Director of Engagement for BC Parks Foundation (BCPF), Jennie McCaffrey is excited about the future of British Columbia’s Park system. The foundation was established five years ago to work in partnership with B.C. Parks.
In an interview with Black Press, when asked what the BCPF does, McCaffrey answered, “We are an independent, non-profit, charitable organization. We are on an expedition to create the greatest park system in the world. The B.C. Provincial parks system is the sixth largest in the world and it is growing very quickly. We are on a mission to protect 25 percent of British Columbia’s land and sea by 2025 and on our way to protecting 30 percent by 2030.”
During the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Canada identified goals to protect 25 per cent of its lands and oceans by 2025, and 30 per cent of each – a land mass almost as large as the European Union – by 2030.
“Our mission is to work in support of BC Parks by encouraging support and resources, so they flourish as a legacy for future generations,” said McCaffrey.
She continued, “The BC Park Foundation is independent of BC Parks and works as an official charitable partner with goals set to establish a park “legacy” for future generations.”
The foundation does not report to or raise money for government but does work in cooperation with government, business, volunteers and supporters as an official charitable partner of BC Parks.
In a letter from the CEO on the BC Parks Foundation website, Dr. Andrew Day explains the concept behind forming the foundation, saying, “The BC Parks Foundation is the result of British Columbia’s coming together around a passionate belief that we need to go above and beyond to protect, enhance, celebrate and support our parks. Our most treasured places need our support or we risk losing the incredible natural legacy we are lucky enough to call home.”
According to the mandate of the BC Parks Federation, they select
projects that meet their criteria and align with outlined priorities then in turn help produce and raise funding for specific projects within BC Parks.
McCaffery saying, “Sometimes we sponsor projects ourselves and at times we partner with volunteers and other groups or with other foundations and partners to leverage funding.”
With regards to Wells Gray Park, the Director of Engagement credits Roland Neave and the proceeds from his updated edition of ‘Exploring Wells Gray’ for subsidizing the two naturalists in the park this summer, “We are encouraging people to enjoy and connect to nature by providing in park experiences such as our ‘Discover BC Parks’ program. We are strongly linked in with the nature/health movement. In 2020 BC Parks Foundation launched Canada’s first national Nature Prescription Program called PARX, and at COP15 last fall the Canadian Medical Association officially endorsed the program. That program is definitely a pillar of the work that we do. We are working with dedication to promote the health benefits of the program and spending time in nature. We suggest at least two and a half hours outside per week, which is the suggested time based on the research.”
McCaffery says the lasting “forever piece” is BCPF is the goal to grow a movement of community ‘scientists’ and encourage the use of monitoring platforms such as INaturalist - https://www.inaturalist.org/ to observe biodiversityin B.C. while becoming active participants in protecting biodiversity in the province and globally as well.
“We have such an incredible breadth of biodiversity in B.C. that is not found anywhere else. The 25 by 25 program links up really well with Wells Gray and the Discover Parks Ambassador Program. This program focuses on ‘in park’ activities with interpreters that we train and they provide opportunities in about 20 parks in B.C. this summer working in teams. One of those teams is in Wells Gray. We are getting such positive feedback from locals and visitors that are having a fantastic time experiencing the guided hikes four days a week, which have included the beautiful Trophy Meadows. People can book those in advance or through the Wells Gray Visitor Info Centre or they can book through our www.discoverparks.ca site which is a new platform we’ve just launched.”
The director spoke to the work the BCPF does with Indigenous communities and involving First Nations ambassadors in the Discover Parks program who may share their experiences and culture in land stewardship in many territories in B.C. and the rich history being shared with residents and visitors alike throughout the province.
