During the March breeding season, our team continued both the Capture-Mark-Recapture study and Egg Mass surveys – two essential methods for monitoring this highly endangered species.

This work is part of ongoing studies to assess the few remaining populations. The data is analyzed to establish patterns of growth or decline at each site.

This season, we observed a modest increase in the total number of egg masses in the Fraser Valley when compared to last year. However, the overall trend of population decline over the years is concerning.

Watching the population numbers change every year reminds us of the importance of staying dedicated to protecting the aquatic habitat these frogs need to survive.

We were encouraged by the increase in volunteer support his year – it was so satisfying to see people all over the Fraser Valley helping to conserve Canada’s most endangered amphibian.

“To find the frogs you had to act like the frogs – which meant being cold, wet, muddy and half submerged in a wetland. But it did work pretty well.” – Spencer Peters, Conservation Technician

We are certain the neighbourhood critters are enjoying these new additions of shelter and food to keep them sustained year-round.

A huge thank-you goes out to our 11 dedicated volunteers who ensured the event ran smoothly, and to all of you who chose to add native plants for your gardens.

Top sellers included Oregon Iris, sword fern, camas, and bunchberry. These favorites, along with other hard to find perennials, will return for our 2026 Spring Sale. Mark your calendar — pick up day will be Saturday May 9th!

In the meantime, dive into the world of native plant gardening and start planning your own backyard habitat. Also, did you know that FVC members enjoy pre-sale access and exclusive discounts? Join today and get ahead for next year’s sale!

“I love meeting all the keen gardeners on pick-up day and learning about all the innovative ways they incorporate native plants into their home gardens” – Joanne Neilson, Executive Director

We had pretty much given up on the box ever being occupied. However, this spring, Joanne noticed an increase in the distinctive adult calls during the night. Come late April she heard the unmistakable begging calls of baby owls coming from the pole box at dusk. By June the box was overflowing with four precocious young barn owls fighting for food and learning to fly. Stay tuned for the full story in the Spring 2026 newsletter!

This is exciting news for a couple of reasons. It increases our understanding of how the owls use the boxes – our range for owls occupying newly installed nest boxes is now from one month to six years.

“Just because a box has not become occupied in the first couple of years, don’t write it off!” – Sofi Hindmarch, Project Biologist

Our knowledgeable volunteers and Nature Stewards play a key role in protecting and identifying at-risk plants and animals, and this summer they helped us search for the elusive Phantom Orchid.

In June we hosted a workshop in Ryder Lake where participants learned how to recognize and protect this mysterious, rare plant. It was a wonderful opportunity to share knowledge, and we’re thrilled to see growing awareness in such an important area for the orchid. Learning about the natural world is an important step in everyone’s conservation journey, it is a privilege for us to help guide people towards this end.

Along with the workshop, we developed a new brochure to spread the word about this mysterious orchid. You can read it for yourself here and report any sightings next year!

“I really enjoyed looking for the phantom orchids while hiking around the Fraser Valley with local stewards, who are familiar with the unique places along the way.” – Olga Grunlund, Program Coordinator

While every summer toad season comes with unpredictable hiccups, this was by far one of the most smoothly executed toad migrations so far. As in previous years, with the help of volunteers we set up fencing and detour signs to help ensure safe passage for toadlets heading to their future forest homes. The toadlets were certainly grateful as they overwhelmingly chose to use our installed fencing and crossing structures to migrate.

The toads that didn’t have easy access to the fencing and had to take the riskier route across the road, were met with reduced traffic this year. The City of Chilliwack was doing major road construction that diverted most of the traffic away from the area. For once luck was on the side of the toads and this construction coincided exactly with the same time the toads decided to migrate.

Why did the toads cross the road? Because it was safe to do so.

“Training toads seems like a hopeless endeavor, but maybe the years of work have finally paid off. The toadlets seemed to know the routine this year.” – Spencer Peters, Conservation Technician

Habitat Healers tirelessly removed invasive plants and replaced them with over 1500 native trees and shrubs in parks in Mission and Abbotsford.

