Nominate Eliza Olson for 2010 Sophie Prize

Inspiration and facilitator for environmental protection and sustainability, Eliza Olson makes global impact with a local cause. Embracing current conditions and realistically powerful approaches, she is creating future leaders and inciting those already at the forefront to push even further. Eliza has raised the bog, elevating its protection, reputation and water table alike.

Society President Eliza Olson

Established to motivate continued work towards sustainability, the Sopie Prize is awarded to those who have done extraordinary work in environment and sustainable development. Eliza Olson is one of those people. Nominate her today for this most prestigious award. Visit http://www.sofieprisen.no/Nomination_Guidelines/index.html to download the nomination form, and/or email me for more information (communications@burnsbog.org).

Recognizing at a young age the significant ecological, cultural, and historical impact peatlands have worldwide, Eliza Olson dedicated her life to advocating for and educating others about these undervalued and often overlooked gems. She is the Voluntary Founding President and Executive Director of Burns Bog Conservation Society, which works to protect Burns Bog, a globally unique ecosystem in Delta, Canada.

Despite the fact that peat bog preservation and restoration can reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 10%, and their exploitation release approximately 3 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, bogs had not been acknowledged in BC school curriculums until Eliza came along. One of only two organizations dedicated to peatland conservation, Eliza’s work is groundbreaking. Inciting educators, scientists and environmentalists worldwide to take a serious interest, bogs are now gaining global recognition for their important ecological value.

Thanks to the work of Eliza and her team, in 1988 a massive development of Burns Bog was turned down. Later in 1999 she convinced the Environmental Assessment Office to conduct an Ecosystem Review of the bog – the first non development-driven assessment they had ever done. Then in 2004, she was pivotal in getting four levels of government to purchase over 5000 acres of privately-owned bogland and place it under a conservation covenant.

Winner of the 2004 Canadian Geographic Silver Award for Conservation and 2007 Yves Rocher Foundation, Women of the Earth, Eliza, though happy, is still weary she “won the battle but not the war.” Though a large portion of the bog is now protected, it is still under threat with commercial development in the lagg and privately owned areas. She continues to persevere however, devising innovative ways of capturing new audiences.

After eighteen years of bringing people out to experience the bog first-hand, in 2010 Eliza plans on bringing the bog back into the classroom to address a missing audience of those unable to visit. For a cause with global impact, Olson recognizes she must also implement global methods. The new project, a Mobile Interpretive Centre, aims to make information accessible to a wider audience, with interactive and multi-lingual web-based experiences. As Olson frequently says, “we have to embrace the reality of the situation. These things are happening right now. The protection of the environment is not just necessary for future generations. It is necessary right now, for all of us, and we need to stand together and make it happen.”


For more information about Eliza and the work that she does, visit our website at http://www.burnsbog.org/

For more information about the Sophie Prize, visit their website at http://www.sofieprisen.no/

Support us with a simple click of your mouse!

The Burns Bog Conservation Society is creating a Mobile Interpretive Centre to extend our education programs to a wider local and global audience. The project will begin by providing interactive materials to bring the bog into the classroom for those unable to personally visit the bog due to financial, time or geographical restraints. WIth the targeted launch date in 2010 we are still soliciting for support and need your help.

All it takes is one click!

The Aviva Community Fund is awarding a shared $500,000 for the most popular community project. Help make our project a winner. Vote now at http://bit.ly/2s2PPy

Thanks for your help!

Tree Cutting Taking Place in the Bog!

Could this mean an imminent large development?

Article featured on the front page of the Delta Optimist. Check it out http://www2.canada.com/deltaoptimist/index.html


Read the full story here: http://www2.canada.com/deltaoptimist/news/story.html?id=71005592-1b55-4339-962c-230ccc428f18

Let's Stop Climate Change Together

The tsunami in Thailand. Hurricaine Katrina in the US. Typhoon in the Phillipines.

Massive flooding, extreme forest fires, widespread drought, deadly heat waves, tragic tropical storms, shattering earthquakes, devastating volcanic eruptions. Do we really want to continue letting these things happen?? I even experienced a tornado this past August in Toronto of all places!

We need to band together to stop climate change.

Yes you are one person, but adding yourself to a group, you are one of many. And many people can make significant impact on even the world's biggest challenges.

Linked by UNFCCC, every year since 2005 many countries come together to discuss what can be done to solve the problems of global warming. This year's meeting will be focused on creating a new climate treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.

