From habitat maintenance to fishing or monitoring water quality, there are many ways to volunteer, donate, or promote local nonprofit organizations dedicated to the well-being of Victoria’s lakes and freshwater ecosystems.
Some of these organizations are small, and some of them are big. You should volunteer, donate, or become a member of a couple of them.
Below is a list of non-profit, advocacy, and community organizations working to ensure the conservation, access and vitality of the lakes and watersheds of Victoria, BC. Links to websites and social channels for each organization are provided.
BC Lake Stewardship Society (BCLSS)
“Lake Stewardship, monitoring and education. The BCLSS promotes stewardship and understanding of lakes, reservoirs, and watersheds and provides information, training, and resources to concerned citizens. Our programs empower volunteers throughout BC to take action and steward their local lakes.”
https://www.bclss.org/
Facebook | Twitter
BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF)
“… to protect, enhance and promote the wise use of the environment for the benefit of present and future generations. Ensure public access to recreational and outdoor activities, fish and wildlife resources and Crown land Provide science/fact-based solutions for its members and other stakeholders in B.C.”
https://bcwf.bc.ca/
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Beaver Elk Environmental Stewards (BEES)
We are united with the intent to see the lakes and their environment restored to health. The BEES want Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park to be a special destination for all visitors to Vancouver Island, and a place for safe and sustainable enjoyment for those of us who call Saanich and Greater Victoria home.
Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC
“… to enhance and conserve BC’s freshwater fisheries for public benefit. Working in partnership with government, industry and anglers, our goal is to make fishing in BC even better through the enhancement and conservation of BC’s freshwater fish resources.”
https://www.gofishbc.com/
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Friends of Maltby Lake Watershed Society
“… to conserve the riparian, Garry Oak and coastal Douglas Fir ecosystems, the sensitive flora and fauna therein and the watershed ecosystems draining into and from, Maltby Lake; to educate the public and relevant stakeholders to the importance of this delicate ecological and cultural landscape; and to create wildlife corridors, generate habitat for native species, and to reduce pollution on Vancouver Island for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.”
https://maltbylake.com
Facebook
Friends of Tod Creek Watershed
“… to protect and enhance the integrity and biodiversity of the Tod Creek Watershed.” The Friends of Tod Creek Watershed are a group of local residents that meet regularly to take on stewardship and education projects for the conservation of Tod Creek, Killarney Creek, Durrance Creek; Maltby, Killarney, Prospect, and Durrance Lakes; and Tod Inlet.
https://www.todcreekwatershed.ca/
Facebook
Greater Victoria Greenbelt Society (Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary)
“… to promote the reservation, acquisition and protection, and where necessary the purchase of greenbelt lands, potential parklands and outstanding examples of our natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of all citizens of the Greater Victoria metropolitan area.”
https://www.marylakeconnections.ca/
Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube
Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT)
“… to ensure that natural areas are protected and healthy on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Our mission is to conserve natural areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands through protection, collaboration, stewardship and education.”
https://hat.bc.ca/
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Juan de Fuca Salmon Restoration Society
“… with the objective of drawing together and working towards consensus, salmon enhancement – focused groups and individuals within the area from Sooke Basin to the San Juan River valley. Education and co-operation were identified as key elements of the Society’s objectives as they worked towards enhancement of salmon habitat and stocks.”
https://salmonforsooke.ca/
Facebook
Intermunicipal Advisory Committee on Disability Issues (ICADI)
“… to advocate for people with disabilities and advise the municipal Councils of the West Shore, CRD and beyond on topics that affect the quality of life of citizens with disabilities.”
Invasive Species Council of BC
“… to take action to build healthy landscapes, including habitats and communities, through education and responsible practices to prevent the spread of invasive species.”
https://bcinvasives.ca/
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
Living Lakes Canada
“… to enhance the protection, the restoration, the rehabilitation, and the health of watersheds in B.C. and across Canada. Living Lakes Canada’s science-driven community-based water monitoring, assessment and restoration programs aim to normalize water stewardship and empower Canadians to protect their threatened fresh water resources.”
https://livinglakescanada.ca/
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
North American Lake Management Society (NALMS)
“… to forge partnerships among citizens, scientists, and professionals to foster the management and protection of lakes and reservoirs for today and tomorrow. NALMS is not focused on professionals, academic researchers, or any smaller interest group alone. Rather NALMS is a melting pot, welcoming anyone interested in lakes.”
