The Walbran Valley, known locally as Kax:iks is a magical place located deep within the temperate rainforests of Southern Vancouver Island. Within live old growth Red Cedar Trees, Yellow Cedar, Douglas Fir, Hemlock and Spruce Trees, some are upwards of 2000 years old. Upwards of 40 new species have been discovered in these forests in the last 3 years and the diversity of fungal life is unmatched anywhere on the planet. Wild Salmon swim through the Kax:iks river, while bears and cougars live in their natural habitat. The forest is host to numerous endangered species including the Marbelled Murrelet- a small bird that lives in the old growth canopy and cannot fly unless it launches itself from a tree. If it finds itself somehow on the ground, it will die.

This special and relatively small area of the planet was partially protected in 1993 after intense protesting from locals and many many arrests due to blocking of logging roads. The heart of the Kax:iks- where the water flows and the gigantic trees live, is still unprotected and is in immediate danger of being logged. This logging has been approved by the Provincial Government of British Columbia.

In order to raise awareness of the plight of Kax:iks and to bring knowledge to the importance of protecting this healing place, The Friends of the Carmanah Walbran organized an art show called "Into the Magic" at Metchosin Community House with all proceeds of sales going to the ongoing work of saving Kax:iks. I am much obliged to be included in this show with my piece depicting the pure cleansing waters of the Emerald Pool, at direct threat of being polluted and possibly destroyed from logging.

I invite everyone to make it out to Metchosin before October 23 to see the beautiful array of pieces available and learn more about the extreme environmental threats Southern Vancouver Island faces. Without our forests we have nothing.