Christmas Bird Count - Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation

Our Blog

Thu, 8 Dec 2016

Christmas Bird Count

‘Tis the season for the Christmas Bird Count, and Bird Studies Canada is hosting an event especially designed for young birders.

The Ladner Christmas Bird Count for Kids will take place this Saturday at the Reifel Bird Sanctuary in Delta, BC. Full detail are available here. Not in Delta? Visit Bird Studies Canada’s website to see if there’s another Christmas Bird Count event happening near you!

habitatconservationtrust

539

View Instagram post by habitatconservationtrust

Open post by habitatconservationtrust with ID 17860571274488304

Did you know that caribou are among the most migratory land animals in North America? Some herds travel huge distances each year across rugged landscapes in search of food and suitable breeding grounds. Caribou populations are vital to northern ecosystems, but many herds are currently under threat from habitat loss, climate change, and human activity. HCTF is proud to help support the recovery of caribou habitat through the Caribou Habitat Restoration Fund (CHRF). Let’s work together to protect BC’s caribou and the landscapes they call home. 🌲 Learn more about the CHRF and get involved today! 📷 Project 7-475

View Instagram post by habitatconservationtrust

Open post by habitatconservationtrust with ID 18074421701209705

Temperatures may be falling but that doesn't mean the field work stops! While many of us are cozying up indoors, conservation teams across BC are still out in the snow, collecting data, monitoring wildlife, and keeping long-term projects moving forward. From tracking overwintering species to measuring stream health under ice, winter field work gives us crucial insights into how ecosystems function year-round, helping guide the science-based decisions that shape conservation in BC. A huge shout-out to the biologists, technicians, community partners, and project leaders who bundle up, head out, and make these projects possible. Your dedication supports healthier wildlife and more resilient habitats for future generations. 📷 Project 6-299

View Instagram post by habitatconservationtrust

Open post by habitatconservationtrust with ID 18147338422434002

Happy Giving Tuesday from HCTF! Today’s a great reminder that every act of giving, big or small, monetary or otherwise, helps protect the wild places and wildlife that make British Columbia extraordinary. Whether it’s donating funds or donating your time, every contribution supports healthier habitats, stronger stewardship, and long-term conservation success across the province. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back today, consider supporting conservation efforts in your community. You can donate directly to HCTF at hctf.ca/donate or explore local organizations working hard to keep BC’s ecosystems thriving. 📷 Michael Schumacher

View Instagram post by habitatconservationtrust

Open post by habitatconservationtrust with ID 18099921817693900

Scholarship Student Highlight: Danny McNeil-Wilmott Danny is one of this year’s Together for Wildlife Scholarship Recipients Danny is a Doctorate student currently studying with the University of Northern British Columbia. Their work in partnership with Williams Lake First Nation, is examining how the reintroduction of cultural burning practices can help minimize the effects of historical changes have on the area. This project seeks to understand how fire stewardship can restore habitat networks and biodiversity, while also ensuring the T’exelcemc people are able to maintain culturally important practices. The Together for Wildlife scholarship is awarded annually by HCTF in partnership with the First Nations-B.C. Wildlife & Habitat Conservation Forum and the Province of British Columbia’s Together for Wildlife Strategy (T4W) to 10 masters and Ph.D. candidates conducting research that will have a positive impact on stewardship, management, policy, or decision-making of wildlife in BC. This scholarship aims to support reconciliation and collaboration, diversity of perspectives, and building community among Indigenous communities and rural areas of BC.

View Instagram post by habitatconservationtrust

Open post by habitatconservationtrust with ID 18079446286917440

Colourful patterns aren’t just for the birds! Fish also have a wide variety of patterns and colours, they’re just a little harder to see being in the water and everything! While most people know about the vibrant red colours of spawning salmon, lots of other freshwater fish in BC have vibrant and beautiful colour patterns! From rainbow and brook trout, to bluegills and even graylings (despite the name), the freshwater fish of BC put on a dazzling display! 📷 (UNKNOWN),(8-466),(Fernando Lessa),(3-193 ),( D. GASCHERMANN)

View Instagram post by habitatconservationtrust

Open post by habitatconservationtrust with ID 17884519365407113

Here’s a cool thing you might not know: a big chunk of HCTF’s conservation funding comes from the conservation surcharge on B.C.’s freshwater fishing, hunting, trapping, and guide outfitting licences. For freshwater fishing licences, 100% of what you pay stays right here in B.C. The conservation surcharge goes to HCTF, and the fee portion supports the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. It’s a win–win for the outdoors. Those surcharges add up to support hundreds of conservation projects across the province stream restoration, wildlife research, habitat protection, and so much more. If you’re gearing up for your next adventure, you can grab your Freshwater Fishing licence or BC resident hunting licence online through the B.C. Government’s e-licensing system. And when you do, you’re directly supporting conservation where it matters most. 🏞️💚 📸1-809 - Danny Swainson

View Instagram post by habitatconservationtrust

Open post by habitatconservationtrust with ID 17940029252966214

Our waterways are vital to the overall health of the ecosystem in BC. From alpine streams to winding valleys, our waterways connect everything transporting nutrients, shaping habitats, and sustaining countless species. Salmon return to these rivers to spawn, feeding forests and wildlife alike. Beavers, bears, birds, and even the smallest insects depend on healthy riparian zones for food, water, and shelter. When our rivers thrive, so does the land around them. 💧 That’s why HCTF supports projects across BC that protect and restore waterways, from improving fish passage to restoring streambanks and enhancing wetlands. These efforts ensure that future generations can enjoy clean water, thriving wildlife, and resilient ecosystems. #ConservationInAction #HealthyHabitats #WatershedWednesday #BiodiversityBC #HabitatConservationTrust #KeepBCWild #WildlifeConservation #CleanWater #EcosystemHealth

View Instagram post by habitatconservationtrust

Open post by habitatconservationtrust with ID 17863669713515535

The Rainbow Trout is one of BC’s most iconic freshwater fish and a favourite among anglers across the province! 🎣 Found in rivers, lakes, and streams from the Coast to the Kootenays, rainbow trout are known for their vibrant colours and impressive fight on the line. 🌈 Through HCTF-funded habitat restoration and fish research, we’re helping ensure these waters and the trout that call them home remain healthy for generations of anglers to come. 💧 📷 Project 2-736 #BCWildlife #FreshwaterFish #RainbowTrout #HabitatConservationTrust #FishingBC #ConservationInAction