On Nex̱wlélex̱wm/Bowen Island, nature is never far away. Creeks and wetlands, coastal bluffs, forest, shoreline and the places around our homes all form part of the island’s living ecosystems.
Since 1996, the Bowen Island Conservancy has worked with neighbours and conservation partners to protect natural places, care for conservation lands, share local knowledge, and help everybody take part in keeping the island’s biodiversity healthy.
Here are some of the places and projects receiving particular attention from the Conservancy now.
In 2024, donor support made it possible for the Conservancy to protect 160 acres at Cape Roger Curtis, adjacent to the Wild Coast Nature Refuge. The land includes the Huszar Creek corridor, forest, and coastal bluff habitat. Ecological assessment and careful planning are underway to help the Conservancy understand what important natural features are present, and where public use can fit.
Where is biodiversity concentrated on Bowen, and where is it under pressure? The Nex̱wlélex̱wm/Bowen Island Biodiversity Plan brings scientific analysis and local knowledge into an island-wide resource for residents, land stewards, and decision-makers.
The Bowen Island Conservancy is a local land trust, BC society, and registered Canadian charity. We protect and care for land, support research and planning, and help neighbours find practical ways to care for the island’s natural places.
Since water and wildlife cross property lines, much of our work happens with residents, landholders, conservation partners and public agencies. This shared work helps connect conservation across the island and depends on a clear understanding of who owns, manages and makes decisions about each place.
Use the sections below to find a place to visit, learn about Bowen’s ecology, or discover ways to take part.
PROTECT
Meet Bowen’s protected places and see how land protection, legal safeguards, and public decisions can keep room for nature over the long term.
PARTICIPATE
Join in through volunteering, events, Conservancy membership, charitable giving, our annual Photo Contest, or occasional updates.
CARE
Discover what stewardship looks like on Conservancy lands, along with practical ways to reduce disturbance when visiting natural places, and how to support nature around our homes.
ABOUT
Meet the people and principles behind our work, and find governance, strategic direction, and contact information.
LEARN
Explore the island’s ecosystems through the Biodiversity Plan, maps, publications, resources, and local stories.
NEWS
Read current project updates, event notices, articles, and stories from the Conservancy.
Article by Will Husby and Sheree Johnson | Photo by Kwanseon Kim, “Crimson Table of the Woods” The robin has been caught mid-meal — head tilted, beak open, one bright red huckleberry waiting just ahead. At first glance, Kwanseon Kim’s…
An opportunity to let your photos tell a Bowen biodiversity story.
Our science partners have mapped the ecological priorities for Bowen Island. Freshwater systems, unprotected hotspots, and the case for acting now.
We have inaugurated a new digital library containing ecological information about Bowen that has been hidden in boxes and shelves for many years.
An opportunity to let your photos tell a Bowen biodiversity story.
Our science partners have mapped the ecological priorities for Bowen Island. Freshwater systems, unprotected hotspots, and the case for acting now.
We have inaugurated a new digital library containing ecological information about Bowen that has been hidden in boxes and shelves for many years.
A one-time or monthly charitable gift supports land protection, long-term stewardship, ecological knowledge, and community learning.
Membership adds your voice to the community standing behind the Conservancy and helps sustain the everyday work that makes larger projects possible.
Share a morning, a practical skill or an interest you would like to develop when an opportunity fits.
Occasional email updates are an easy way to hear about projects, events and new ways to take part.
Stay connected
The Bowen Island Conservancy is a BC society and registered Canadian charity.
Charitable registration number: 867.261.299.RR0001
P.O. Box 301, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0
info@bowenislandconservancy.org
604.612.6572