December 12, 2009 is the global day of action. On this day people from all over the world band together to call on their world leaders to take action against climate change and make real progress at the UN talks.

This weekend, on Saturday October 24, Burns Bog Conservation Society is participating in Bridge to a Cool Planet. Taking place at Cambie Street bridge and Science World in Vancouver, this event is one of many leading up to global day of action to garner support and raise awareness of this most important issue.

You can make a difference too. See a video of what people did in London at the last event, and how one person really got through! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8vp6o1HfCA

Yes, climate change is an international issue. But that includes you too. Do you like wine? Ski vacations? Christmas trees? Seafood dinners? Swimming in the ocean? Unless something is done now these things we take for granted will no longer be available to us.

It affects you everyday. And unless somthing is done to stop it, it will get worse and worse, and you will feel it more and more. Do you really want that?

For a interesting list of 100 ways that climate change will affect you, read this:
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2007/09/climate_100.html

For more information on this topic visit:
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
http://unfccc.int/

How you can participate:
Global Climate Campaign
http://www.globalclimatecampaign.org/

Bridge to a Cool Planet (event we're attending this Saturday)
http://www.bridgecoolplanet.ca/en/

Hiring Administrative Assistant

Organization: Burns Bog Conservation Society
Job title: Administrative Assistant
Work hours: 37.5 hours per week, subject to funding
Tuesday–Friday 9-5, Saturday 8:30-4:30
Reports to: President, Eliza Olson
Salary: Commensurate with experience

About the organization:
The world's only major raised peat bog found in a Mediterranean climate, Burns Bog is the largest urban carbon sink in North America, and is also a haven for many rare and endangered plants and animals. Located in Delta, British Columbia, the Burns Bog Conservation Society is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of this bog through education and advocacy.

Why work for us?
Gain experience working with an environmental non-profit, knowledge about peatlands and their role in our environment, team building skills, working on special events, office administration, working independently, learning to supervise volunteers with a wide range of skills and abilities, knowledge of CRA rules regarding charities, BC Gaming rules and regulations, diverse computer sills, fundraising skills including grant writing and direct mail, working with board members, and volunteers with challenges. Most importantly, it is an opportunity to do good.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Office Administrator is a supportive role for all staff and volunteers, and the organization in general. Primary responsibilities include office administration, bookkeeping, and volunteer coordination. Responsibilities range from data entry, financial management, member relations, volunteer activity planning and supervision, organizational development, marketing and communications, event planning, and any other task deemed necessary by the President for the further betterment of the organization. Specific duties are outlined below.

1. Database Entry
· Input membership gifts into the Society’s database and make any name/address changes
· Process incoming cheques, and create daily ledger of deposits
· Prepare thank-you letters (new members, memorials, etc.)
· Prepare mailing lists and labels for reports and other mailings as required

2. Financial Management
· Preparation of bi-weekly payroll and employer source deduction remittances
· Maintain accurate records of all financial transactions
· Prepare and process cheque requests and invoices
· Prepare purchase orders/packing slips with proper documentation for approval
· Reconcile all bank accounts, investment accounts, event balances, petty cash account, and
others as required
· Prepare billing invoices
· Issue receipts, including annual tax receipts, receipts for donations, membership fees, etc.
· Preparation of project funding reports
· Preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements
· Prepare GST/HST reports according to Revenue Canada, and all other government
remittances as required
· Budget forecasting
· Prepare and make regular bank deposits
· Prepare year-end working papers as requested by auditors and Treasurer
· Prepare reports for BC Gaming
· Adhere to GAAP principals

3. Membership Development
· Assist with grant research and writing
· Assist with development and implementation of direct marketing solicitations and
membership mailings

4. Office Administration
· General reception duties (answering telephone, greeting visitors, etc.)
· Maintain office filing and storage systems
· Monitor and order office supplies
· Distribute and file all incoming mail
· Oversee maintenance and management of office space
· Coordinate effective operation and upkeep of office equipment such as the photocopier, fax
machine, printers, computers, and telephones.
· In consultation with the President, ensure that adequate insurance is in place for all
property, equipment, and organizational liability, and liability for staff, volunteers, and the
Board of Trustees
· Perform daily operations errands as and when needed, at the discretion of the President

