Forest Trust for the Children of Cortes Island Society

The Forest Trust for the Children of Cortes Island Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of forest lands on Cortes Island, British Columbia. Incorporated under the business registration number 837687243RR0001, the Society's primary mission is to hold forest lands in trust for the benefit of all children of Cortes Island, ensuring these lands are preserved in perpetuity for educational, recreational, cultural, and spiritual use.

Purpose and Activities

The Society was formed to acquire and protect forest land holdings adjacent to Carrington Bay Park on Cortes Island. These lands are intended to serve as an enduring natural legacy for the island’s youth, providing opportunities for place-based experiential education and the practice of environmental stewardship concerning forest ecosystems and watersheds.

The forest lands held in trust offer a unique environment where children and youth can engage with nature directly, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of ecological and cultural values. The Trust emphasizes educational programs that blend ecological knowledge with cultural and spiritual connections to the natural world. Youth participation has been a notable feature of the Society’s initiatives, including the production of films and other projects that arise from their connection to the forest[1][2][3].

Land Acquisition and Conservation Efforts

After nearly a decade of negotiations with Mosaic Forest Management (previously Island Timberlands and Timber West), the Society achieved a significant milestone by securing the purchase of two forest parcels contiguous to Carrington Bay in 2022. In cooperation with Mosaic, three additional parcels were enrolled in a carbon offset program that guarantees their protection for 25 years, enabling the Society to continue efforts to purchase these lands and expand the protected forest area.

Community and Cultural Engagement

The Forest Trust for the Children of Cortes Island Society is actively involved in community events and partnerships that celebrate and promote the conservation of local ecosystems. For example, it collaborates with other local organizations such as Linnaea Farm Society, Discovery Islands Ecosystem Mapping Project, Friends of Cortes Island Society, and the Cortes Island Museum & Archives Society to foster environmental education and cultural awareness on the island.

The Society also participates in community festivals and exhibitions, such as the Earth Day celebrations featuring displays and educational activities designed to engage the public in the vision of a forest held in trust for future generations[5].

Legacy and Vision

The core vision of the Forest Trust for the Children of Cortes Island Society is to ensure that the forest lands will remain protected and accessible to island children forever. This commitment to perpetual stewardship integrates ecological conservation with cultural heritage, supporting the well-being and education of Cortes Island's youth through a living connection to their natural environment[1][3].

This nonprofit organization represents a model of community-driven conservation, combining land protection with youth engagement and education to foster a sustainable future for Cortes Island’s natural heritage.

[1] https://www.corteschildrensforesttrust.org [2] https://www.corteschildrensforesttrust.org/youth-initiatives/education-research/ [3] https://www.cortesisland.com/tideline/go17355a/H_is_for_habitat__the_Childrens_Forest_Trust [4] https://www.corteschildrensforesttrust.org/videos/childrens-forest-video/ [5] https://cortesmuseum.com/home/wild-cortes-new-exhibition-opening-april-22/