Reconciliation

Non - Profit and Community Meetings: • Group and organizational retreats

Art Programs: • Nature painting classes – Adult and Youth • Art on the Walls: Monthly displays of paintings and photographs from local artists • Artist in Residence Programs: 7 day • Community Arts Projects: • Storytelling • Songs of the Forest Walks • Poet -Tree in Nature

Partnerships

Habitat Acquisition Trust Coastal Douglas-fir and Associated Ecosystems Conservation Partnership BC Lake Stewardship Society Highland Stewardship Foundation

Supporters

Sierra Club of BC Municipality of View Royal Fresh Water Alliance City of Colwood Victoria Natural History Society West Shore Arts Alliance District of Highlands The Robert Bateman Centre Highlands District Community Association Outdoor Club of Victoria City of Victoria Juan de Fuca Community Trails Society District of Metchosin Victoria Club Tread The Land Conservancy of BC Vancouver Island Spine Trail

Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary, Highlands, BC 1772 Millstream Rd (42 acres) combined with 721 Lorimer Rd. Lot (27 acres). Total acreage: 69 acres

www.marylakeconnections.ca

[email protected]

Contact: Koi Neah Phone: 250 474 4324

The Sanctuary is Located at 1772 Millstream Rd.