Entries by TJ Watt

HIKE – SUNDAY, JUNE 10: Avatar Grove Biodiversity Hike and Boardwalk Fundraiser!

University of Victoria entomologist and old-growth biodiversity specialist Dr. Neville Winchester, president of the Victoria Natural History Society Darren Copley (and former Goldstream Nature Centre chief interpreter) and the Royal BC Museum's senior collections manager of entomology Claudia Copley will be along for the hike to talk about the tremendous diversity of creatures living in our incredible ancient forests!

It’s a land of giants in Port Renfrew’s ancient Avatar Grove

“Those candelabra tops are a sign of ancient red cedars,” explains T J Watt, cofounder of the Ancient Forest Alliance, a nonprofit organization that seeks to protect old-growth forests and ensure sustainable forestry jobs in B.C. “When I first saw those tops, I knew instantly we’d found a treasure trove of big trees.”

Vancouver Island circle route: Drink in the wine, the scenery, the air

There is air, there is fresh air, and then there is the brisk, briny, oxygen-thick air that rides in on wild ocean waves.

That's the air you'll breathe when you round the tip of southern Vancouver Island and follow the Pacific Marine Circle Route. This 158-mile scenic drive begins in Victoria, hugs the western coastline to Port Renfrew, then travels across the island to Cowichan Bay before returning to B.C.'s capital.

The Week, May 17

Forest lovers take note: your explorations into B.C.’s wilderness could be easier than ever before, at least if those summer adventures take you to Avatar Grove. Now, a new boardwalk may guide your way.

Boardwalk sought for Avatar Grove

The Ancient Forest Alliance submitted a request to B.C.’s Ministry of Forests to build an official trail and boardwalk in the recently protected Avatar Grove near Port Renfrew on May 7.

TJ Watt, co-founder of the Ancient Forest Alliance, said the boardwalk will protect the ecological integrity of the grove, provide visitor safety and enable people from all walks of life to enjoy the old-growth forest.
 

May 9th – Artists for Ancient Forests – A Silent Auction Benefit for the AFA!

When:  Wednesday, May 9th
Time:  7 to 9pm
Where:  St. James Community Square, 3214 W 10th Ave (at Trutch Street) in Kitsilano

Please join us and invite your family and friends this Wednesday in Kitsilano for some drinks and socializing, a fun presentation, and to see some magnificent art donated by esteemed BC artists, including Mark Hobson, Anne Hansen, Ingrid Koivukangas, and many others as a benefit event for our young organization! We'll also present an entertaining 2 year anniversary slideshow about the AFA – what we've done, and where we're going! We really need your support during this pivotal pre-election year to make a difference for our endangered old-growth forests. See you Wednesday evening 🙂

Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island Forests under Threat by Island Timberlands! *NEW Photo Galleries*

Local activists in nearby communities are doing everything they can to hold off the company from logging nearby endangered forests until the lands can be purchased for protection. They need your help! The Ancient Forest Alliance has recently been touring and photographing these endangered areas to help bolster their campaigns. See the beautiful photo galleries below, learn what makes each area special, and find out who to link up with to help protect them!