This spring students will explore what it means to be a good steward of nature, how to help preserve natural ecosystems, restore wild habitat, boost biodiversity, and protect what we have. To do this, we will learn alongside members of the Thetis Island community who are already implementing such practices and from the traditional stewards of the land, local First Nations' knowledge keepers and elders. 

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The theme of nature stewardship and biodiversity coincide with ThINC's newest initiative, the Nature Stewards Program, which will be launched this year in partnership with Penelakut Island elders. The Nature Stewards Program aims to encourage landowners to preserve, protect, and restore the land they call home through an educational approach. This is especially important in a community like Thetis Island in which over 95% of the island is privately owned. Thetis lies within the Coastal Douglas-fir Biogeoclimatic  Zone (CDF) which is one of British Columbia’s smallest, most biodiverse and most at-risk zones. Protecting and enhancing biodiversity in this area is especially crucial in ensuring robust and adaptable ecosystems for years to come. 

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In addition to a general exploration of place and concept, ReGen students will engage in an action project here on Thetis Island with the goal to work towards a more resilient and sustainable community. Projects are not decided upon in advance, but are chosen and driven by the ReGen cohort. Projects are pitched to students by community members and span a wide array of possibilities, from building a wildlife demonstration pond and establishing a native plant nursery, to interviewing community members and sharing their nature steward success stories, and creating and conducting a series of nature stewardship workshops for the community; there are endless possibilities! 

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Youth keen to dig deep on the topic of nature stewardship and get their hands dirty, we invite you to participate in this unique opportunity!