The Cumberland Forest is part of an interconnected system of forests, salmon bearing creeks, wetlands and riparian areas located on Vancouver Island in the unceded territory of the Pentlatch, Ieeksan (eye-ick-sun), Sasitla (sa-seet-la), and Sathloot (sath-loot) people, known today as the K’omoks First Nation.
This forest is an integral part of both the Trent and Puntledge Watersheds, feeds Comox Lake, and forms a critical link in an extensive biodiversity corridor that connects mountains and lakes to the Salish Sea. This forest is privately owned by timber companies.
The Cumberland Forest has given a great deal to our community. The colonial history of Vancouver Island was built on logging and mining and the Cumberland Forest was a significant base for both activities.
The Cumberland Community Forest Society (CCFS) is a charitable society formed 25 years ago with the mission to purchase, protect and care for the Cumberland Forest.
Guided by the belief that this forest is worth more to our community standing than as timber, the society is supported by individuals, organizations and businesses from across the region and beyond.
To date the society has purchased 545 acres in 5 separate purchases and registered conservation covenants on the lands to ensure their future protection. The most recent purchase was December 21st 2022 when 44 acres known as the Lower Perseverance Corridor Project was purchased by the community.
Today a multi use trail system enjoyed by a variety of users winds its way through this landscape. Cedar groves and riparian areas support rich biodiversity and new restoration projects are supporting ecosystem recovery.
We’re not done yet and we are currently working on new land protection initiatives to expand the conservation lands, protect our drinking watershed and build climate resilience in the landscape.
Please support our land protection and stewardship efforts, and help us let these forests grow old by becoming a donor today.
#protectcumberlandforest #restorethecommons #weshareawatershed #cvconservation #projectperseverance
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Save Our Forest
The Cumberland Forest is part of an interconnected system of forests, creeks, wetlands and riparian areas that form part of both the Trent and Puntledge Watersheds. The ecosystem is an important link that connects the mountains, rivers and lakes of Vancouver Island to the shores of the Salish Sea.
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Recent Successes
In 2005 we purchased 178 acres of forest for $1.2 million. In 2016 we acquired another 89 acres of forest directly adjacent to the first parcel. On September 1st 2020, we completed a 225 acres purchase along Perseverance Creek to the southwest of the existing lands and in December 2023 the 44 acre Lower Perseverance Creek corridor was protected.
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You Can Help
There are many ways that you can support this exciting community conservation effort. You can become a monthly donor, a one time contributor or develop a unique business campaign to raise funds. You can also share your skills, talents and energy as a volunteer for one of our super fun events.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Join the Cumberland Forest for our Winter Mixer. Please RSVP using the ticket link: http://www.eventbrite.com/.../cumberland-forest... (this event is free!). Explore our 25th anniversary exhibition in the Collaboration Studio, make your […]
Join us for the Villagers’ Winter Solstice on Sunday December 21st. This free event welcomes Villagers and friends to #6 park to celebrate the sacred mystery and beauty of the […]
LATEST NEWS & FUN FACTS
The Forest – A Story Unfolding
A story is emerging from beneath the tall trees and shadows of the Cumberland Forest. This is story that has been unfolding for ages. It’s a story that knows a time before the spin of tires and pounding of shoes, a story that remembers a time before the falling of
Be Bat Friendly for Bat Week!
The North Island BC Community Bat Program is encouraging residents to celebrate Bat Week 2025, an international celebration of bats and their importance to ecosystems and communities. Bat Week runs from October 24 to 31, 2025. Learn more about bats by attending a local bat talk, visiting a local library,
Protecting Middle Earth in 2026!
2026 is shaping up to be another exciting year for the Cumberland Forest Community! Since the year 2000 the CCFS has purchased and protected 545 acres of threatened forest including our most recent purchase of 44 acres in the Lower Perseverance Creek Corridor in 2023. But we’re not done yet!
Science Pub Series Explores EARTH
The CCFS Science Pub “Elements Series” has explored FIRE and WATER…. Now it’s time to dig in deep for EARTH! The Cumberland Community Forest Society (CCFS) is continuing their ongoing Science Pub(lic) education series with an exciting dive deep into earth sciences! Join fellow science nerds and curious neighbours on
Time to TREE UP for our Forest in the Village!
Join the Cumberland Forest Society and the Village of Cumberland for our annual urban tree planting party on Sunday Octobert 19th. Our goal for 2025 is to plant 100 trees and shrubs as part of a Community Wide Planting Day on Sunday October 19th! Villagers can sign up NOW to
Cumberland Forest Reflections – Calling in the Story
As part of the Cumberland Community Forest Society’s 25th anniversary celebrations, we are hosting a special event to launch an exhibition in the Collaboration Studio at the Cumberland Museum and Archives called Cumberland Forest Reflections. Cumberland Forest Reflections: 25 Years of the Cumberland Community Forest Society – is both an