Today is International Day for Biological Diversity British Columbia is home to an incredible range of species, from coastal wolves and marbled murrelets to western toads, badgers, and salmon. 📸 Shannon Werden, Julie Thomas, Project 2-349

Scholarship Highlight: Noa Mayer! Noa is one of the 2025 Al Martin Scholarship Recipients Noa is a PhD student at UBC. Their work, focusing on Kokanee salmon, is examining potential adaptations of Kokanee salmon that have allowed them to remain more abundant than other salmon species.

What started as a partnership through the Environmental Exchange Box program grew into something much bigger: a lasting friendship rooted in outdoor learning, curiosity, and a shared love of nature.

Today's the last day to apply for LEAP grants! If you are an educator for BC middle or high schools and want to undertake a mini conservation project with your class, we encourage you to research and apply for a LEAP grant! Learn more and apply here: buff.ly/2Ey2BZd

We're proud to announce 7.5 million in funding to support 124 projects across B.C. From restoring fish passage for trout and Coho salmon, to improving habitat for grizzly bears, caribou, and Stone’s sheep, these projects are helping conserve the fish, wildlife, and habitats in B.C. buff.ly/saWlibj

Wild Schools applications are almost closed! The Wild School program is a free, whole-school, three-plus-year initiative for K-8 schools to support environmental teaching, learning, and experiences focused on B.C.’s biodiversity. Applications close May 15th. buff.ly/hQ4duUp

Thank you to the Honourable Minister Provost, Secretary of State (Nature), for stopping by the HCTF office to meet with staff. It was a privilege to discuss our shared interest in protecting nature and biodiversity.

LEAP Grant applications are still open! If you are an educator for BC middle or high schools and want to undertake a mini conservation project with your class, we encourage you to research and apply for a LEAP grant!

Scholarship Highlight: Yaelle Sarid-Segal! Yaelle is one of 2025’s Together for Wildlife scholarship Recipients Yaelle is a PhD candidate at the UNBC. Their research is exploring the impacts that glyphosate-based herbicides on wildlife and ecosystems, specifically small mammals.

Close your eyes and listen. Spring in BC is full of frog calls, and each species has its own unique sound. From the quiet “ribbit” of a Pacific treefrog to the longer trills of other species, these calls are how frogs attract mates and establish territory.

Ready to take pond exploration one step further? Try pond dipping! Using a small net or container, gently scoop some water and sediment from the edge of a pond and see what tiny creatures you can find.

The summer field season is right around the corner! We can't wait to see what all of our amazing proponents are up to this year. Want to learn more about HCTF and the projects we are helping to fund? Head to hctf.ca to learn more.

Scholarship applications close today! This is your last chance to apply for HCTF scholarships. These scholarships support students dedicated to conservation in British Columbia. Apply before the deadline closes tonight. Learn more: buff.ly/KTaeDuG

Scholarship Highlight: Nathan Earley! Nathan is one of 2025’s Together for Wildlife scholarship Recipients Nathan, a PhD student at UVic, is examining how community science can be better used and integrated with more traditional biodiversity data to inform conservation.

LEAP Grant applications are still open! If you are an educator for BC middle or high schools and want to undertake a mini conservation project with your class, we encourage you to research and apply for a LEAP grant!

LEAP Grant applications are still open! If you are an educator for BC middle or high schools and want to undertake a mini conservation project with your class, we encourage you to research and apply for a LEAP grant! Learn more and apply here: buff.ly/2Ey2BZd

Stay informed with all the latest from HCTF! Our newsletter delivers the latest on initiatives, collaborations, and studies aimed at safeguarding fish, wildlife, and habitats throughout the province. Learn more and subscribe at buff.ly/9hvxJX3 #Conservation #WildlifeProtection

Scholarship Highlight: Selena Carl! Selena is one of the 2025 Al Martin Scholarship Recipients Selena is a master’s student currently studying at TRU. Selena’s work on the geographically distinct Chinook salmon population in the Okanagan-Columbia River system seeks to address three knowledge gaps.

Attention graduate students in British Columbia! The Al Martin Scholarship is now accepting applications to support your studies in fish or wildlife management and conservation. buff.ly/h1fEVl7

Happy Earth Day! 🌎 Let's celebrate British Columbia's unique landscapes and wildlife, and remember conservation is our shared role. Whether you're exploring, learning about ecosystems, or supporting habitat projects, every action builds a resilient future.

LEAP Grant applications are now OPEN!! LEAP grants are for B.C. High Schools and Middle Schools to undertake mini conservation projects to support student learning and experiences in conservation and stewardship of fish, wildlife, and or their habitats. Apply at buff.ly/A8IXuAj

Scholarship Highlight: Alicia Woods! Alicia is one of the 2025 Al Martin Scholarship Recipients Alicia is a PhD student working out of the University of Northern British Columbia. Her research is working to assess the responses of Stone’s sheep habitat treated with prescribed fire.

Don't forget to work on those HCTF scholarship applications!

Slow down and take a closer look this spring, ponds are full of life just waiting to be discovered. Pond peering is a great way to look beneath the surface and see all the activity going on under the surface!

Have you checked out buff.ly/HApEWzO yet? We've got tons of great activities and learning resources for learners of all ages! Whether you're looking for Monday-ready lessons, for some fun activities, or for some great ID cards for your next hike, there's something for everyone!

