Lower Avatar Grove

Avatar Grove Hike – Sunday July 25

On Sunday, July 25, join the Ancient Forest Alliance's forest campaigner + photographer TJ Watt and communications director Brendan Harry to visit the magnificent but endangered “Avatar Grove”. The grove is home to dozens of ancient redcedar trees, many of which are at least 13 feet across, centuries old, and covered in massive alien-shaped burls! Rare old-growth Douglas fir trees, of which 99% of have been logged, are also found in the grove. Avatar Grove is currently flagged for logging despite its potential to become a major tourism destination, the “Cathedral Grove of Port Renfrew”, and important ecological value.

Google Earth Screen Shot - Vancouver Island

New Images of Massive Trees and Giant Stumps on Google Earth

Ancient forest campaigner and photographer TJ Watt has been steadily uploading new shots of BC's biggest trees and most massive stumps to Google Earth, a popular global satellite-imaging program. This allows users around the world to view ancient forest photographs on both Google Earth and Google Maps.

San Juan Spruce tree and the Red Creek Fir - some of the Canada's largest trees found right nearby!

Saving Our Ancient Forests- Slideshow and Talk

Join TJ Watt, Hannah Carpendale and Michelle Connolly from the Ancient Forest Alliance to learn about the ecology and politics of BC's ancient forests and find out how YOU can get involved in the growing movement to save them! Thursday July 29th 7pm-8:30pm Burnaby Public Library, McGill Branch 4595 Albert St. (near Hastings & Willingdon)

Liberal MP Keith Martin stands on top of a massive

MP Martin Continues Push To Expand Park

A federal Liberal member of Parliament is continuing his drive to expand the boundaries of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Dr. Keith Martin, MP for Esquimalt – Juan de Fuca, toured a section of old-growth forest and some clear cuts near Port Renfrew last week with members of the Ancient Forest Alliance.

Tall Tree Festival in Port Renfrew

The Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone at Radio Contact Productions, Bigfish Lodge, Wild Coast Cottages, and Sitka Surfboards for organising such a successful event and so generously supporting the AFA. Thanks, as well, to all the volunteers, the event sponsors, the amazing musicians, and everyone who attended in support of the AFA!

Belly dancing, Beer, and Burger night nets almost $600 for the Ancient Forest Alliance

Another massive THANK YOU is owed to Cindy Bernicot, who organised a very successful night of belly dancing, beer, and burgers in Fort Langley on June 5th. Almost 50 dinner tickets sold for the event and, all told, it raised nearly $600 for the Ancient Forest Alliance. We are extremely grateful for all this support at this crucial early stage of the organisation.

Saanich Bikram’s “Karma Classes” contributes nearly $1000 to the Ancient Forest Alliance

After hosting 7 “Karma Classes” in support of the Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA), Bikram’s Yoga in Saanich (https://www.bikramyogasaanich.com/) mailed a cheque to the AFA for nearly $1000!

2011 Tall Tree Music Festival - Port Renfrew

Tall Tree Fest highlights Island talent

IN CONCERT What: Tall Tree Music Festival When: Friday and Saturday (camping is available) Where: Wild Coast Cottages, 6574 Baird Rd., Port Renfrew Tickets: $70 (weekend pass) at Sitka Surf Shop, McPherson box office, and www.rmts.com Information: talltreefestival.com

Pedal Powered Tour riders Adam Hoogaveen

Big Trees Pedal Powered Tour Completed!

On Sunday, June 6, the numerous cyclists participating in the Big Trees Pedal Powered Tour successfully completed the final leg of their 4 day, 260 kilometre self-propelled journey to see some of the stunning old growth forests of southern Vancouver Island. The trip was organised as a fundraiser and to raise awareness of the pressing need for protection of BC’s endangered forests. As part of their trip, the riders visited many of the biggest trees in Canada, including those found in the spectacular Avatar Grove near Port Renfrew. In recent months, freshly logged stumps measuring 45 feet in circumference have been found in the Gordon River Valley, just over a kilometre from Avatar Grove.

NEW, CONVENIENT PHONE-IN credit card DONATIONS

As a new grassroots organization and with our June 21 deadline to raise $20,000 fast approaching, we are in GREAT need of funding. Per dollar, your support will go farther with us than with virtually any other major environmental organization in the country, allowing us to build a most effective movement for our ancient forests and forestry jobs!