https://www.nalms.org
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
Peninsula Streams Society (PSS)
“… to coordinate restoration and habitat conservation projects throughout Greater Victoria. Our goal is to build healthy aquatic habitat that supports self-sustaining populations of native species in both freshwater and marine environments.”
https://peninsulastreams.ca/
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Prior Lake Naturists Preservation Committee (PLNPC)
“The Prior Lake Naturist Preservation Committee (PLNPC) is not an official, registered ‘charity, rather simply a group of organized ‘lake users’ with a common interest. We are a diverse, yet close-knit ‘committee’ of individuals, couples and families that have naturism as one of their recreational interests.”
https://priorlake.wordpress.com/
Email
Propsect Lake Preservation Society
“… to protect the long term health and recreational quality of Prospect Lake. We wish to ensure the enjoyment of the lake by the public and residents in perpetuity.”
Pulling Together
An initiative of the government of Saanich – volunteers for invasive plants management and habitat restoration.
Shawnigan Basin Society
“… to protect and secure the long-term health and safety of the Shawnigan Lake Community Watershed and the drinking water it provides. We work to promote a holistic approach toward environmental solutions, community engagement, and local stewardship.”
https://www.shawniganbasinsociety.org/
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Sierra Club BC
“… to support people stewarding abundant ecosystems and a stable climate, while building resilient, equitable communities. We advocate for a rapid shift away from fossil fuels to a low carbon, equitable economy.”
https://sierraclub.bc.ca/
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
South Islands Aquatic Stewardship Society
“… to conserve, restore, protect and actively participate in managing aquatic ecosystems in the Region; to develop partnerships between all concerned with the restoration, conservation, protection and management of aquatic ecosystems in the region; to educate and empower the local community to exercise responsible aquatic stewardship, management and renewal of aquatic ecosystems in the Region…”
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary
“… to conserve and restore Nature Sanctuary lands and waters while inspiring stewardship through community engagement and collaboration. Foster community appreciation and respect for natural systems and the knowledge and skills to act responsibly to benefit the environment and future life.”
https://www.swanlake.bc.ca/
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
The Land Conservancy of BC (TLC)
“… to protect and restore the biological diversity of British Columbia for present and future generations through action and education. TLC envisions a future where the biological diversity of BC, including areas of scientific, historical, cultural, scenic and compatible outdoor recreational value, are protected for the benefit of current and future generations.”
http://conservancy.bc.ca/
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Thetis Lake Nature Sanctuary
“… established in 1957 to administer the nature sanctuary at Thetis Lake. The Association’s aims were to preserve the native species of the area; to reintroduce those lost; to clear out broom and thistle; and to keep in check those species that are overcrowding others so that a unique natural area may be established for all time.”
Victoria Fish and Game Protective Association (VFGPA)
“… to provide facilities for, and to promote, safe competitive sport, and recreational shooting, fishing, and hunting, while supporting the conservation of British Columbia’s natural resources as part of our Canadian heritage. Our vision is for all residents of southern Vancouver Island to be proud to safely enjoy shooting sports and other outdoor activities as a family pastime, and to be actively involved with the stewardship of the great outdoors.”
Victoria Golden Rods & Reels – Fishing and Social Club
“… to encourage people to enjoy outdoor recreation; to make all residents aware of the value of all fish, wildlife, and outdoor recreational resources of the province; to arouse in the public conscience a recognition of, and respect for, the place of fish, wildlife and recreation in the wise and integrated use of natural resources of the province; to promote true appreciation of sportsmanship and sports safety in the light of fish and wildlife regulations and all the fair and accepted rules of fishing and to encourage goodwill between sportsmen, outdoor recreationalists and landowners.
https://goldenrodsandreels.com/
Forum | YouTube
Victoria Natural History Society (VNHS)
“… to stimulate active interest in natural history; to study and protect flora and fauna and their habitats; to work with other societies and like bodies having interests in common with this Society. VNHS offers many field trips and presentations for its members. The VNHS formed in 1944 and is a volunteer-run organization.”
http://www.vicnhs.bc.ca/
Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
Westcoast Fly Fishers Association
“WFA is a non-profit organization founded in 2002, dedicated to the camaraderie and the pursuit of happiness through the art of fly fishing. We are based out of Sooke, BC on Vancouver Island. We host monthly meetings and plan fishout sessions throughout southern island.”
https://westcoastflyfishers.ca/
Email
Is there another organization that should be added to this list? Email us at info@secretlakes.ca and we’ll add it.