Mid Island Stewardship Caucus
About
The Mid Island Stewardship Caucus (MISC) was established in the summer of 2021 to create a formal space for environmental organizations in the mid-Island region to connect, collaborate, and share resources and expertise. MISC brings together diverse groups dedicated to environmental stewardship, fostering a collective approach to addressing regional ecological challenges.
Our Mission
To enhance opportunities for connection, resource sharing, and collaboration among stewardship organizations in the mid-Island region, promoting sustainable environmental practices and community engagement.
Formation of MISC
MISC was initiated by the Nanaimo & Area Land Trust (NALT) and the Hamilton Marsh Committee. This effort aimed to provide a collaborative platform for environmental groups to unify their efforts and amplify their impact. Ten founding organizations were instrumental in the creation of MISC.
Today, MISC consists of 14 active groups that meet monthly to share updates, discuss projects, and strategize on shared objectives. Together, these groups represent a robust network of environmental advocates working towards a healthier and more sustainable future for the mid-Island region.
Current Members
Alanna Vivani - is a Project Coordinator with the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute. She assists in environmental project development and implementation. Currently acts as minute-taker for MISC meetings.
Barb Riordan - is the president of the Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society, dedicated to the recovery of wild Pacific salmon populations in the Kw’a’luxw (Englishman River) watershed through habitat restoration and community engagement.
Capri Brugge - is a Stewardship Coordinator with the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Drinking Water & Watershed Protection (DWWP) program. Her role includes supporting community-led environmental organizations undertaking watershed restoration, monitoring, or enhancement projects and assisting volunteers participating in freshwater monitoring region-wide.
Ceri Peacey - is president of the Hamilton Wetlands & Forest Preservation Society, dedicated to conserving and enhancing the ecological integrity of 360 hectares of wetlands and forests by raising awareness of the vital role these ecosystems play in supporting wildlife and mitigating climate change.
Denise Foster - is chair of the Save Estuary Land Society, a registered charity dedicated to conserving and enhancing biodiversity at the French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve and surrounding lands.
Elaine Lefebvre – Coming soon
Elizabeth Thorne - Coming soon
Graham Sakaki - is the Regional Research Institute Manager of Vancouver Island University’s Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute. He has been employed by VIU since 2014 supporting research and community engagement.
Joanne Sales - is the Founder and Executive Director of Broombusters Invasive Plant Society. Since 2006, the society has grown from 10 to over 600 volunteers, with the support of seventeen local governments, cutting and removing the invasive alien plant, Scotch broom.
Lynne Brookes - is the Director of Special Projects and a past-president of the Arrowsmith Naturalists and a Director of the North Island Wildlife Recovery Association. Biodiversity preservation and engaging people with nature are key tenets of both organizations.
Mandy Fraser - is the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region’s Governance Officer. Mandy manages the MABR’s internal and external communications, coordinates community engagement events, and facilitates Roundtable meetings and community forums for the MABR.
Pat Jacobson - is a co-founder of "Friends of the Qualicum Beach Forest" which came together in 2019 in response to the increased pace of development and the accelerating loss of healthy, mature trees in the Town. The group advocates for tree protection measures, and engages in activities to enhance our incredible urban forest!
Paul Chapman - Executive Director of the Nanaimo & Area Land Trust (NALT). Since 1995 NALT has been working to fulfill its mission - to support, promote and protect the natural values of land and water in our area.
Phil Climie - Northern Salish Sea Coordinator for the SeaChange Marine Conservation Society’s Resilient Estuaries of the Salish Sea project. Working with coastal communities and First Nations to monitor, protect, and restore estuarine ecosystems.
Robin Robinson - Coming soon
Sandy Robinson - Coming soon
Sally Soanes - Coming soon
Tom Whitfield - Coming soon
Ray Woroniak - represents the Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers. He has been a director with the Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers for 4 years and leads the NatureKids program in partnership with Arrowsmith Naturalists and Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region.
MISC Membership Groups Contact
Learn More
Discover more about MISC’s formation and early initiatives by reading the news release.
Join MISC
Interested in joining MISC or collaborating with us? Contact us to learn more about membership opportunities, upcoming meetings, and ways to get involved.
Together, we can make a meaningful impact on our environment and community.