Since 2002, 1% for the Planet has inspired members of the business community to contribute 1% of sales to environmental groups around the world. In return, this growing alliance of companies is given the opportunity not only to see their self-worth rise, but their net worth climb as well. The Nature Trust is listed as a designated non profit. www.onepercentfortheplanet.org

In his first year of business, Emmanuel Lavoie of Reevolution Consulting chose this program as a way to support the land conservation work of The Nature Trust.

These eco-friendly, locally hand-crafted stuffed animals are unique, just like nature. Included with each purchase is a soft, colourful, hand-made story book. It is designed to educate children and adults alike about a particular animal, its habitat, and ways in which we can help protect the environment, as well as our own. From every item sold, $2 is donated to a local non-profit animal or environmental organization.

In 2009, Stephanimals raised $1,600 for The Nature Trust of BC, and is optimistic that the money raised in 2010 will significantly surpass this amount. www.stephanimals.com

"We have a responsibility to ensure the health and sustainability of the ecosystems in which we live and to protect the biodiversity of our province. Something has to be done by people who care, before it is too late.

By acquiring ecologically significant lands through purchase or donation The Nature Trust ensures their protection in perpetuity. I like that the focus is on ecologically significant lands.

I like that The Nature Trust works in a collaborative manner with government, private land owners, and other non-profit organizations to leverage their impact.

By donating to the Nature Trust I can, in a small way, add to these collaborative efforts and hopefully make a difference."

-Rachel Shephard

Photo: Rachel, on right, with friend Kate Brown on Mt. McKean in Cathedral Park in the South Okanagan.

Samuel Perelmuter decided to do something different for his sixth birthday. Instead of having his friends bring presents to his party, he asked them to make a donation to The Nature Trust. He wanted the money to go to a charity that protected wildlife, especially wolves. We want to thank Sam and his family as well as his friends for their generosity.

Donations to The Nature Trust may be made for any occasion such as a birthday, wedding, anniversary or graduation. A receipt is sent to the person who makes the donation while a card is sent to the individual commemorated by the donation

The Urban Arborist hopes to create with its clients a legacy of beautiful and safe trees through careful planning and proper care. As a great side benefit, trees provide habitat and food for wildlife. Says owner Leroy Harder, "In the bigger picture, a legacy of larger tracts of protected land is needed to maintain our wildlife. Starting in June 2007, one percent of our revenue will be donated to The Nature Trust." To contact The Urban Arboist, visit the website at www.theurbanarborist.com

Josephine Kovacs, travel coordinator for Bestway Tours & Safaris in Burnaby, BC, heads the Natural Heritage Tours division of this operation. "I live in gorgeous British Columbia and I am most grateful for this privilege. On behalf of all you nature enthusiasts, a donation has been given to The Nature Trust.” Her company can be contacted at 604-461-4289 or via the website at www.naturalheritagetours.com.

Dr. David Murdoch had a dream that the land he loved beside Okanagan Lake would be preserved and one day become part of a park. On June 12, 2004 that dream was realized when a cairn created by The Nature Trust of British Columbia commemorating his life and his gift was placed along the shoreline.

“I feel a great sense of urgency that something must be done now in order that ecological systems in British Columbia have a chance to survive in the future. Already we have lost many species. Due to The Nature Trust’s role in PERMANENTLY protecting critical habitat, I became a supporter and have bequeathed my real estate so that the important work of this organization may continue.”

—Dr. Joyce Davies