Tatlayoko Field Station Society

The Tatlayoko Field Station Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization established to support scientific research, environmental education, and public outreach focused on the Tatlayoko Lake Valley and its surrounding natural environment. Registered under the business number 789123072RR0001, the society plays a pivotal role in conservation efforts and biodiversity monitoring in the region.

History and Background

The concept of creating a research base and environmental centre in the West Chilcotin region was developed over many years by community members and environmental advocates. In 2019, this vision was realized when residents of the Tatla Lake community formed the Tatlayoko Field Station Society and secured a lease for Lincoln Creek Ranch House from the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), establishing the Tatlayoko Field Station as a hub for environmental initiatives in the area.

Mission and Vision

The society is dedicated to developing a world-class centre focused on scientific research, environmental education, and public outreach in the Tatlayoko Lake Valley. Its mission includes conserving the biodiversity of the region through research programs, educational opportunities, and community engagement. The Tatlayoko Field Station works to preserve the natural environment of the Coast Mountain wilderness and the adjacent Chilcotin Plateau, encompassing diverse ecosystems from inland slopes to Pacific coastal inlets.

Activities and Programs

The Tatlayoko Field Station Society conducts its own scientific research and supports visiting scientists in their work. It provides educational programming for school groups and organizes community events at its Lincoln Creek Campus. One of its notable programs includes operating the Tatlayoko Lake Bird Observatory (TLBO), which monitors migratory bird populations by identifying and banding birds during their migration season from August to October. The bird observatory was originally established by the Nature Conservancy of Canada in 2006 and later managed by the society as part of its conservation efforts.

Conservation Efforts

The society's work is closely intertwined with broader conservation projects in the Tatlayoko Valley. This remote area has seen significant conservation initiatives led by the Nature Conservancy of Canada, including acquisitions and protection of key lands such as the Tatlayoko Lake Ranch—preserved to maintain the valley’s ecological integrity. The Tatlayoko Field Station Society collaborates with local landowners, conservation organizations, and community members to sustain and enhance these protected areas, helping maintain habitats like wetlands and old-growth Douglas-fir forests.

Engagement and Partnerships

The Tatlayoko Field Station Society fosters collaboration with like-minded individuals and organizations that share its conservation goals. It encourages local involvement and aims to build a network of support for the protection and study of the Tatlayoko Lake Valley’s unique ecosystems.

The Tatlayoko Field Station Society exemplifies community-driven environmental stewardship through research, education, and conservation, ensuring the sustainability of the Tatlayoko Lake Valley’s rich natural heritage for future generations.