iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Meet BC's newest protected area: Mia-yaltwa Ha'lidzogm hoon (Me-ah-yall-twa Ha-lee-joh-gom hOH-own), the Realm of the Salmon. 🐟 6,700 km² of ancient reefs, kelp forests, and whale habitat jointly protected by six First Nations, BC, and Canada. Read more here: shorturl.at/wZOtX

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

We had the honour of celebrating the launch of Critical Distance at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria! Critical Distance is an immersive experience that brings audiences into the world of orcas living in the Salish Sea. Learn more about efforts to protect SRKW habitat here: ow.ly/gmZ950YoUEE

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

📢 80+ civil society leaders from faith, labour, enviro, legal, academic & arts communities are standing together for human rights and reconciliation – calling on #BCgov to recommit to implementing not amending #DRIPA Read the statement 👉 www.wcel.org/DeclarationAct #bcpoli #IndigenousRights

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

📣 LAST CALL! Jan 31st is the deadline to apply for our free youth conservation program! Youth ages 18-30, jump on this unique opportunity to impact conservation policy in BC! Visit our website for full details: cpawsbc.org/take-action/our-young-l…

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Youth leadership is vital for climate action and nature protection — and that’s why we’re investing in the next generation of young leaders! Apply to our free youth conservation program by Jan 31: cpawsbc.org/take-action/our-young-l…

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

🌱 We’re hiring an IPCA Coordinator If you care deeply about Indigenous-led conservation, value relationships and collaboration, and are adaptable, thoughtful, and creative, this role might be for you. 🔗 Full details + how to apply — cpawsbc.org/about-us/career-opportu…

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

✨ We’re hiring a Youth Engagement Coordinator If you’re action-oriented, creative, strong in project management, and passionate about uplifting youth voices, this could be the role for you. 🔗 Learn more + apply — cpawsbc.org/about-us/career-opportu…

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Are you 18+, live in the Okanagan, and passionate about art & environmental advocacy? Artvocacy supports emerging artists to develop original work and showcase it publicly – inviting community members and local decision-makers into dialogue. Apply here: forms.gle/M2LK7k84kmLvxcAz6

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Ált'ka7tsem/Howe Sound's unique glass sponge reefs are home to amazing wildlife. And they're just minutes away from downtown Vancouver! Here is some of the marine life found near the Collingwood Channel marine refuge. cpawsbc.org/learn/howe-sound-glass-… 🌎

A map of Collingwood Channel glass sponge reef marine refuge with icons of marine wildlife

A Pacific sanddab blending into a sandy ocean floor with mottled brown and tan coloration.
Photo by: Gregory C. Jensen (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Pacific sanddabs are excellent at camouflaging. They can change their color and pattern to match their surrounding sandy or muddy habitats.

A kelp greenling, a fish coloured with intricate patterns of red and brown, rests near rocks
Photo by: Hewittdoesit (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Kelp greenlings have a unique mating behavior where males attempt to fertilize eggs in the nests of males other than their own.

A striped surfperch, a fish with iridescent blur stripes along its body, rests near the ocean floor
Photo by: Justin Chan (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Female striped surfperch can produce anywhere between 11 and 92 live young each year.

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

Ált'ka7tsem/Howe Sound's unique glass sponge reefs are home to amazing wildlife. And they're just minutes away from downtown Vancouver! Here is some of the marine life found near the Carmelo Point marine refuge. cpawsbc.org/learn/howe-sound-glass-… 🌎

A map of Langdale and Mariner's Rest glass sponge reef marine refuges with icons of marine wildlife around them

A shiner surfperch, coloured green with darker stripes, swims in dark water.
Photo by: Shelby Connelly (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: During breeding season, males turn almost all black, covering their shiny stripes.

The head of rock sole, a flatfish with two bulbous eyes right side of its head, blending in with sandy seafloor.
Photo by: Justin Chan (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Young rock sole live in shallow waters and move deeper as they get larger. They are are slow-growing fish and can live for over 20 years!

A Pacific sanddab, a flatfish with speckled brown colouration, blends into the muddy seafloor.
Photo by: Gregory C. Jensen (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Unlike many other flatfish, Pacific sanddabs are “left-eyed” instead of right-eyed, meaning both of their eyes are on the left side of their body.

