We Need Your Boots on the Ground.
Join the Effort to Restore Salmon Habitat on Mid Vancouver Island
We Need Your Boots on the Ground.
Join the Effort to Restore Salmon Habitat on Mid Vancouver Island
Successful Restorations
Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society (MVIHES)
Our Mission: The recovery of wild Pacific salmon in through habitat restoration and community engagement
MIVHES is committed to the recovery of wild Pacific salmon by conserving and restoring their critical habitats, including watersheds, estuaries, and shorelines. Through collaborative efforts in field study, education, and habitat enhancement, we aim to foster a deeper connection between people and their natural surroundings. And we need your help.
Fish Habitat Preservation
Hydrology Revitalization
Community Engagement
Watershed Monitoring
The Kw’a’luxw (Englishman) River Watershed
Our Vision: A healthy Kw’a’luxw (Englishman) River watershed that sustains salmon and trout populations
In 2001 the Kw’a’luwx (Englishman) River was declared the most endangered river in BC. Our vision is the conservation and habitat enhancement of aquatic ecosystems in the Kw’a’luxw (Englishman) River watershed. MVIHES’s goal is the education of our community about the value of healthy watersheds and the measures that we can all take to ensure this. Volunteer today.
Estuary Stabilization
Riparian Enhancement
Biodiversity Conservation
Salmonid Protection
Salmonid species
Our Key Projects and Conservation Focus Areas
Forage Fish Habitat Protection
Understanding Forage Fish and Their Importance: The Cornerstone of Ocean Food WebsForage fish are small fish that travel in large schools and serve as a vital food source for larger marine...
Shelly Creek Watershed Restoration
The Shelly Creek Watershed Initiative by MVIHES is dedicated to restoring and preserving critical fish habitat for Coho Salmon and Cutthroat Trout in Parksville, BC.Background Shelly Creek is a...
The Kw’a’luxw (Englishman) River Watershed and Estuary
Protecting the The Kw’a’luxw (Englishman) River: MVIHES Restoration Efforts and How You Can HelpWatershed Health and YouBackground The future of the Englishman River Watershed is at a crossroads....
MVIHES has more than 20 years of past initiatives: View All Initiatives
Years of positive change
Dedicated Volunteer Stewardship
Our Commitment: Habitat enhancement through community education, engagement, and dedicated volunteer stewardship
MVIHES is dedicated to fostering environmental stewardship and awareness through education programs for communities and families. By offering hands-on learning experiences, workshops, and outreach initiatives, we aim to inspire a greater understanding of our local ecosystems and the vital role they play in our future. Together, we can build a legacy of conservation and sustainability for generations to come. And we need your support to make it happen.
Salmon Stewardship
Estuary Restoration
Watershed Health
Habitat Connectivity
Environmental Education
Voices from Our Volunteers and Community
My first experience with MVIHES was working with them to complete my BSc honours thesis project. From the beginning, their enthusiasm for local streams and the fish that call them home was inspiring. As a young, green student, the folks at MVIHES were very supportive – happy to both share their expertise and connections, and open to learning new approaches. Now, in my professional career it is a pleasure to continue working with them and to be able to support their initiatives. Having worked with stewardship groups all over the island, MVIHES is one of the most dedicated and knowledgeable.
Ally Wall
BC Conservation Foundation
Happy Salmon
Vounteers
Projects Completed
Creeks and Rivers
Community Stories and Volunteer Highlights
Coho Killer | 6PPD-Quinone and What’s Being Done About It
Stormwater runoff is carrying a toxic tire byproduct called 6PPD-quinone—now known as the “Coho Killer”—into local salmon streams. MVIHES volunteers and research partners are monitoring key sites on Vancouver Island to understand contamination levels and protect vulnerable Coho populations. Early results show the need for continued testing and community action.
Learning the Art of Streamkeeping | Volunteers Make a Difference at French Creek
A Weekend of Learning and Action One gorgeous weekend in June, seventeen passionate volunteers came together at French Creek to take part in a Streamkeeper Course. Hosted by the Pacific...
Volunteers on the Go | Building Community with MVIHES
Discover how MVIHES volunteers rescue salmon fry, protect local wetlands, and foster community engagement—learn how you can join their mission today!
