Solstice Greetings from the Children’s Forest!

The light is returning. Life will be quietly stirring in the Children’s Forest. New beginnings in the natural world and for the Forest Trust for the Children of Cortes Island Society (FTCCIS).

Much has also been stirring behind the scenes this fall for the FTCCIS as pledges and community support continued to build. We were in weekly contact with our provincial land trust partner, and relations with Mosaic remained positive and professional. Finally, our land trust partner was informed that the anticipated federal funds had been redirected elsewhere. Their application was for a portfolio of conservation projects in BC, so we are not alone in our disappointment.

We have been heartened by the statements of ongoing support from provincial organizations we have been working with and from pledgers and donors. Our Board met recently with animated conversation on new funding possibilities and affirmed our commitment to the protection of the Children’s Forest.

For now, it is best if you continue to support with pledges of $1000 or greater rather than actual donations.

We invite you, the Cortes community, to join us as we are being redirected to new possibilities, with updates coming in 2026.

We have come to a little crook in the trail, but while crooked trails may make for uncertain travel, they are often the most worthwhile. And the trees are still standing, children’s curiosity and merriment are nurtured, and the number of hikers to the Children’s Forest continues to grow.

We look forward to your continued support and shared vision of ... a forest in trust to the children!

With thanks to the Cortes community,

the Board of the Forest Trust for the Children of Cortes Island Society -

Andrew, Angelica, Chris, Christine, Forrest, Mary, Mia, Robin