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Ált'ka7tsem/Howe Sound's unique glass sponge reefs are home to amazing wildlife. And they're just minutes away from downtown Vancouver! Here is some of the marine life found near the Carmelo Point marine refuge. cpawsbc.org/learn/howe-sound-glass-… 🌎

A map of Carmelo Point glass sponge reef marine refuge with icons of marine wildlife

A whitespotted greenling, speckled brown, grey and white, rests on the sea floor.
Photo by: Hewittdoesit (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: After laying eggs, the females will leave while the males stay and protect the fertilized eggs from predators.

A decorated war bonnet, with branched cirri on its head, pokes its head out from behind cover.
Photo by: dougcoutts (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: This fish’s head decoration or “war bonnet” is known as a cirri, and helps with camouflage and luring prey or mates.

A spiny dogfish, a small gray shark, swims close to sandy ocean floor.
Photo by: Hewittdoesit (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Spiny dogfish have two venomous spines to use as a defense against predators. These spines are located in front of each dorsal fin.

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

Ált'ka7tsem/Howe Sound's unique glass sponge reefs are home to amazing wildlife. And they're just minutes away from downtown Vancouver! Here is some of the marine life found near the Bowyer Island marine refuge. cpawsbc.org/learn/howe-s... 🌎

A map of Bowyer Island marine refuge with icons of marine life around it

2 redstripe rockfish swim along the bottom of the sea
Photo by: Jackson W.F. Chu (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Redstripe rockfish spend their first 3-12 months as free-swimming pelagic larvae before settling to the bottom as juveniles.

A cookie star, coloured orange with 5 stubby arms
Photo by: Sara Thiebaud (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Cookie stars get their name from the granular bumpy structures covering their bodies that give them a doughy texture.

An Alaska pollock, coloured light grey with splotches of red, swims along the ocean floor.
Photo by: Katherine Panfilova (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Younger pollock live in the mid-water region of the ocean. But as they get older (age 5 and up) they will typically dwell near the ocean floor.

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Ált'ka7tsem/Howe Sound's unique glass sponge reefs are home to amazing wildlife. And they're just minutes away from downtown Vancouver! Here is some of the marine life found near the Lost Reef marine refuge. cpawsbc.org/learn/howe-s... 🌎

A map of Lost Reef glass sponge reef marine refuge with icons of marine life around it

A freckled dorid, a white sea slug wiuth plumes coming out of the top if its body crawls on the sea floor
Photo by: imcote (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: These sea slugs have razor-sharp "teeth" on their tongue, called radula, which they use to feed on prey.

An English sole, a brown flatfish with white speckles and eyes on the right side of its head, sits on the sea floor
Photo by: Shelby Connelly (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: English soles can live up to 22 years, with female soles living about 4 years longer than male.

A blood star, a bright red starfish, sits on a rock
Photo by: Erica (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Despite the blood star’s bright red color, they don't actually have blood. Instead, they use seawater to circulate nutrients and oxygen.

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Ált'ka7tsem/Howe Sound's unique glass sponge reefs are home to amazing wildlife. And they're just minutes away from downtown Vancouver! Here is some of the marine life found near the Anvil Island marine refuge. cpawsbc.org/learn/howe-s... 🌎

A map of Anvil Island glass sponge reef marine refuge with icons of marine wildlife around it

A slender sole, a pale coloured flatfish speckled with pink and brown, lies flat on the sea floor.
Photo by: Gregory C. Jensen (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Slender sole are the only species in their genus known for being highly tolerant of incredibly low oxygen levels.

A stubby squid, coloured dark red with large iridescent eyes, sits on the seafloor.
Photo by: Justin Chan (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Stubby squid are nocturnal hunters and often spend their days buried in the sand, leaving only their eyes exposed.

A spot prawn, a pale pink shrimp with shite spots on its abdomen and stripes on its legs, crawls on the sea floor.
Photo by: Justin Chan (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Spot prawns begin life as a males but towards the end of their lives, change sex to become females.

