VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – Avatar Grove Boardwalk Construction Weekends

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The Ancient Forest Alliance is looking for dedicated, considerate, and capable volunteers to help construct the Avatar Grove boardwalk this summer on the weekends of July 26/27 & August 23/24 in Port Renfrew, BC.

Volunteers must be able to follow instructions accurately, be in good physical condition to do the work, and act safely, responsibly and respectfully without exception. Activities may include carrying heavy boardwalk planks, bucketing gravel, using hand tools, digging soil, moving rocks, etc. as well as having fun. See a photo gallery of the work we've completed so far: https://on.fb.me/1nyR7Mt

Please send an email with your availability, any related experience and physical limitations we should be aware of, and contact information to Avatar Boardwalk coordinator TJ Watt at: info@16.52.162.165

We have a NEW office space!!

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In VICTORIA, visit us at our NEW OFFICE space #303-3 Fan Tan Alley – access via elevator in courtyard. *NOTE: We're currently on summer hours. Please call 250.896.4007 to see if we're in.

We must also extended a big thank you to the Habitat Acquisition Trust for sharing their office space with us at the previous location on Blanshard St.  – thanks HAT!!

At the office we have much of the stock listed below. Cash, cheques and credit cards accepted.

Products List (view products online at www.ancientforestalliance.org/store.php): *prices include taxes*

  • AFA 2014 CALENDARS:  $20.00 each;  5 or more $15.00 each
  • CARDS: (for special occasions including the holiday season):  $5.00 each;  6 for $25.00;  12 for $40.00
  • POSTERS: (Avatar Grove’s Gnarly Tree, San Juan Spruce, and Canada’s Largest Tree the Cheewhat Giant):  $15 each;  3 for $35
  • STICKERS: Bumper Stickers $6.00 each;  Logo Stickers & Tree Stickers $4 each
  • SHIRTS: (made of hemp & organic cotton by Hemp & Co.): $45 each **shirts are in limited supply – please contact to confirm availability
  • ADOPT-A-TREE CERTIFICATE: Minimum $50 donation
  • ADOPT-A-GROVE CERTIFICATE: Minimum $100 donation
  • AVATAR GROVE BOARDWALK CERTIFICATE: Minimum $100 donation for 1 metre of boardwalk

Alternative options:

Thank you!

A collage of images featuring various sections of the Avatar Grove boardwalk completed over the May Long Weekend.

Avatar Grove Boardwalk: Let’s Get it Done! Special Event and Fundraiser Monday, June 16th

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*** If you support the completion of the boardwalk this summer in the legendary Avatar Grove near Port Renfrew, please join the Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA), local tourism and green businesses, renowned forest ecologist Dr. Andy MacKinnon, and other supporters for the “Avatar Grove Boardwalk – Let’s Get it Done! Special Event and Fundraiser” in Sooke. Help us complete this important eco-tourism project this summer!

Date: Monday, June 16th

Time: 7:30-9:00 pm

Location: Stickleback West Coast Eatery, 5449 Sooke Rd, Sooke, BC.

Drinks! Appetizers! Slideshow! Socializing!

Some words by:

  • Andy MacKinnon, renowned forest ecologist and best-selling “Plants of Coastal BC” co-author
  • Ken Wu and TJ Watt, Ancient Forest Alliance
  • Dan Hager, Port Renfrew Chamber of Commerce president
  • …and others

If possible, please RSVP so we get a sense of our numbers at: Info@AncientForestAlliance.org

If you’re interested in contributing right now to the Avatar Grove boardwalk’s construction for 2014, please go to: https://16.52.162.165/avatar-grove-boardwalk-now-completed-and-open/

The Avatar Grove near Port Renfrew is a majestic old-growth forest of enormous redcedar trees. It has become a major tourism draw, akin to a “second Cathedral Grove”. The now-popular hiking area was saved in 2012 through a campaign led by the Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA), with the help of thousands of our supporters and local tourism businesses with the Port Renfrew Chamber of Commerce and the Sooke Region Tourism Association. Its protection has bolstered the economy of southern Vancouver Island and helped promote the case to protect old-growth forests throughout Vancouver Island. See photos here: https://16.52.162.165/photos-media/

Last year, the AFA began construction of a new boardwalk to help protect the forest’s understory vegetation and tree roots from excessive trampling, to improve visitor access and safety, and to support local eco-tourism. About half of the necessary boardwalk has now been completed, but more still needs to be built. This includes sections of the spectacular new loop trail in the Lower Grove, as well as the steep slippery path up to “Canada’s Gnarliest Tree”. See photos of the work we’ve completed so far at: https://on.fb.me/1nyR7Mt

Help us to finish the boardwalk this summer!

Please JOIN US to learn more about the project, have a free drink and snacks, meet and mingle with other members of the local business community, and consider supporting the boardwalk during this fundraising night.

