Forest Trust for the Children of Cortes Island Society

The goals of the Forest Trust for the Children of Cortes Island Society are to establish, in perpetuity, a legacy of protected, natural forest on Cortes Island on behalf of children and future generations, to nurture relationships between children and nature, and to inspire advocacy for the natural world.

Our mission is, on behalf of children and the general public:

• to acquire the Children’s Forest adjacent to Carrington Lagoon on Cortes Island
• to protect and steward the Children’s Forest
• to deliver nature-based youth educational programs
• to conduct long-term, scientific research

Our land acquisition and conservation mission is limited to lands on Cortes Island. The Children’s Forest lands were chosen as the core of our focused efforts because these forest lands, at the heartland of Cortes Island, are ecologically significant and contain the provincially designated sensitive ecosystems: riparian, wetland, herbaceous, woodland and old growth. These forests are home to many rare plant communities and species that are listed on both the provincial and federal species at-risk lists. The biologically diverse James Creek watershed provides extensive wetland and riparian habitat that supports cutthroat trout and spawning salmon. This heartland represents vital wildlife corridors and protects the beauty and wildness of the northern parts of Cortes Island.

Since its inception, the FTCCIS has delivered a wide range of educational programming to the youth of Cortes Island using the Children’s Forest as its primary educational land base (by arrangement with the current owner, Mosaic Forest Management). Over the years the programming has included Bio-Blitzes and Myco-Blitzes, regular guided nature walks for youth, youth theatre, art shows, and stream keeper education.