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

Ált'ka7tsem/Howe Sound's unique glass sponge reefs are home to amazing wildlife. And they're just minutes away from downtown Vancouver! Here is some of the marine life found near the East Defence Islands marine refuge. cpawsbc.org/learn/howe-s... 🌎

A map of East Defence Islands glass sponge reef marine refuge with icons of marine wildlife around it

A green striped rockfish, coloured white with pale green horizontal stripes, swims in front of a glass sponge.
Photo by: Neil McDaniel (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Greenstriped rockfish have venom glands in the spines of the dorsal, anal and pelvic fins to protect themselves from predators.

A yellowtail rockfish, coloured pale yellow with brown patches, swims by rocks on the seafloor.
Photo by: Daniella LoScerbo (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Yellowtail rockfish can release gas from their swimbladder. This means that when they are caught from the deep they are able to avoid the barotrauma that would be fatal to other rockfishes.

A feather duster worm, with white branched tentacles coming out of its stalk, is attached to the ocean floor.
Photo by: Neil McDaniel (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Featherduster worms use their highly-branched tentacles for breathing and filter feeding small particles of food drifting in the water currents.

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Vancouver's new @thepwhl.com team, the @pwhlgoldeneyes.bsky.social, play their first home game this weekend! After featuring the males last time, we're now showcasing the females! Learn how people are working to protect their habitat: cpawsbc.org/campaign/gre...

Images of a female Barrow's goldeneye and a female common goldeneye, both pale coloured ducks with dark brown heads.
Photos by: Pacific Southwest Region USFWS from Sacramento, US, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons and Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK (CC BY 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Text: Female goldeneyes have brown heads and paler colours — better for camouflage when sitting on eggs and young ducklings.

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

Ált'ka7tsem/Howe Sound's unique glass sponge reefs are home to amazing wildlife. And they're just minutes away from downtown Vancouver! Here is some of the marine life found near the Halkett Point marine refuge. cpawsbc.org/learn/howe-s... 🌎

A map of Halkett Point glass sponge reef marine refuge with icons of marine wildlife around it

A longhorn decorator crab, coloured orange and covered in gray organic matter, hides in a glass sponge.
Photo by: Sarah Thiebaud (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Longhorn decorator crabs “decorate” their shells with living anemones and sponges to act as camouflage and make themselves less appealing to eat.

A hand holds up a pink shrimp to the sky
Photo by: laude Nozères (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Pink shrimp are found mainly in nothern waters. Locally, they are found chiefly in inlets, probably because water temperatures tend to be lower there.

A spony scallop has gray coloured sponges growing on it
Photo by: imcote (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Spiny scallops have a symbiotic relationship with the sponges that grow on their shells. The sponges get a place to live and protect the scallop from predators by giving it a bad taste.

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Vancouver's new @thepwhl.com team, the @pwhlgoldeneyes.bsky.social, play their first game this weekend! BC is home to two species of goldeneye ducks — the common and the Barrow's. The males can be told part by the white patches on their faces.

A common goldeneye, a black and white duck with iridescent green head, swims on the water.
Photo by: Stefan Berndtsson (CC BY 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Text: Males have a circle shaped patch on their face
Unlike many diving ducks, common goldeneyes only need to run or “patter” a short 3 to 6 feet across the water before taking off.

A Barrow's goldeneye, a black and white duck with iridescent purple head, swims on the water.
Photo by: DickDaniels (CC BY-SA 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Text: Males have a teardrop shaped patch on their face
Barrow’s goldeneyes sometimes congregate near the coast during the early spring herring spawn before migrating inland.

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

Ált'ka7tsem/Howe Sound's unique glass sponge reefs are home to amazing wildlife. And they're just minutes away from downtown Vancouver! Here is some of the marine life found near the Alberta Bay marine refuge. cpawsbc.org/learn/howe-s... 🌎

A map of the Alberta Bay glass sponge reef marine refuge with icons of ocean wildlife

A sunflower sea star, coloured orange and brown with many arms radiating from its body, sits on the rocky ocean floor.
Photo by: Brian (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Once common, their numbers have decreased greatly due to sea star wasting disease and warmer water temperatures caused by global climate change.

A squat lobster, colured in bright light and pink hues with small pincers, sits in the opening of a sponge.
Photo by: Rachel Munger (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: With their flattened bodies, squat lobsters hide from predators in the crevices of sponges. Their long claws allow them to feed from the safety of these hiding places.

