Become a Nature Interpreter The Society’s environmental programs are designed to help school-aged children between kindergarten and grades seven explore their natural world. Secondary school and adult classes also visit occasionally. The programs are taught by volunteer nature interpreters. That is where you come in. There is a training program for those wishing to enhance their knowledge of the natural world and share it with Vancouver Island’s youth. Please complete the volunteer application form (CLICK PHOTO) and/or check in with our office and see if becoming a Nature Interpreter will work for you.

YEW LOOP BRIDGE

REPLACED

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WOULD LIKE TO THANK SID & TODD WHITTAKER OF HAZELWOOD CONSTRUCTION FOR ONCE AGAIN CoMing TO THE SANCTUARY’S rescue by PROVIDING THE NECESSARY ENGINEERING, EXPERTISE, HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND PROFESSIONAL MANPOWER IN REPLACING OUR FAULTY YEW LOOP BRIDGE. WE SIMPLY COULD NOT HAVE COMPLETED THIS PROJECT WITHOUT THEIR VERY GENEROUS SUPPORT. THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT WAS BOLSTERED BY SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS FROM WITHIN THE SANCTUARY COMMUNITY. Longtime Treasurer Valerie Booth donated $2,000, covering the cost of the 1m x 6m pipe and hardware for the railings. The Sanctuary’s own forest provided two midsized Red Cedar trees, previously removed as part of our ongoing danger tree mitigation efforts along the trails. FOR THE FULL STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS NAVIGATE TO OUR PROJECTS PAGE OR CLICK HERE.

BICYCLE TRAFFIC PROHIBITED effective immediately, all bicycle use is prohibited within the Nature Sanctuary. This decision has been made with the safety and enjoyment of all visitors in mind. This measure is intended to protect school groups, who often visit for educational outings, as well as our members who participate in organized nature walks. In addition, the well-being of the sanctuary’s natural environment is a priority. There have been ongoing issues with cyclists disregarding established rules. These behaviours have resulted in the endangerment of park visitors, damage to park facilities, and instances of cycling off approved trails. Such actions compromise both visitor safety and the integrity of the sanctuary. While cyclists are welcome to travel to the sanctuary, they are required to secure their bicycles in the designated stand provided at the entrance AND CONTINUE ON FOOT FROM THAT point. This policy ensures that the sanctuary remains a safe and enjoyable space for everyone.

SUMMER CAMP

REGISTRATIONS ARE

OPEN!

NOW OVER 80%

SUBSCRIBED

POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN

OUR JUNIOR LEADERS

PROGRAM

WELCOME PATRICK MCGUINESS PLEASE JOIN US IN WELCOMING OUR NEW OFFICE MANAGER, PATRICK MCGUINESS. PATRICK JOINED US ON MARCH 2, HIS REGULAR HOURS WILL BE FROM 8:30 TO 12:30 PM ON TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY. WE ARE EXCITED TO HAVE PATRICK AS PART OF OUR TEAM AND LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING TOGETHER!

MEMORIAL TREE We are now offering the opportunity to plant a young tree in the Sanctuary to mark a special event in your life. The tree must be a native species, fit for a given location, and planted by our volunteers. if you would like to take advantage of this program please click on the photo for additional details.

ENJOYING THE SANCTUARY

The Morrell Nature Sanctuary is operated by a registered charitable society styled the Morrell Sanctuary Society for Environmental Education . We are protective of our sanctuary and the value we bring to local School Districts, university research and to nature lovers in general. As a Society, we are obliged by our constitution and bylaws to do what is best for the Sanctuary and we need everyone to be on side and to do whatever they can to keep Morrell a safe and natural environment. TO OUR MEMBERS: Our members are the stakeholders of the Sanctuary, they are our greatest asset simply because they care about Morrell and regularly visit for the following reasons: • The Sanctuary is a quiet place to walk and experience a nature reserve that has not been torn up by ATV’s, mountain bikes, or adventurous canines. • Animal lovers wish to take their dog for a walk, controlled on its leash, and not have to protect it and themselves from over exuberant and sometimes dangerous dogs. Older members and families with young children want to walk in peace without this same threat. • Nature enthusiasts wish to experience the pacific northwest wilderness in as close to its natural, wild state as possible without it having been stripped of its natural beauty, its fungi, flora, and fauna. • Hikers and walkers prefer to ramble in an environment where pedestrians have right of way and cycling is restricted. TO OUR VISITORS The members and volunteers of Morrell ask for everyone’s cooperation and adherence to the policies, rules, and regulations of this private, nature sanctuary. Also, we wish all visitors to be aware that our Society, supported by the Nature Trust of British Columbia and reinforced by the RCMP are taking a ZERO TOLERANCE stance to those who do not adhere to the following strictly enforced rules. Please note you are on private property. • school groups and authorized educational groups have right of way, you must step aside or if riding a bicycle you must dismount and wait till the school group or authorized educational/nature group passes or are instructed otherwise by the group leader before continuing your journey • your dog must be leashed at all times and you must clean up after your dog • you may not harvest any flora, fauna or fungi • bicycles are not allowed on any Sanctuary trail • walking/hiking organisers will be held responcible for their groups Thank you - the 170+ individuals and groups of the Morrell Sanctuary Society for Environmental Education who are legally bound by the terms of our 99 year lease on this private property to protect its natural state and to provide environmental education to the children of this island, and on behalf of the Nature Trust of BC.

THANK YOU WEST

COAST GATES

EARLIER THIS YEAR THE SOCIETY DECIDED WE NEEDED TO UPGRADE OUR TRAILS, GATES AND STILES. MOST ESPECIALLY WE WANTED TO REPLACE THE GATE LEADING TO THE BC HYDRO FIELD. THIS WOULD IMPROVE ACCESS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY. WHILE LOOKING FOR COST ESTIMATES THE OWNER AND FINE PEOPLE OF WEST COAST CUSTOM GATES GRACIOUSLY OFFERED UP THEIR PRODUCT AND INSTALLATION EXPERTICE - FREE OF CHARGE. ONCE AGAIN, AN ISLAND BUSINESS STEPPED UP, ON THEIR OWN ACCORD AND MADE THE SANCTUARY’S VOLUNTEERS JOB EASIER AND OUR SANCTUARY SAFER. THANK YOU WEST COAST CUSTOM GATE!