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Land Stewardship

Here on the Gulf Islands we live in one of the rarest natural areas in Canada: the Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystem. This ecosystem is located in a narrow strip of low-lying land along the southeastern coast of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and parts of the Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast.

On Salt Spring Island, about 90% of the land is privately owned. That means private landowners have a vital part in preserving this rare ecosystem. To be a steward is to care for something of value. Land stewardship is about protecting the natural features and species we have on our land and restoring habitat that has been altered.

Here are selected resources with advice on protecting the natural values on your property and improve the habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife:

Stewardship Resources

Photo by Simon Henson

Stewardship Checklist Checklist

A list of some of the things you can do to care for your property and the wildlife that inhabits it.

Living with Nature

A guide for new property owners on Salt Spring Island to acquaint you with local resources and suggest way to retain biodiversity on your property.

Salt Spring Island Species at Risk

A list of the species at risk on Salt Spring with stewardship suggestions for property owners.

Photo by Simon Henson

Are you planning to build on your property? The following resources will help you preserve the natural landscape and place your buildings to reduce environmental impact.

Sustainability Checklist

Develop with Care: Environmental Guidelines for Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia

Protecting Garry Oak Ecosystems during Land Development

Working near Water

Photo by Simon Henson

Gardening with Nature

Many gardeners are becoming interested in planting native and drought resistant plants, while avoiding invasive plants that might threaten native ecosystems. These resources provide information local ecology, gardening with native plants and invasive species to avoid.

Ecology of the Coastal Douglas-fir Zone

The Garry Oak Gardener’s Handbook

Gardening with Native Plants

Native Plants for the Home and Garden

Beautiful in Your Garden but Beware – Invasive Plants

Garden-wise: Noninvasive Plants for Your Garden

Grow me Instead: Beautiful Non-invasive Plants for Your Garden

Protecting the Shoreline

For people living along the shores of the ocean or lakes the following resources will help you reduce your impact on aquatic ecosystems.

Lake in Alvin Indridson Nature Reserve. Photo by Robin Annschild

Living by Water – Marine

Living by Water – Fresh water

The Shore Primer: A Cottager’s Guide to a Healthy Waterfront

The Dock Primer: a Cottager’s Guide to Waterfront-friendly Docks

Working Near Water: What You Need to Know when Planning a Project in or Near Water

Salt Spring Shoreline Development Permit Areas