A California sea cucumber, coloured red and light brown with spikes protruding from its body, uses its tube feet to crawl on the rocky sea floor.
Photo by: imcote (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: The California sea cucumber’s “spikes” are not very useful for defence since they are soft.

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

Just like the Little Brown Bat, Scorpios are mysterious, determined, and passionate (about eating mosquitoes?). Join us in calling on the BC government to protect habitat for species at risk like the Little Brown Bat by visiting besthope.ca. 🌎

A little brown bat hangs upside down from a branch
Text: Scorpio is the little brown bat

A little brown bat hangs upside down in a cave
Text: Little Brown Bats, also known as Little Brown Myotis, live all across BC - from coastal rainforests to interior grasslands.
They really are very little! Adults weigh only 8 grams and are about 9 cm tall.
These bats feed at dawn and dusk. They use echolocation to hunt. They find their prey by emitting sound waves that bounce off their prey, helping the bats zero in on their location.

A close up of the very furry face of a little brown bat
Text: Unfortunately the little brown bat is considered a species at risk in BC.
The biggest threats to the little brown bat are habitat loss and a disease called white nose syndrome, which disrupts their winter hibernation.
These bats need habitat like caves and healthy forests to roost and hibernate in without being disturbed.
Habitat protection is essential to their survival. Join us in calling on the BC government to protect habitat for species at risk like the Little Brown Bat.

A meme showing:
Me: "if you need me call me"
Also me: do not disturb mode, mute and a sleeping bat pictures
Text: Protecting healthy habitats is one of the most effective ways to help the Little Brown Bat
Support protecting 30% of lands and waters in BC by visiting besthope.ca

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

Ált'ka7tsem/Howe Sound's unique glass sponge reefs are home to amazing wildlife. And they're just minutes away from downtown Vancouver! Here is some of the marine life found near the Brunswick Point marine refuge. cpawsbc.org/learn/howe-s... 🌎

A map of Brunswick Point marine refuge with icons of marine wildlife

A Pacific dover sole lies flat on its side, camouflaged with gray and brown colours on the sea floor.
Photo by: Sarah Thiebaud (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Pacific dover sole are also known as “slime” or “slippery” sole because they excrete mucous that makes them difficult to hold.

A Dungeness crab, coloured grey with orange highlights, walks on the rocky sea floor.
Photo by: Justin Chan (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Dungeness crabs thrive in colder waters, making BC a great fishing area, and the species the most important crab harvested in the province.

A sharpchin rockfish, coloured pink with dark red stripes, swims along the muddy sea floor.
Photo by: Jackson W.F. Chu (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Sharpchin rockfish are named for the distinct knob at the tip of their lower jaw.

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

Three new marine refuges are protecting the Great Bear Sea! 🌊💙 🐟 G̱aw Ḵáahlii & X̲aana K̲aahlii Marine Refuges in Haida Gwaii 🪸 Banks Marine Refuge near Lax k’naga Sts’ool (Banks Island), south of Prince Rupert 🌎

Rockfish swim around a kelp forest
Text: More Indigenous-led Conservation in the Great Bear Sea!
Marine refuges created in Haida and Gitxaała territroies.

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

Ált'ka7tsem/Howe Sound's unique glass sponge reefs are home to amazing wildlife. And they're just minutes away from downtown Vancouver! Here is some of the marine life found near the Dorman Point marine refuge. cpawsbc.org/learn/howe-s... 🌎

A map of Lions Bay and Kelvin Grove marine refuges with icons of marine wildlife

A lingcod, a long fish speckled with brown spots and with a bright yellow eye rests on the rocks of the sea floor.
Photo by: Sarah Thiebaud (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Lingcod use their 18 large canine like teeth to feed on nearly anything they can fit in their mouths.

A spiny lithode crab, coloured red with spiky hairs of all over its body, crawls out of pale white coloured glass sponge.
Photo by: Rachel Munger (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: The spiny lithode crab is covered in spines tipped with hairs, making it look both spiky and furry.

A northern ronquil, a long fish speckled dark and light gray swims on the sea floor.
Photo by: Rachel Munger (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: While common, northern ronquils are rarely observed as they seem to stay in their rocky, hidden homes.