See a spectacular slideshow by Ken Wu and TJ Watt of the Ancient Forest Alliance, featuring TJ’s photos of the boardwalk work so far, along with award-winning images of the Avatar Grove, Big Lonely Doug, Red Creek Fir, San Juan Spruce, and the largest trees in Canada – all close to Port Renfrew!

If possible, please RSVP so we get a sense of our numbers at: Info@AncientForestAlliance.org Friends and family welcome.

Echo Lake BIODIVERSITY BLITZ! Sat May 31 – Sun June 1, 2014

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THIS WEEKEND, join the Ancient Forest Alliance along with a group of biologists and environmental experts for a weekend of biodiversity surveys, a guided walk and nature talks at Echo Lake. Located between Mission and Agassiz east of Vancouver, Echo Lake is a spectacular and endangered lowland old-growth forest. Come out to experience and learn about this unique ecosystem and find out more about the birds, amphibians, mammals, plants, fungi, and other living things that make Echo Lake their home!

SCHEDULE:

Saturday, May 31st, 1:30pm-5pm: Citizens Science Day – Join one of the biologists to learn how to survey and identify different species found in Echo Lake’s old-growth forest!
• Searching for Amphibians! with Barb Beasley
• Fungi Walks! with Erin Feldman, and Adolf & Oluna Ceska
• Mossome Mosses and other Awesome Plants! 
**To attend Saturday’s activities, please meet at 12:30pm at Kermode Winery from where we'll go in a car convoy (see directions below).**

Sunday, June 1st, 1:30pm-5pm: Biodiversity Nature Walk & Talks – Join Ancient Forest Alliance organizers Ken Wu, TJ Watt, and Hannah Carpendale, biologist David Cook, naturalist Rich mably, and other biodiversity experts on a nature walk in Echo Lake Ancient Forest.  Learn about old-growth forest characteristics, ecology, plant ID, and forest creatures along the way!
NEW!  Participants will also get a chance to learn about low-impact forest canopy research from Matthew Beatty and Tiger Devine of the Arboreal Collective, who will be ascending one of the giant old-growth trees at Echo Lake on Sunday!
**To attend Sunday’s activities, please meet at 12:30pm at Kermode Winery from where we'll go in a car convoy (see directions below).**

** PLEASE NOTE: Participants should pre-register for either or both days by sending an email to info@16.52.162.165 and indicate which day (either or both) they would like to attend. **

LOCATION & DIRECTIONS: For each day’s activities, please meet at 12:30 pm at the Kermode Wild Berry Winery (8457 River Road, South Dewdney) about 10 minutes east of Mission just off Highway 7. To get there, turn right just before crossing the bridge off Lougheed Highway 7 at Dewdney when heading east, and follow the River Road South for a couple minutes until you see the winery facilities down on the right. From there, we will head in a convoy to Echo Lake, to begin the tours about 1:30 pm.

**Echo Lake Ancient Forest is home to bears, cougars, bobcats, deer, bald eagles and many other wildlife species. Please note that NO DOGS will be permitted at the Bio Blitz for the sake of the wildlife.**

**Note that this site is only accessible across the private lands of local landowners who have given us permission to cross their property to access the old-growth on the Crown lands. This is also the unceded territory of the Sts'ailes First Nation people. Anyone showing any disrespect will be asked to leave.**

DIFFICULTY: The hike is an easy-moderate level of difficulty.

WHAT TO BRING: Please bring raingear, appropriate footwear and clothing, snacks, water, any medical requirements, and a wonderful respectful attitude for the day’s activities!

SAFETY: All participants are responsible for their own safety and will be required to sign a waiver form.

** For more info and to PRE-REGISTER, please contact info@16.52.162.165 **
 

Thank You to Earth Day Local Business Fundraisers!

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On behalf of B.C's endangered old-growth forests, we'd like to say 'Thank You' to all of the local businesses who held an event to support us on Earth Day, April 22nd: North Park Bike Shop, Ananda Ayurveda, Cafe 932, and the Grassroots Eco-Salon.  The AFA is supported by thousands of individual donors and small and independent businesses who allow us to continue our forest-saving campaigns.  Thank you so much for your support! 

*POSTPONED* Date TBA: Kwakiutl First Nations Community RALLY in Port Hardy

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*POSTPONED* Date TBA:

A community rally will be held sometime in the near future by the Kwakiutl First Nation band in Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Island, asking the BC government and major forest companies to respect their land and their treaty. The rally will be in regards to Island Timberlands’ logging of a 700 year old ancient redcedar forest near their reserve in late December without consulting the band.

*** Take note it is a 6 hour drive from Victoria to Port Hardy.

Watch a short report on the current situation in Kwakiutl territory in the CTV series, First Story, called “The Treaty and the Trees” from April 16: https://bc.ctvnews.ca/

See the photo album of the Ancient Forest Alliance’s visit to the Kwakiutl protest in February at: https://www.facebook.com/ancientforestalliance/

Earth Day: AFA Booths, Events & Fundraisers in VICTORIA & VANCOUVER

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EARTH DAY: AFA Booths, Events & Fundraisers in VICTORIA & VANCOUVER

See below for details on some upcoming events where the Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) will be tabling, and fundraisers hosted by local businesses to support the AFA. Great thanks to all local businesses and event organizers for their support!