5. Staff and Volunteer Coordination
· Coordinate and supervise the daily activities for general volunteers
· Maintain an up to date database of staff, volunteer and Board contact information
· Keep updated Board contact list and assist President with Board mailings
· In conjunction with the President, administer personnel files (holidays, sick, personal time,
etc.)
· In conjunction with the President, administer staff benefit plan
· Assist with preparation and updates of Board Manuals for Board Members
· Orient new staff to organization protocol and ensure all administrative needs are met

Qualifications and Skills:
REQUIRED:
· 1-2 years minimum experience working in an administration-based role
· 1-2 years minimum experience managing finances
· Previous experience in an office setting
· Excellent organizational and record keeping skills (attention to detail a must)
· Good computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, Simply Accounting, and
Quickbooks
· Good oral and written communication skills
· Positive attitude
· Proven ability to prioritize tasks

DESIRED:
· University degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, related field, or
related experience.
· Experience working for a charity
· Experience working in the environment sector

Contact: Eliza Olson, President - eliza@burnsbog.org

Please submit your application via email and include all of the following documents:
· Covering letter outlining your interest and experience for this position
· Resume listing all relevant paid and unpaid experience
· Contact information for three (3) references

Start Date: Immediately

Closing Date: Open

Coffee for Conservation

The Burns Bog Conservation Society has partnered with Blenz Coffee in a mutually beneficial relationship to raise funds to protect Burns Bog and sell more great coffee.

As Blenz writes in their advertisements, "who thought a cup of coffee could go so far?" We certainly didn't, but were ecstatic to hear of this excellent opportunity with the well-known Canadian retailer. Blenz Cares, a community fundraising solution, partners with various local organizations, and donates a significant portion of each purchase directly to the charity of your choice.

For every bag of Blenz coffee purchased, $7.28 will go directly to Burns Bog Conservation Society to better protect Burns Bog and peatlands worldwide, so get sipping!

To purchase some Blenz coffee click on the image below

Making a Difference in Africa

As the planning for the 2010 Burns Bog Gala quickly gets underway, we remember our award winners from last year and think about the progress they have made. We just received an update from Nicole Kafka, the Gold winner of the Fledging Chick award, about the work she has been doing in Tulbagh, South Africa. Work like hers is very inspiring and so I thought I would share her story with you. Below is the October Update about the work she and other community members do, collectively known as Tulbagh Community Projects. For more information join her Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=21083620237&ref=mf

Tulbagh Community Projects
Newsletter
October, 2009

Hello Friends,

Spring is now here in Tulbagh, South Africa. After months of winter and an almost complete lack of employment for the community of Tulbagh, we all wait in anticipation for the warmer weather and for the opening of the Delmonte Canning Factory. The blossoms appearing on the fruit trees, the children playing rugby on the streets and the adults discussing the relief that a pay cheque will bring, all tell us that this time is soon approaching. Although many of the difficulties of Tulbagh-life continue throughout the year, there is an almost tangible feeling of hope that I suppose spring brings all over the world.

After my short trip back to Canada in July, it is wonderful to be back in Tulbagh and back to working in the community through Tulbagh Community Projects. It is clear that the people of Tulbagh are very grateful for the assistance the soup kitchens, sports centres and other projects have brought this winter. The three soup kitchens have long line-ups every week. The children skip to the soup kitchens with their plastic containers swinging in their hands, and then return home with slow, small steps careful as not to spill a drop. The ladies who run the soup kitchens work from morning to late afternoon on soup days and to be honest, I have never heard a word of complaint from any of them. They are so grateful for the opportunity to serve their neighbours. I have learned a lot from those women.

It is now the end of rugby season in South Africa. The South African National Team ‘The Springboks’ have been playing a lot on the television and I suppose that is part of the reason why the rugby balls at our sport centre are used from morning to night all over the community. Every neighbourhood has its own self-made rugby league centred around the nearest sports centre. One group of youth even made an almost life-sized rugby goal post in the grassy field by one of the centres. It is amazing how something as simple as a ball can transform neighbourhoods. Sometimes games are between similar age groups only and are very competitive. Other times, the older boys play a casual game and include the younger ones. However the game ends up looking, it is clear that the ball enables the youth to fill their time with activities that promote team work, new relationships among neighbours and persistence in developing new skills.

Other activities that we have been busy with in the last few months include maintaining our connection with the Spar Food Store in Tulbagh in order to distribute their damaged and left over stock to the community. One of the weekly recipients of this food is Mama Abigail who runs a day-care center in the community. When asked how the weekly food donations are going, she said with a smile, “Look at all the fat babies at my day-care, everywhere there are fat legs!” There is a very pure form of contentment that comes from knowing that children are being provided the healthy nourishment they need.