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

Ált'ka7tsem/Howe Sound's unique glass sponge reefs are home to amazing wildlife. And they're just minutes away from downtown Vancouver! Here is some of the marine life found near the Dorman Point marine refuge. cpawsbc.org/learn/howe-s... 🌎

A map showing the Dorman Point glass sponge reef marine refuge with icons of 4 marine creatures

A picture of a Pacific halibut, a flat fish speckled brown, lying on the seafloor.
Photo by: Jackson W.F. Chu (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: When halibut are born, they have one eye on each side of their face. As they grow older, the left eye moves to the right side.

A great white dorid, a white marine invertebrate with bumps on its skin crawls on rocks underwater.
Photo by: saraellison (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: The giant white dorid is a species of sea slug or nudibranch. The fluffy plumes on its back are its retractable gills.

A vermillion star, a bright orange coloured sea star, lies on rocks underwater
Photo by: Justin Chan (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Vermillion stars can move as fast as 40 cm per minute, which is pretty fast for a sea star.

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

Passionate about ocean conservation? Join the CPAWS-BC Team! We’re seeking a Conservation Campaigner, Ocean Program to lead advocacy efforts for marine protection in BC. cpawsbc.org/.../2025.10-....

A humpback whale breaches out of ocean water
Text: We're Hiring!
Conservation Campaigner - Ocean Team
Apply at cpawsbc.org

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

We collaborate and support Indigenous-led conservation:

Infographic text:
We collaborate with scientists and community partners to study the benefits, opportunities, and impacts of protected areas
We support Indigenous-led conservation by providing capacity on projects, amplifying announcements, and raising awareness about the need to support Indigenous-led initiatives with governments and the public
Background image of a river flowing through a forest

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

We inspire and work with partners:

Infographic text:
We inspire people to actively engage in conservation by participating in public consultations and advocating for strong protections
We work with conservation partners and communities to identify new priority areas and appropriate tools needed for protection measures
Background image of tree trunks and forest floor

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

CPAWS-BC works to protect wilderness in every corner of BC and deep in to the ocean. But what exactly do we do here? Scroll through the thread to learn more 🧵⬇️ 🌎

Infographic text:
What does CPAWS-BC do?
We work to protect wilderness in every corner of British Columbia and deep into the ocean.
We support the creation of large, well-managed, connected protected areas where native plants and animals thrive, now and forever; and where people and communities can live off the land and ocean without impacting the ability of future generations to do the same.
Background image of mountainous forest

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

Ált'ka7tsem/Howe Sound's unique glass sponge reefs are home to amazing wildlife. And they're just minutes away from downtown Vancouver! Here is some of the marine life found near the Howe Sound - Queen Charlotte Channel marine refuge. cpawsbc.org/learn/howe-s... 🌎

A map showing the Howe Sound - Queen Charlotte Channel glass sponge reef marine refuge with icons of 3 fish

A shortspine thornyhead, coloured red and sharp spines on its fins.
Photo by: Neil McDaniel, (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Shortspine thornyhead grow slowly and have long lives of possibly up to 80 or 100 years. Females are able to have young when they are 8 to 10 years old.

A quillback rockfish, coloured beige with brown speckling and large spikes on its dorsal fin.
Photo by: Rachel Munger (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: Quillback rockfish are named for the sharp, venomous quills or spines on the dorsal fin. These are not dangerous to humans but stings can be a little painful and prone to infections.

A red Irish lord fish colured with different shades of red speckling.
Photo by: John D Reynolds (CC BY-NC 4.0), iNaturalist
Text: The red Irish lord uses its camouflage to blend in with the ocean floor, where it sits motionless and waits to strike at passing prey such as crabs, small fish, shrimp, mussels, and barnacles.

