A large private Island nestled between Gabriola, Mudge and Vancouver Islands is now protected for future generations through a donation. (Nanaimo Area Lands Trust)

By Alex Rawnsley

huge gift

‘Ecological gem:’ Link Island near Nanaimo donated to preserve rare ecosystem

Dec 14, 2022 | 5:23 AM

NANAIMO — A large, unique piece of land is poised to be protected for generations to come.

The 52.5 acre Link Island is now under the ownership of the Islands Trust Conservancy following a donation in the name of the late Betty Swift, who had ensured the area’s preservation prior to her passing in early in 2021.

Kate Emmings, manager of the Islands Trust Conservancy, told NanaimoNewsNOW the land is an “ecological gem” representing the largest single island land area, and the largest value, donation in their history.

“We always love to try and get intact ecological systems when we’re doing land conservation and this is the poster child of that. It has over three kilometres of shoreline, it contains some rare ecosystems, it has nesting rare species…and also has a really diverse grouping of ecosystems.”

Located southeast of Nanaimo and, fittingly, linking Mudge Island and De Courcy Island by land at low tide, Link Island has a variety of ecological features, including coastal cliffs, wetlands, tidal flats and forest ecosystems.

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Species including the Western Screech-Owl, Barn Swallow and Great Blue Heron call the land home.

It was purchased by Swift and her husband in the late 1970’s, according to Emmings, and remained with the family for nearly 50 years.

BC Assessment values the Island at around $3.73 million.

Link Island is located just south of Gabriola Island, connecting Mudge and De Courcy Islands. (Google Maps)

Islands Trust Conservancy notes the area is closed to the public, however, a condition of Swift’s gift gave permission for her children and grandchildren to use the island for the rest of their lives.

It’s hoped the area will play a key role in climate-related research for the area.

“(Swift) was a really big advocate for leaving land to do what land does,” Emmings said. “She really felt like land needed stewardship and especially with climate change being so prominent in our time, we needed to be paying attention to the clues the land gives us.”

Emmings said she first met Swift in 2009 and remained in touch over the years.

A conservation covenant was placed on the Island in 2019, the first step in protecting the land, while further conversations and contemplation occurred about donating the parcel after her passing.

“She was really deliberate in thinking through that process and we had a long series of conversations over many years as she thought her way through that,” Emmings said. “For her, it was a bit of a journey. It was an acorn of an idea then it grew over time.”

Link Island will be managed jointly by both the Nanaimo & Area Land Trust and the Gabriola Island Land & Trails Trust.

Rock faces and a variety of ecological features dot the 50 acre Link Island, southeast of Nanaimo. (Nanaimo Area Lands Trust)

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