The Peninsula Streams Society has been named the 2025 Conservation Organization of the Year, recognized for its work restoring salmonid habitats on southern Vancouver Island.
The award highlights the group’s restoration efforts in the KENNES watershed, one of the Saanich Peninsula’s largest.
Despite challenges such as a seven-metre waterfall blocking fish migration, the society has worked alongside the Tsartlip First Nation and other partners to remove invasive plants, restore riparian zones, and create rearing and spawning habitats.
Within a year, wild cutthroat trout were observed thriving in the rehabilitated areas.
“We are deeply honoured,” said Kyle Armstrong, executive director. “This success shows what’s possible when communities collaborate to restore ecosystems.”
To celebrate, the group is hosting the Smolt Soiree on April 26 in Central Saanich, alongside an online silent auction fundraiser supporting ongoing restoration efforts.
More information is available at peninsulastreams.ca.