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

Nature in Transit is back for in Vancouver for October! Each day brings a new fun fact for commuters to enjoy and reconnect with the nature. And we’ve expanded our reach: you can now spot the ads from October 6 to November 3 at more SkyTrain stations. Learn more at cpawsbc.org/natureintransit

A digital sign at transit station saying: It's October 6th. Today sees the largest and brightest full moon of the year. Learn more at cpawsbc.org/natureintransit

A a large digital billboard at transit station saying: It's October 6th. Today sees the largest and brightest full moon of the year. Learn more at cpawsbc.org/natureintransit

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

At CPAWS-BC, we’re working toward protecting 30% of B.C.’s lands and waters by 2030, and IPCAs are key to achieving that goal. Protecting nature and advancing Indigenous-led conservation go hand in hand — for the health of the land, the water, and all who call them home. 🐻 cpawsbc.org/learn/30x30/

A photo of a moose standing in a wetland. Photo: Adam Combs

Protecting 30% of BC by 2030
Establishing protected areas is a key strategy to halt the loss of biodiversity, while combating climate change and advancing reconciliation.

How is BC doing?
14% needs protection; ~16% is currently protected
Right now there is a unique window of opportunity for all levels of government to work together to double the amount of protected land in BC.

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

Here are some IPCAs led by First Nations in BC:

A map of British Columbia showing locations of IPCAs
Dene K'éh Kusān in northern BC
Gwininitxw Protected Area in central BC
Salmon Parks on the west coast of Vancouver Island
Ashnola smelqmix Protected Area in southern central BC
Infographic text:
First Nations across BC are already taking bold action to address biodiversity loss and conserve ecosystems through Indigenous governance and knowledge systems.

Dene K'éh Kusän, "Always Will Be There"
Led by: The Kaska Dena and Dena Kayeh Institute
Goal: Protect nearly four million hectares of wilderness lands in northern BC, which will add 4% to the province's protected areas percentage.

Gwininitxw Protected Area
Led by: Wilps Gwininitxw, a Gitxsan Nation house group
Goal: Protect 170,000 hectares of critical habitat for mountain goats, wolverines, grizzlies and wild salmon within Wilps Gwininitxw Territory.

Salmon Parks
Led by: Mowachaht/Muchalaht and Nuchatlaht Hawiih (hereditary leaders)
Goal: Restore wild salmon by recovering and protecting key watersheds in Nootka Sound, on Vancouver Island's west coast.

Ashnola smelqmix Protected Area
Led by: Lower Similkameen/the smalqmíx, the syilx people of the Similkameen Valley
Goal: Protect water, restore habitat, and safeguard species through active smalqmíx management according to smalqmíx / syilx law

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

IPCAs are a vital opportunity for B.C. to increase land protection in a way that upholds Indigenous title and rights — while safeguarding biodiversity, cultural values, and climate resilience. cpawsbc.org/learn/indige... 🌎

An image of river delta. Photo by Adam Combs
Infographic text:
What are IPCAs?
Lands and waters where First Nations have the primary role in protecting and conserving ecosystems through Indigenous laws, governance and knowledge systems.

An image of an American badger standing on rocky ground.
Infographic text:
Did You Know?
First Nations can establish IPCAs under their inherent rights and laws, but provincial and federal governments lack the legal framework to recognize them as protected areas.
IPCAs present an important opportunity for BC to increase land protection in a way that upholds Indigenous Title & Rights and advances provincial commitments to reconciliation.

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

What a weekend celebrating the Salish Sea on Pender Island! There's something special about islanders coming together to talk about the waters that surround us and how to protect them. Thank you to everyone who took a low-tide walk identifying local seaweed with marine biologist Amanda Swinimer.

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

We teamed up with Vernon Community Arts Centre for a night of creativity, community, and learning about rare and sensitive grasslands in BC — home to more species at risk than any other ecosystem. 🌎

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

We're teaming up with Pender Island Conservancy Association and Georgia Strait Alliance to help turn the tides. Will we sea you there? Oct 4-5 | Details + registration: linktr.ee/tideturners

A stylized poster titled "Register now! to save your spot" with dark green seaweed, fish and bubbles on a light blue background with the logos of the Georgia Strait Alliance, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, and Pender Islands Conservancy

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Then on Sunday, October 5th, watch an immersive underwater short film and bring your questions to marine conservation experts teaching us the science behind kelp forests and climate adaptation. 🧵⬇️

A dark green poster with titled Day 2 - Film screening and panel
October 5 at 4pm
Immersive short film "Trophic Drift and expert panel on marine conservation and how to protect our local waters
5 faces of people who will appear on the panel:
Alicia Elgert, Conservation Campaigner, CPAWS-BC
Kellie Rana, Marine Planning Coordinator, Georgia Strait Alliance
Sarah Cook, Executive Director, SeaChange Marine Conservation Society
Jasmin Schuster, Program Manager, Kelp Rescue Initiative
Maycira Costa, Professor, BC Leadership Chair in Environmental Remote Sensing, University of Victoria

