Do you love birds and care about their protection?
The Friends of Shoal Harbour Do!
The Friends of Shoal Harbour Society (FOSH) is a citizens initiative dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary (SHMBS). To achieve its mission, FOSH engages with the federal government and the two adjacent municipalities of the District of North Saanich and the Town of Sidney. It also conducts outreach programs for school groups and the general public.
The sanctuary was established in 1931 to protect the large number and variety of visiting and resident birds. It is situated on the east side of the Saanich Peninsula approximately 30kms north of the City of Victoria on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.
Your support is greatly appreciated. See how you can help us!
Territory and Nation Acknowledgement
FOSH supports and respects the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples history, values and future. We recognize that by acknowledging W̱SÁNEĆ territory, people and history we are acknowledging the W̱SÁNEĆ as caretakers of the forests, streams, beaches of the surrounding lands and waters. We respect the W̱SÁNEĆ people for helping us find a way forward that creates healthy communities and ecosystems.
Who We Are
A group of citizens formed the Friends of Shoal Harbour in 2011 after an initiative between the Town of Sidney and the District of North Saanich to develop a joint stewardship program for the Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary collapsed. One of their first actions was to commission a research project through the Environmental Law Clinic at the University of Victoria to investigate the legal and administrative circumstances affecting the sanctuary.
What We Do
The Friends of Shoal Harbour use a variety of strategies and methods to achieve greater protection and restoration of the Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary. They have: championed a bioregional framework to guide the updating of Official Community Plans; fought for stronger regulations over illegal moorage and abandoned vessels as well as for their removal; hosted informative public events such as the fall All Buffleheads Day and the spring Bird Walk and Tea; spoken out vigorously in defense of migratory birds and the sanctuary when they are threatened by development and inappropriate uses.
How You Can Help
The Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary needs your help. So does the Friends of Shoal Harbour!
We rely solely on the help of passionate volunteers dedicated to the protection and restoration of this precious area and the amazing bird species that reside and visit the region.
News & Events
FOSH hosts and participates in a variety of different community activities, educational opportunities, nature outings and public events.
Presentation to the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans Re: Derelict and Abandoned Vessels
““Around the world, bird populations, particularly those of migratory birds, are declining dramatically. It is therefore imperative that we act now to protect those species that depend on the critical habitat like that provided by the Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary.”
~ Bob Peart, Chair, Friends of Shoal Harbour
GET INVOLVED
The Friends of Shoal Harbour are always looking to connect with members of our community to build up our team of volunteers. Consider attending one of our events, volunteering to help out on a project, join us in community outreach, or become a member of our Board of Directors.
