Save French Creek Estuary Land

GBH Fledgling at Pond Deborah Freeman.jpg

Juvenile Heron photo by Deborah Freeman

Help Protect the Viking Way Great Blue Heron Colony &
French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve

Great Blue Heron & Coastal Wildlife Brant Wildlife Festival Event

Berwick Parksville Theatre
Monday, April 13th, 1:30-3:00pm

Featuring . . .
Life in the Nest video, an intimate glimpse into the life of nesting Great Blue Herons in the Viking Way Colony

Coastal Wildlife photography by Deborah Freeman, Marnee Pearce, Randy Findlay & Wayne Duke

Silent Auction contributions from artists, photographers, restaurants & many other community businesses

Adult admission by donation & children are free. Seating first come basis

100% of funds raised supports the

Viking Way Land Acquisition Fundraising Campaign

Click Flyer to View

One hectare of land on Viking Way beside the French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve was partially logged and cleared by a developer within 4.87 metres of a Great Blue Heron colony, exposing nest

trees to peril. Against all odds herons returned emphasizing this breeding site is critical. Of the14

nest sites identified from Nanoose Bay to Deep Bay, only the Viking Way & Deep Bay sites are active.

French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve

The Viking Way 1 ha borders the Nature Preserve and is part of its ecosystem. Its protection is urgent

as without immediate action, the risk of development may harm its biodiversity.

The Nature Preserve is located between Parksville and Qualicum Beach on the east coast of

Vancouver Island and lies within the traditional territory of the Snaw-Naw-As, Qualicum, K'ómoks,

and Snuneymuxw First Nations. Protecting and restoring its natural habitat is essential to retain and enhance the unique biodiversity of this area and ensure its long-term resilience.

The 9.22-hectare Nature Preserve was conserved in 2022 when the BC Parks Foundation led a crowdfunding campaign, and community donors from across BC and beyond generously donated to save it. It's designated as one of Canada's Protected Areas in recognition of its wildlife, their habitat,

and for its biodiversity. Eastern Vancouver Island supports the greatest biological diversity in B.C.

and is critically important for BC's, Canada's, and global biodiversity. (Nature Conservancy of Canada)

Pond and Wetlands

An approximate 8,000 square metre pond lies within the Preserve and provides important habitat for wildlife and plants, some of which are rare or endangered species. It's a critical source of water for species during these times of increasing heat and drought.

There are 10 wetlands in the Preserve classified as red-listed ecosystems at risk of becoming endangered or threatened (BC Conservation Data Centre, 2024).

The 1 ha was partially logged and cleared by the developer within 10 m of the Preserve's pond and wetlands, exposing them to harms from siltation and risks of small wildlife migrating from their pond

and wetland habitats.

DONATE

Be a Hero for the Herons!

Coastal BC supports approximately half the Global Population of

Pacific Great Blue Herons (fannini subspecies). Yet development continues

to threaten their breeding & forage habitat and success as a species.

The Viking Way Heron Colony produced 51 chicks from

2023 - 2025 and is vital to their population.

Heron Colony at Risk

Be a Champion for Nature!

Help Protect the Heron Colony & French Creek Estuary

Nature Preserve

Click to donate

DONATE

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Photo of heron chick & parent in nest by Deborah Freeman.

Click Below to Watch Great Blue Heron Chicks in a Viking Way Nest

Video by Save Estuary Land Society

Save Estuary Land Society
Protecting and Restoring Habitat for Wildlife, Plants & People

HOME NATURE PRESERVE RESTORATION CONTACT US

Juvenile Heron photo by Deborah Freeman

Help Protect the Viking Way Great Blue Heron Colony &
French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve

Click Flyer to View

The Viking Way 1 ha borders the Nature Preserve and is part of its ecosystem. Its protection is urgent

as without immediate action, the risk of development may harm its biodiversity.

The Nature Preserve is located between Parksville and Qualicum Beach on the east coast of

Vancouver Island and lies within the traditional territory of the Snaw-Naw-As, Qualicum, K'ómoks,

and Snuneymuxw First Nations. Protecting and restoring its natural habitat is essential to retain and enhance the unique biodiversity of this area and ensure its long-term resilience.

The 9.22-hectare Nature Preserve was conserved in 2022 when the BC Parks Foundation led a crowdfunding campaign, and community donors from across BC and beyond generously donated to save it. It's designated as one of Canada's Protected Areas in recognition of its wildlife, their habitat,

and for its biodiversity. Eastern Vancouver Island supports the greatest biological diversity in B.C.

and is critically important for BC's, Canada's, and global biodiversity. (Nature Conservancy of Canada)

An approximate 8,000 square metre pond lies within the Preserve and provides important habitat for wildlife and plants, some of which are rare or endangered species. It's a critical source of water for species during these times of increasing heat and drought.

There are 10 wetlands in the Preserve classified as red-listed ecosystems at risk of becoming endangered or threatened (BC Conservation Data Centre, 2024).

The 1 ha was partially logged and cleared by the developer within 10 m of the Preserve's pond and wetlands, exposing them to harms from siltation and risks of small wildlife migrating from their pond

and wetland habitats.

Heron Colony at Risk

Photo of heron chick & parent in nest by Deborah Freeman.

Juvenile Heron photo by Deborah Freeman

Help Protect the Viking Way Great Blue Heron Colony & French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve

Click Flyer to View

The Viking Way 1 ha borders the Nature Preserve and is part of its ecosystem. Its protection is urgent

as without immediate action, the risk of development may harm its biodiversity.

​

The Nature Preserve is located between Parksville and Qualicum Beach on the east coast of

Vancouver Island and lies within the traditional territory of the Snaw-Naw-As, Qualicum, K'ómoks,

and Snuneymuxw First Nations. Protecting and restoring its natural habitat is essential to retain and enhance the unique biodiversity of this area and ensure its long-term resilience.

​

The 9.22-hectare Nature Preserve was conserved in 2022 when the BC Parks Foundation led a crowdfunding campaign, and community donors from across BC and beyond generously donated to save it. It's designated as one of Canada's Protected Areas in recognition of its wildlife, their habitat,

and for its biodiversity. Eastern Vancouver Island supports the greatest biological diversity in B.C.

and is critically important for BC's, Canada's, and global biodiversity. (Nature Conservancy of Canada)

An approximate 8,000 square metre pond lies within the Preserve and provides important habitat for wildlife and plants, some of which are rare or endangered species.​ It's a critical source of water for species during these times of increasing heat and drought.

There are 10 wetlands in the Preserve classified as red-listed ecosystems at risk of becoming endangered or threatened (BC Conservation Data Centre, 2024).

The 1 ha was partially logged and cleared by the developer within 10 m of the Preserve's pond and wetlands, exposing them to harms from siltation and risks of small wildlife migrating from their pond

and wetland habitats.

Heron Colony at Risk

Photo of heron chick & parent in nest by Deborah Freeman.

Help Protect the Viking Way Great Blue Heron Colony &
French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve

An approximate 8,000 square metre pond lies within the Preserve and provides important habitat for wildlife and plants, some of which are rare or endangered species. It's a critical source of water for species during these times of increasing heat and drought.