Although Tulbagh is only 90 minutes away from Cape Town, many of the Tulbagh youth do not get the opportunity to visit the ‘Mother City’, as it is called. This excludes the children in Tulbagh from the many opportunities that Cape Town has to offer. Last month, Tulbagh Community Projects connected the school with some donors in the community and the Grade 9 Science teachers were able to take their classes to Cape Town, to go to the MTN Science Center. Here the children were able to see how the science they have been learning in school is useful in the real world. It was a great experience and will help the students decide whether they will want to continue to take science courses in Grade 10 or if they want to pursue another subject instead. As exciting as the Science Center was, watching the students exploring Cape Town was equally fun, elevators, escalators, tall buildings and fast cars caused many excited moments!!


The school spring vacation has just ended in South Africa and although the children in Tulbagh enjoy the break from school, it can be a difficult time for many because of the combination of difficulties in the home and a lack of activities for the children in the community. Many children can not stay at home during the day, yet they don’t have anywhere else to go. During the two week break, Tulbagh Community Projects organized days of activities with the children. The children were enthusiastic to play games, sports and have their faces painted. What starts with a few children on a street corner, soon becomes streams of children when the word of an activity spreads around the community. These are always treasured times, where we can build new relationships with the youth and just enjoy their company for the day.

As many know, Tulbagh is a place of real contrasts. It is a lush valley and a community of remarkable people, yet it is also a community who faces the reality of serious poverty, alcoholism, drug abuse, and lack of support services. Illness, death and hardship are the norm in everyday life here. Working in such a community leaves you with two options, you can either focus on the problems or you can focus on the blessings. Yes, the problems are many, but so are the stories of children and families whose lives have been changed by the projects in Tulbagh over the past two years. When we focus on those, we can’t help but be propelled forward to continue to seek new ways to address the issues and assist the families.

Without the generosity of people who have donated to our work in Tulbagh, none of these projects would be possible. It is only through your giving that we are able to support Tulbagh on a daily basis. We thank you for that. It is appreciated by everyone in Tulbagh and by us at Tulbagh Community Projects. Please continue to help us with donations when possible and keep us in mind for holiday fundraisers at your school or workplace. Every little bit goes a long way in helping Tulbagh!

Thank you!

Please enjoy the photographs below!

With Love from Tulbagh,
Nicole Kafka

Get Creative About Conservation

Parks Canada is having a poster contest for students in grade 4-8 with the theme "My ideal marine protected area" in an effort to promote the protection of the ocean environment on the Pacific Coast of British Columbia.

The poster should depict what your ideal marine protected area would look like and how you would protect it. Be creative and have fun!

For more information and to download the contest guidelines and entry form visit http://www.pc.gc.ca/apprendre-learn/prof/itm1-con/bc/pacific2009_e.asp

Winners will be announced on World Oceans Day, June 8, 2010.

Job Posting Temporarily Deleted

Hi everyone,

My sincere apologies for the communications directing you to visit this blog for more information about a job posting with the Burns Bog Conservation Society. The internship was subject to funding, which we have recently learned is being put on hold. Please check back in 2010 as we hope to get the funding then. In the meantime please feel free to visit www.yeip.ca for more information and to apply for other internships. I will also be sure to send notification once the position re-opens.

Thank you and sorry for any inconvenience.

Sincerely,

Kristine, on behalf of the Burns Bog Conservation Society

Radio Interview with Society's President

President of the Burns Bog Conservation Society does radio interview with Tim Schaab on Evolution 107.9FM. The station is run by the students of the radio broadcasting program at BC Institute of Technology. Have a listen. http://rapidshare.com/files/290827348/EchoesFr.mp3

The station can be heard around the lower mainland at 107.9FM and online at http://www.evolution1079.com/.

Run with Ultra Marathoner Ray Zahab!

Save the date: May 16, 2010. Run the perimeter of Burns Bog with ultra marathon runner Ray Zahab.

http://www.rayzahab.com/

Stay tuned for more details to come soon!

Are you in the photo album?

Check out the 2009 Jog for the Bog Trail Run photo album on Flickr. There are tons of great shots highlighting the event hosted by Burns Bog on September 27. Link is below:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43367159@N07/sets/72157622544144560/

Burns Bog Raffle Has Been Drawn!