Have you checked out buff.ly/Nm2pMPA yet? Whether you're a teacher looking for Monday-ready lessons, a parent looking for some fun activities to do with your kids, or a lifelong learner looking for some great ID cards for your next hike, there's something for everyone!

Spring in BC brings fresh colour to the landscape, from budding forests to flowing streams shaped by seasonal snowmelt. Every view is a reminder of why conservation matters, supporting healthy habitats for wildlife and future generations to enjoy. 📸 Project 4-610

Have you ever noticed that spring seems full of baby animals? As temperatures rise and plants begin to grow, food becomes more abundant. This gives young animals the best chance to survive and thrive. Longer daylight hours also signal to many species that it’s time to reproduce.

Teachers: Ready to take your classroom outside? Wild Schools registration is now open! From exploring local ecosystems to building outdoor skills, Wild Schools supports educators in creating meaningful, place-based learning experiences for their students. buff.ly/VO33Nvl

Wild Schools registration is now open! From exploring inquiries in nature to exploring biodiversity nearby and beyond, Wild Schools support schools with incorporating hands-on, environmental, and place-based teaching strategies to spark students' learning in nature. Head to buff.ly/oiJAf8n

Stay up to date on all things HCTF! Our newsletter shares updates on projects, partnerships, and research helping conserve fish, wildlife, and habitats across the province. Sign up to receive the latest conservation updates and learn how HCTF funding is making an impact across BC. buff.ly/97iACkT

Congratulations to all of our successful GO Grant recipients! This February, the HCTF and the @BCparksfoundation were able to fund over 117 class applications. This will support over 4300 students to spend more time outside learning about nature!

Calling all BC Undergrads! We're thrilled to announce that the Don McCubbing Scholarship is now open for applications! Learn more and apply buff.ly/kBKQJSB Photo: Project 1-809 Thea Rodgers

Ever wonder how HCTF turns funding into approved projects and real-world impacts? From restoring wetlands and protecting wildlife habitat, to funding cutting-edge research and supporting community-led stewardship projects every dollar is carefully invested where it can make the greatest difference.

Welcome back, Educators! We hope you had a great spring break! We know it can take a little while to get back up to speed, so to help you catch up on all things HCTF, we've put together a quick guide!

Few animals represent BC’s wild landscapes quite like the moose. Despite their size, moose are deeply connected to wetlands, relying on marshes, swamps, and shallow lakes for food, shelter, and relief from summer heat.

Applications for the Together for Wildlife Scholarship are now OPEN! If you're a Masters or PhD student passionate about making a real impact on BC's wildlife, this is for you. We're awarding up to 10 scholarships to support research that fosters stewardship, reconciliation, and community capacity.

Wetlands may look quiet at first glance but they’re full of life. From moose, river otters, and black bears to frogs, turtles, dragonflies, fish, and migratory birds, wetlands provide essential habitat for an incredible diversity of species.

LEAP Grant applications are now OPEN!! LEAP grants are for B.C. High Schools and Middle Schools to undertake mini conservation projects to support student learning and experiences in conservation and stewardship of fish, wildlife and or their habits. Apply at buff.ly/UVsMeWg

This World Water Day, we’re recognizing the critical role that healthy watersheds, wetlands, and aquatic habitats play in sustaining fish, wildlife, and communities across British Columbia.

Hello, spring! 🌸 As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, wetlands across BC come alive. Frogs begin calling, birds return to nest, and plants burst into bloom, marking the start of one of nature’s busiest seasons. Here’s to fresh starts, new growth, and a hopeful season ahead.

Calling all BC University students! HCTF has two scholarships open for applications right now! For Undergrads, we've got the Don McCubbing Scholarship, and for Grad students, we have the Al Martin HCTF Scholarship! buff.ly/UG3LMtr

Wetlands are bird hotspots bursting with life, sound, and movement. From the elegant great blue heron to the energetic red-winged blackbird, BC’s wetlands provide food, shelter, and breeding habitat for countless bird species.

Stay connected to conservation in British Columbia. The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation newsletter shares updates on the projects, partnerships, and research helping conserve fish, wildlife, and habitats across the province. Learn more and subscribe at hctf.ca

Wild School Applications are Open! Don't miss out on this opportunity to get your entire school involved in outdoor learning! Learn more about WildSchools and apply to become one at our website www.hctfeducation.ca

Scholarship Highlight: Shannon Werden! Shannon is one of the 2025 Al Martin Scholarship Recipients and is a master’s student conducting their research at Thompson River University.

Tall, patient, and instantly recognizable, the great blue heron is one of BC's most iconic wetland residents. These striking birds rely on healthy marshes, estuaries, and shorelines where shallow water makes it easier to hunt fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. 📷 Angela Henderson

March 3 is World Wildlife Day, a day to celebrate the incredible species that call British Columbia home. Learn more about the projects protecting BC’s species and how you can get involved. #WorldWildlifeDay #BCWildlife #ConservationWorks #HCTF #WildlifeConservation

Wetlands may look calm and quiet in the winter, but they’re secretly some of the hardest working ecosystems in BC. By protecting wetlands, we’re safeguarding an essential part of BC’s natural water cycle, supporting wildlife, and preserving the biodiversity that makes our province so unique.

Scholarship Highlight: Melissa Butynski, a 2025 T4W Scholarship recipient examining 2 key issues 1 Organizing a wildlife crossing and corridors forum to bring together stakeholder groups to align on mgmt strategies 2 Using camera traps to determine factors influencing the use of wildlife crossings