WELCOME TO THE ISLAND

KICS Outreach Talk: The Birds of Keats Island

On December 5th, Dr. Else Mikkelsen, Vice President of KICS, delivered an engaging talk on the diversity, anatomy, and life history of more than 100 bird species that can be spotted at Keats Island. Her presentation highlighted the remarkable richness of the island’s species community; a diversity that has captivated scientists and bird watchers for centuries.

Attendees learned about the island’s varied habitats, the nesting behaviors of its resident and migratory birds, and the unique adaptations that enable these species to thrive in the open sea, shoreline and land that surrounds Keats Island. Dr. Mikkelsen also shared practical guidance for cottage owners and visitors on how to protect and support this biodiversity, ensuring a refuge for wildlife for generations to come.

Invasive species removal event

On July 26th, a dedicated group of 12 volunteers gathered at Keats Landing for a successful invasive species removal event. With teamwork and determination, they cleared periwinkle, ivy, broom, and pea vetch from a targeted area—showing the powerful impact of collective action. The restoration continues this fall with the planting of native species, funded in part by support from the Islands Trust Conservancy.

After the event, volunteers celebrated with a BBQ hosted by Richard Beard—big thanks to all who participated, including Michelle, Clayton, Meena, Sally and her friend, Emily, Dan, Marcel, Rebecca, Chris, Mike, and Richard.

Coming soon: Fall 2025 Events

Sandy Beach Work Party – Finalizing new trail steps & continuing invasive removal
Keats Landing Native Planting – Scheduled with the return of autumn rains
Birds of Keats Online Talk – Led by our birding expert, Else

Stay tuned and get involved—your help keeps Keats wild!

This summer and fall, the Keats Island Conservation Society is launching an ambitious restoration effort to:

Remove invasive species using careful hand and tool removal methods
Restore native plant communities with species like arbutus, bigleaf maple, and oceanspray
Protect critical habitat for local wildlife including butterflies, bumblebees, and native birds

The work begins this summer (2025) with invasive species removal, followed by native plantings in fall 2025 and spring 2026.

Find the location on Google Maps HERE

The Keats Island Conservation Society (“KICS”) continuously works to preserve and restore the island’s unique environments, both marine and terrestrial. With over 20 active members, we have been working on invasive species removal, trail maintenance and community outreach.

The Sandy Beach Work Party

One of our ongoing projects is maintenance of the Hoak-pus/Sandy Beach Nature Reserve, a property protected by the Islands Trust Conservancy. A conservation covenant is held by the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association (“SCCA”) and KICS has an agreement to maintain and oversee the protection of the nature reserve. The KICS has been pleased to integrate this as part of its work, and on previous visits some of our members determined a few projects and their feasibility. There is a substantial amount of invasive plant species growing on the edge of the reserve, with Himalayan blackberry and cherry laurel being the most predominant and widespread. And so, on a drizzly April 27th, twelve community volunteers met at 10 AM to do conservation work at Sandy Beach. The group worked away at the blackberry infestation and a started on the removal of the cherry laurel, ensuring their control and stoping them from spreading further into the reserve. This work will continue at future work parties.

In December 2023, while scoping the reserve, we discovered a large pile of construction and other debris in the middle of the blackberries. Although it was just outside the nature reserve we determined it needed to be cleaned out. A group worked their way through the rubble separating what can be burned in the winter and what was garbage. A pile of 10 large garbage bags resulted and were stored on site until Bin day. We also found an old dinghy that had been dumped there. Imagine! We want to give special thanks to those who went through that difficult work. If you happen to see the bags, please note we are coming back to get them.

Lastly, we worked on the new trail to and from the beach that is fully on the Nature reserve.

A cedar tree that has blown down was cut into 4 foot lengths and these have been left for the next work party when we will install them as the base for “steps” down trail. After 3.5 hours of fun in the rain, we called it a day. Thanks to everyone that came along!

The Keats Island Conservation Society (KICS) acknowledges and respects that Keats Island is within the lands and water of the Siwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and is the homeland and gathering place of many Coast Salish Peoples. We also acknowledge that we are within the boundaries of the Howe Sound Biosphere Region.

Please consider joining! Scouting and working parties hosted by the KICS at Sandy Beach and other areas are a great way to help out Keats Island and strengthen our community.

The reserve will be a place of tremendous beauty and immersion in nature for generations. Join KICS at keatsislandconservation@gmail.com

Advocates of Nature

We promote communication and initiatives for the conservation and restoration of the land and aquatic ecosystems that compose Keats Island

Building Community

We prioritize the establishment of communication channels among various organizations and volunteer associations on the island. We search to foster a strong sense of community that invites diversity and a truthful understanding of the complex social history of Canada.

Science Communication

Building values that align with the importance of nature requires education. We create materials and gather resources that promote curiosity, and a deeper understanding of the ecosystems of Keats Island.