On Earth Day we launched our new Go Green! contest, where participants reduced Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) emissions at home. The contest encouraged the simplest of actions, including turning the lights out, reducing water consumption, and composting food waste. Go Green! was also supported by educational workshops where participants received free tools to use at home.

When combined with the tree planting, the Step to It program resulted in a reduction of 120 tonnes of CO₂ – an achievement that we are incredibly proud of.

Seeing community members showing up for events and contests throughout the year was a huge highlight for us and is yet another example of how community support is vital to making a difference for the planet.

“I loved seeing all the photos and comments participants left during the contests. It showed their excitement and how, with a little direction, education and encouragement, small habit changes at home can have a large impact on our environment.” – Patricia Fantillo, Volunteer Coordinator

This year our work with Langley culminated in a brand-new wetland garden being implemented in Williams Park. The site went from a bothersome puddle to a project full of collaboration and dedication. The local inhabitants – mostly frogs and pollinators – will enjoy the new vegetation in the habitat. You can be on the lookout for an update on the site come springtime. Williams Park is just one example of the great things that can happen when we collaborate with local organizations.

Meanwhile, in the District of Kent, one tree-planting event sparked potential for future work in Agassiz. With 24 dedicated volunteers, from across the Fraser Valley, we planted over 800 trees with speed and care. The area is also home to at-risk Oregon Spotted and Red-legged Frogs. This habitat healing will have a positive impact on these amphibians’ vulnerable populations. The future is bright in this area.

“This year proved we can get a lot done by working together with others.” – Jon Blais, Habitat Enhancement Coordinator

The creation of our projects for Ryder Lake, Three Creeks, and Frog Finders will help us better understand the local habitat through observations from people on the ground. By simply taking a photo, whether you know what it is or not, you can help us gain a better understanding of the plants and animals in our communities.

We also hosted a workshop in September where participants learned how to use iNaturalist and help with our work. If you want to get involved, you can read the summary from our workshop here. iNaturalist is a great way to connect with local naturalists, learn from knowledgeable folks, and spread the word about our work.

“iNaturalist is great at identifying species. It can even tell me who the nature nerds are.” – Spencer Peters, Conservation Technician

In the fall we sent our annual survey out to the stewards. The results revealed that these dedicated individuals were responsible for a significant amount of work. Over 15 different invasive species are being managed or removed from their properties. Many planted native plants, with one steward meeting an impressive goal of planting 100 trees this year. Another steward reported that their pond had an increase in frogs that were able to breed there thanks to their stewardship activities.

Joining our Nature Stewards program is the best way a landowner can find the latest advice and support to be an effective steward of nature. We look forward to more conversations and site visits in 2026.

“I’m incredibly grateful for all the stewardship efforts our Nature Stewards have undertaken this year. In particular, I appreciate how much continuous work being a steward can be and want them to know that all their combined efforts make a real difference.”  Tamsin Baker, Stewardship Coordinator

Ryder Creek has sensitive riparian habitat in a rural area that is prone to landslides. We surveyed the property to get a baseline assessment and identify its natural values that includes mature trees and amphibian habitat in addition to the salmon spawning stream that crosses through it. We did a risk assessment and created a management plan that outlines how we can effectively manage the property and future habitat enhancement opportunities.

Three Creeks is a key habitat refuge in an area surrounded by current and future housing developments. Our trail cameras documented the wildlife moving through the property, including bears, deer, coyotes, bobcats, and more. We have learned so much about this property since we wrote the first management plan 10 years ago. Our newly updated management plan includes increased connections with First Nations and neighbours as well as participation in the city’s planning process to ensure that these critters will have connected wildlife corridors into the future.

“Our Habitat Protection Committee volunteers reviewed and provided expert feedback on the management plans – I am so grateful to have such dedicated staff and volunteers caring for these special properties” – Joanne Neilson, Executive Director