The Burns Bog Conservation Society's raffle tickets were drawn today. The winners are:

1st Prize: TM Galloway from West Vancouver, ticket # 0033
2nd Prize: Catherine Walsh from Delta, ticket # 0471
3rd Prize: Miles Adam from Delta, ticket # 0394

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Contact us to collect your prizes by phone 604.572.0373 or email info@burnsbog.org


Prizes are:

1st Prize: Woman's 14K Gold Ring - Value $1,100.00
2nd Prize: Neil Erickson Print - Value $425.00
3rd Prize: Discover Burns Bog Book - Value $25.00

For more information visit http://www.burnsbog.org/events/raffle2009.shtml

2009 Jog for the Bog Trail Run Huge Success Thanks to YOU!

Thank you to all our sponsors, staff members, volunteers, participants and exhibitors for making this year’s Jog for the Bog Trail Run a huge success!

A big congratulations goes out to participants in both the 5km and 10km races for a job well done. We are proud to announce the winners of the 2009 Jog for the Bog are:

OVERALL WINNERS WITH TOP TIME:
10km - 1st place male: Josh Weiss
10km – 1st place female: Jordana Collison

5km – 1st place male: Eric Sauve
5km 1st place female: Emma Adams

5KM WINNERS BY CATEGORY:
Top Child male: Toby Lang
Top Child female: Sonja Saito
Top Youth male: Eric Sauve
Top Youth female: Caitlin Cuthbert
Top Adult male: Jake Derwojed
Top Adult female: Avery Thurston
Top Masters male: Mitch Purdy
Top Masters female: Emma Adams

10KM WINNERS BY CATEGORY:
Top Child male: Kevin Rampling

Top Youth male: Shayne Kelly
Top Adult male: Josh Weiss
Top Adult female: Jordana Collison
Top Masters male: Marty Byron
Top Masters female: Barb Hoffman

Last Sunday, September 27 Burns Bog Conservation Society hosted the 11th annual Jog for the Bog Trail Run. The action kicked off on a sunny Sunday morning with close to 200 smiling faces in attendance. With the generously donated Starbuck’s coffee, Nature’s Path granola bars, and Pro Organics fruit in hand, everyone enjoyed in the live music by Good Question as the main event quickly approached. In the minutes leading up to the race, a set of Personal Trainers from Delta’s Studio 64 led an invigorating warm-up to pump up the crowd. Then promptly at 9am the horn was sounded and runners were all off, energized and ready for action.

The buzz of excitement continued throughout the afternoon as participants, spectators and passersby alike strolled through the exhibitors’ booths, enjoyed a delicious and nutritious Nature’s Path organic whole-wheat pancake breakfast, and partook in the closing award ceremony. Draw prizes, medals, trophies and gifts were awarded, proceeded by a closing speech by the Society’s President, Eliza Olson. Overall, it was a very exciting day for everyone involved!

A big thank you goes to everyone who participated, including the registrants; sponsors Run Inn, Nature’s Path Organics, Pro Organics, Canadian Springs, Good Question, R&R Music, White Paper Co., Endangered Species Chocolate, Lehigh Heidelberg Cement Group, TAG Hardware, The Now newspaper, Delta Optimist, Skyquest Aviation, Thrifty Foods, Insignia Recognition, Corporation of Delta, COBS, Studio 64, U-Haul, Flex Metal, Save-On-Foods, Applewood Country Gifts, Starbucks Coffee, and Mountain Equipment Co-op; exhibitors: BC Hydro, stain glass, West Coast Naturals, Pure Scents, and St John Ambulance; volunteers; and the planning committee/event organizers: Steve Wilson, Cheryl Wilson, Stephanie Payne, Dana Miller, Wally Davyduke, Eliza Olson, Charles Konopski, Katie Bianchin, and Kristine Krynitzki. Your support was integral to the success of this event and the work of Burns Bog Conservation Society. Because of you, together we are able to continue keeping BC healthy and green. Thank you and hope to see you again next year!

***Photo gallery to be posted soon, so stay tuned!***

Hundred Mile Harvest Banquet

Earthwise Society is putting on their third annual Hundred Mile Harvest Banquet to celebrate local food and community and to support our environmental advocacy and educational programs in the community. There will be a five course meal featuring creative preparation of local food from within 100 miles, earning the chef a standing ovation in previous years. This year's banquet will be held on Friday, October 16, at 7 pm at Beach Grove Golf Club in Tsawwassen. Tickets are $100 and a charitable tax receipt will be issued for $50

See invitation below: