January 2026 Update
Dear Donors, Pledgers and Supporter of the Children’s Forest, Jan. 27, 2026
(some of you may receive this 2 or 3 times due to our mailing list set-up)
2026 – A pause. A fresh look. Renewed energy. Deeper conviction.
The Forest Trust for the Children of Cortes Island Society (FTCCIS) announced in December that the 50% federal funding our provincial land trust partner applied for was denied. This means the FTCCIS is not at in a position to complete the purchase of the Children’s Forest within the timelines of our current sale and purchase agreement with Island Timberlands/Mosaic Forest Management. Consequently, the sale and purchase agreement will lapse at the end of January.
The Board for the FTCCIS is as committed as ever to the protection of the Children’s Forest. We will take this setback as an opportunity to expand our horizons and consider new strategies in 2026. We will keep you informed on how we progress, and will also continue looking for forest angels with substantial pledges to support purchase of the Children’s Forest.
The magnificence and ecological value of the Children’s Forest, combined with the professional work that the FTCCIS conducted to date, have earned us a respected reputation amongst key conservation organizations and environmental philanthropists. We will build on these forest roots, working towards new solutions with our provincial conservation partner, while also reaching out in new directions. Just as a healthy forest continually builds resilience and new life, so will the FTCCIS.
Throughout 2025, the FTCCIS Board and many generous individuals contributed hundreds of hours in our first public campaign towards purchase and protection of the Children’s Forest. This was an impressive and inspirational show of community support for this beautiful and treasured asset of the Cortes community. A forest full of thanks and gratitude to all of you, near and far!!
It will take you and all of us in the Cortes community to bring this amazing story to fruition.
Meanwhile ...
The trees are still standing. Children’s laughter still rings through the forest.
Educational & stewardship activities continue.
The Board for the FTCCIS – Chris Dragseth (chair), Andrew Smyth (treasurer), Christine Robinson (secretary), Mary Lavelle, Mia Gregg, Angelica Raaen, Forrest Berman Hatch, Robin Saxifrage.