Canada's Gnarliest Tree in Avatar Grove

Protection of Avatar Grove will boost tourism

On Feb. 16, Steve Thomson, Minister for the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, announced that all of Avatar Grove is now protected from harvesting.

AFA supports Avatar Grove’s protection, calls for provincial old-growth plan

Today's announcement by the BC government to legally prohibit logging of the Avatar Grove by including it in 59.4 hectares of Old-Growth Management Areas was met with happiness by the Ancient Forest Alliance, the BC environmental group that found and popularized the monumental stand of valley-bottom ancient redcedars and Douglas fir near Port Renfrew two years ago.

The horsehair lichen – which Hansen says resembles Kock's beard – will be known as Bryoria kockiana.

Media Release: “New Species Conservation Auction” closes with renowned BC artist Anne Hansen Winning Bid

Hansen won the naming rights to a newly discovered species of lichen from BC’s inland rainforest, which she plans to name in honour of her late husband. Proceeds from the auction will go to the Ancient Forest Alliance, a new non-profit organization working to protect BC’s old-growth forests and forestry jobs.

Naming rights for this new species of Bryoria or “Horsehair Lichen”

“New Species Conservation Auction” – Unique Conservation Fundraiser to help counter the Biodiversity Crisis, closes this Thursday

A public auction for the naming rights to a recently discovered species of lichen in British Columbia’s  temperate rainforest will close at 3 pm EST on Thursday, December 15.  The new species was discovered by botanical researcher Trevor Goward, the curator of lichens at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum at the University of British Columbia. Funds from the highest bidder will benefit the Ancient Forest Alliance!

Hul'qumi'num Chief Treaty Negotiator Robert Morales and and HTG Executive Assistant Rosanne Daniels under the mossy maples.

Media Release: Canada’s Mossiest Rainforest

Unlike other spotlighted old-growth forests in British Columbia that have all been “coniferous” or needle-leaf trees (fir, cedar, spruce, etc.), this is an old-growth “deciduous” or broad-leaf forest. The “Mossy Maple Rainforest” is found near Cowichan Lake on southern Vancouver Island in Hul’qumi’num First Nations territory.

Columbia Blacktail Deer

Old-Growth Logging of Forest Lands Formerly Intended for Protection on Vancouver Island Threatens Deer Winter Range and Endangered Goshawk Habitat

Conservationists are calling on the BC government to protect a 500 hectare tract of old-growth forest near Port Alberni that biologists have classified as both critical habitat for wintering deer and nesting endangered Queen Charlotte goshawks. Conservationists would like the BC government to purchase the forest on private land on McLaughlin Ridge from Island Timberlands.

Conservationists call for the Protection of Endangered Ecosystems on Department of National Defence (DND) Lands

Ancient Forest Alliance worries about potential sell-off of unused DND lands for real estate development and calls for federal government to let Canadian Wildlife Service, Parks Canada, the provinces, regional districts, and First Nations protect unused DND lands.

This label will be coming to a liquor store near you next month

Ancient Forest Alliance wins Benefit Brew competition of Phillips Beer

The Ancient Forest Alliance is the winner of an online voting competition to become the recipient of a new benefit microbrew beer made by local Victoria company, Phillips Beer. �Ancient Brown Ale� will be the new microbrew beer to be released next month into select private liquor stores, with full sales proceeds going to the Ancient Forest Alliance.

MP Keith Martin stands in front of "Canada's Gnarliest Tree" in the endangered Upper Avatar Grove.

On National Tree Day the Ancient Forest Alliance calls for a “Provincial Heritage Trees Designation” to Protect Canada’s Largest and Oldest Trees

Such a designation would protect the largest, oldest, and most unique trees of each species, as well as the most magnificent monumental stands of old-growth trees in the province.

An opening screenshot of the new word puzzle game now available at www.Wordraiser.com to help raise awareness and funds for the AFA!

New Company Develops Online Games for a Better World

Fuelled by a desire to make a difference, a Victoria, B.C. company is out to create a new way for charities and non-profit organizations to raise funds. Donate2Play Media creates fun social games for charities. Through the incorporation of fun facts, compelling imagery and the viral nature of social media, Donate2Play provides a novel and lucrative fundraising channel for charities of all varieties.