NCC-AR-EN-DIgital-v3

22
ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019
The Next Creek watershed sits in the
heart of Darkwoods and was not included in
the original boundaries of the conservation
area. Now, thanks to the support of a broad
range of funders, including a gift from Lynda
Griffiths, NCC has added the Next Creek lands
to Darkwoods, expanding the property by
7,900 hectares (19,500 acres).
This area holds a special place in Lynda’s
heart, as she grew up half a province away
in Vancouver.
“My partner and I spend every moment
we can in nature,” says Lynda. “Our love of the
outdoors is what first brought us together.”
Lynda’s first gift to NCC was in 2008 — the
same year NCC conserved Darkwoods. She
has been a supporter ever since.
“In Canada, we are just so fortunate for
these wild spaces, and I feel it is absolutely
critical to preserve them. There’s so much
nature here that is still in its wild state.”
“I like to live my life with hope, and recognize the fact
that Darkwoods exists today is a testament to that.”
Clockwise from top: Next Creek, Riverside
Ranch, Sandra Crabtree and Gerald MacGarvie,
Mark and Berny Zoratti, Next Creek
Her donations have, for the most part,
been in support of conservation work in her
home province.
“I went to a NatureTalks event in Vancouver
where I first heard about the Next Creek
project and its importance as a corridor for
wildlife. Right then and there, I knew I was in.”
Lynda is passionate about connecting
people with nature and supporting natural
areas Canadians can explore.
“I think people who spend more time in
nature are more likely to protect it. The only
way to engage people, especially young people,
in conservation and inspire them to do their
part is by taking them to the natural places
we have left.”
Lynda and her partner are now retired
and spend most of their time in and around
the wild places they are working to protect.
Her passion for nature may stem from
afternoons fishing for salmon as a child, but
has blossomed into a dedication to protecting
the areas she has known her entire life.
“I like to live my life with hope, and recognize
the fact that Darkwoods exists today is a
testament to that. I hope to inspire others to
give to conservation and to spread the importance
of preserving these places for the future.”