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Mon April 21, VANCOUVER – Earth Day Parade & Celebration

Free annual festival organized by the Youth for Climate Justice Now, featuring a lively costume-filled parade and a celebration with speakers, musicians, display and fun activities. Join the parade at 11am (starting at Commercial Drive & 8th Ave, Vancouver) and come visit the AFA's table at the celebration at Grandview Park (Commercial Drive & Charles St.) between 12 and 3pm! Join and invite others at: https://www.facebook.com/events/383697285105110/

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Tuesday April 22, VICTORIA – Earth Day AFA Fundraisers Organized by Local Businesses

• Café 932 (932 Johnson St., Victoria): A dollar will be donated to the AFA for every 16 oz. coffee or tea bought using a reusable mug as well as for every West Coast panini purchased.

• North Park Bike Shop (1725 Quadra St., Victoria): 10% of their day’s net sales will be donated to the AFA, with a goal of $150!

• Grassroots Eco Salon “Haircuts not Clearcuts” (1284 C2 Gladstone Ave., Fernwood Square, around the back): This new local eco friendly salon will be hosting a “Haircuts not Clearcuts” fundraiser, donating 50% of the day’s earnings to the AFA!

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Fri & Sat April 25 & 26, VICTORIA – Creatively United for the Planet

A free family event at St. Ann’s Academy (835 Humboldt St., Victoria) featuring live music, displays, talks, workshops, food, art, dance, and more! See https://creativelyunitedfortheplanet.org/ for schedule and special events tickets. Come visit the AFA’s booth on SATURDAY APRIL 26th from 1:00-6:30pm to buy posters and cards, and to speak to our friendly staff! Thanks to the hard work of Victoria photographer and writer Frances Litman for organizing this event! Join and invite others on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/events/260454867450021/

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Mon –Sun Apr 21-27, VANCOUVER – AFA Booth at Granville Island Public Market

Visit our AFA booth at the Granville Island Public Market this week, Mon Apr 21 – Sun Apr 27 from 9am-5pm to purchase AFA posters, cards and stickers and more, and speak to our friendly staff! (**from Tues-Sun, our booth will be located between Longliners Seafood and Benton Brothers Cheese in the market.)
 

Ancient Forest Alliance

Visit the AFA’s Booth this Saturday March 8th at Robinson’s Outdoor Store!

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Come to Robinson's Outdoor Store (1307 Broad St.) this Saturday March 8th from 10am-4pm and stop by our Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) booth to chat to our friendly staff, sign our petition, make a donation, or buy our beautiful posters, cards, stickers, and other items to help support the cause! Let this business know you are grateful to them for giving the AFA space to set up our booth!

Sat. March 1st – 4th Annual Tree Huggers Ball Dance Party Fundraiser for AFA!

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It's that time of year again! The UVic Ancient Forest Committee is holding its 4th annual Tree Huggers Ball dance party fundraiser! This event, with live bands and DJ's, has provided incredible support for the Ancient ForestAlliance, raising thousands of dollars over the past three years – all by having FUN!!

Where: Felicita's Pub at UVic
When: Saturday, March 1st
Time: 8pm-1am
Tickets: $10 at the door and all proceeds will go directly to the Ancient Forest Alliance! 19+ age.
Facebook event page (please invite your friends!!): https://www.facebook.com/events/1445145632369486/

Musical line-up includes:

● Compassion Gorilla: https://soundcloud.com/compassion-gorilla

● The Roper Show (solo act): www.theropershow.com

● DJ Benny the Jett: www.soundcloud.com/Bennythejett

● DJ Taquito Jalapeño: https://soundcloud.com/taquitojalapeno

As always we've got some awesome door prizes, a limbo contest, face-painting booth, and more, so come on down and boogie for the forest and AFA! Feel free to dress like a tree! 🙂

SFU Slideshow: The Campaign to Protect BC’s Endangered Ancient Forests!

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Friday, Feb.7, 2014
4:30 to 6:00 pm
West Mall Center rm 3253, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby

Join Ken Wu of the Ancient Forest Alliance for a slideshow presentation about the politics and ecology of British Columbia's endangered ancient forests. Hear about the BC government's forth-coming “Forest Giveaway Plan” to increase corporate certainty over BC's public forest lands by expanding Tree Farm Licences across the province. See spectacular photos of the Echo Lake Ancient Forest, Walbran Valley, Avatar Grove, Mossy Maple Grove, Koksilah Ancient Forest, Horne Mountain/Cathedral Grove, McLaughlin Ridge, and find out how you can help protect BC's endangered ancient forests and ensure sustainable second-growth forestry jobs!

Free! Refreshments served.

Invite others on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/events/293424334115588/

Organized by the SFU Ancient Forest Committee