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Join marine biologist Amanda Swinimer for “seaweed school” on Saturday, October 4th. 🧵⬇️

A stylized poster titled "Day 1: Workshop" with dark green seaweed and small fish on a light blue background with a picture of a woman in wetsuit holding up seaweed
October 4 at 9:30am
Low tide beach walk and hands on seaweed workshop with author and marine biologist Amanda Swinimer

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

This October we have two special events on Pender Island to help us dive into marine conservation. 🧵⬇️

A stylized poster in dark green and light blue promoting "A Tide Turners Event"
Oct 4 and 5
Calling all Ocean Lovers
Join us for two events to learn about and protect Pender Island waters!

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

Since habitat loss and road mortality are major threats to Western painted turtles, protecting wetlands and connected habitats is essential to their survival. Join us in calling on the BC government to protect habitat for species at risk like the Western painted turtle by visiting besthope.ca.

A Western painted turtle on a log in the water surrounded by conservation facts:
- The Pacific Coast subspecies is designated as Endangered by the federal government and red-listed in BC. The Intermountain-Rocky Mountain population is designated as Special Concern federally and blue-listed in BC
- The biggest threats to them include habitat loss (from development and agriculture), road mortality (transportation and service corridors), invasive species (like Red-eared sliders competing for habitat), pollution and climate change
- Habitat protection is essential to their survival. Join us in calling on the BC government to protect habitat for species at risk like the Western Painted Turtle

A meme with the caption: Mom: are you sure you want to stay home alone? Libea: a western painted turtle waving "bye" in a crib

More text reads:Protecting healthy habitats is one of the most effective ways to help the Western Painted Turtle.
Support protecting 30% of lands and waters in BC by visiting besthope.ca

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

Happy Libra season! ♎ For all you Libras out there, the BC species at risk we think reflects your energy best is the Western painted turtle 🐢. Curious, balanced, and resilient — just like you.

A Western painted turtle on a log in front of a background of a star constellation and the Libra zodiac sign with the caption: Libra is...the Western painted turtle

Two Western painted turtles on log in the water surrounded by turtle facts in bubbles:
- Western Painted Turtles are found in shallow freshwater habitats like ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams with muddy bottoms with plenty of BASKING sights (like logs)
- They are the only native pond turtle in BC and can live for 40+ years!
- Males court females underwater by gently stroking her face with their long claws.
- They can be found on the Pacific Coast (like the Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island & some Gulf Islands) and Intermountain-Rocky Mountain (Southern Interior regions including the Okanagan, Kootenays, Thompson, and parts of the Columbia Basin)

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

🖼️: Vancouver Island Wolverine 🧑‍🎨: Celena, age 27

A wolverine walks through the forest beside a rippling waterway

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

🖼️: Great blue heron 🧑‍🎨: Maya, age 22

A painted picture of a standing great blue heron with orange flowers in the corner

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

🖼️: Usrus actos - grizzly bear 🧑‍🎨: Monica, age 19

A painted picture of a grizzly bear lying on mossy rocks

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

🖼️: Spotted owl 🧑‍🎨: Jayla, age 18

A coloured picture of a spotted owl sitting in a tree that has a poster nailed to it depicting a cut down tree stump with the words, "eviction notice"

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

🖼️: Great blue heron 🧑‍🎨: Ojas, age 17

A picture created with coloured markers of a great blue herons, one standing in front of close up of the heron's neck and head

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

🖼️: Rubus spectabilis - Salmonberry, Agriades optilete - Cranberry Blue, Thuja plicata - Western Redcedar, Astur atricapillus - American Goshawk 🧑‍🎨: Elisha, age 15

A painted nature scene with salmonberry, cranberry blue, western redcedar and an American goshawk

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CPAWS-BC @cpawsbc.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

🖼️: Caribou 🧑‍🎨: Thea, age 12

A painted picture of caribou, 2 antlered adults and one juvenile, standing in a forest with a water and mountains in the background

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