Organizers have targeted an expansive waterfront parcel at the southeastern-most tip of Saturna Island for conservation –– and say time is running out on a half-million-dollar matching gift that could seal the deal on purchasing the land.
The undeveloped –– and uncommonly large –– property boasts nearly three kilometres of coastline and hundreds of acres of marine ecosystems, old-growth trees and Garry oak meadows, according to the BC Parks Foundation, which says it has secured an exclusive agreement to buy the property. With an unnamed family pledging to match $500,000, that leaves the remainder of the last $1 million left to be raised from the public before a Feb. 5 deadline, according to foundation CEO Andy Day.
“Every single dollar will go towards the purchase and protection of this stunning place,” said Day. “I can’t think of a better way to kick off 2025.”
Day said the features of the property, sandwiched between the ocean and the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve’s Monarch Head Trail area, support several at-risk species, including the blue-listed northern red-legged frog and great blue heron. The 372-acre parcel on two titles lies within the Coastal Douglas-fir biogeoclimatic zone, among the rarest –– and, according to the foundation, least protected –– ecosystems in British Columbia, supporting threatened plants as well. The BC Parks Foundation said species found there include the slender popcornflower, purple sanicle, and the endangered white meconella and Lindley’s false silverpuffs.
The foundation said the family who agreed to sell the property were inspired by their shared childhood memories of visiting it, enjoying the views and peaceful time camping at what’s known locally as Cactus Point –– the rocky tip of the property’s edge –– and cited a cherished moment when they all saw a pod of orcas passing by as a motivator for conserving the area, to honour their father’s memory and his love for the land.
For information about the property or to donate, visit bcparksfoundation.ca/projects/parks-bank/saturna-island.