Restoring the sc̓e:ɬxʷəy̓əm: A Living Corridor

The sc̓e:ɬxʷəy̓əm (Salmon River) once thrived—a connected network of wetlands, riparian forests, and salmon-bearing waters flowing through the shared and unceded territories of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo, and Matsqui Nations. Decades of fragmentation, invasive species, and disconnection from its natural floodplain nearly broke this vital ecosystem.

Yet the river endures, carrying memory and possibility.

Since 2021, a bold vision has taken root: restore the river as a whole system. What began as conversations along fence lines and riverbanks between First Nations, landholders, and local organizations has transformed into measurable impact. Across seven sites, we've restored over 13,000 m² of natural area, including 3,000 m² of aquatic habitat where fish now shelter and move safely. More than 16,500 native plants have been replanted while invasive species have been cleared from 8,000 m².

But the real transformation is relational. Isolated landholders now steward the river together. Indigenous knowledge guides restoration. A shared responsibility has taken hold.

The corridor is expanding—new sites are ready, permits secured, designs complete. Yet without flexible funding, we miss crucial windows to act.

Your support enables us to restore habitat and strengthen community bonds when opportunity arrives—reconnecting the sc̓e:ɬxʷəy̓əm one stretch at a time.