A small island off the east coast of Vancouver Island has been preserved, thanks to a $1.7 million dollar funding drive.  West Ballenas Island is one of the most biodiverse places in the Salish Sea. It's 40.5 hectares features a rocky topography with a rich ecosystem of rare trees, an abundance of wildlife and is one of only two places on earth that is home to a rare buttercup flower.  A campaign by the BC Parks Foundation reached its goal over the weekend, allowing it to purchase the privately-owned island that had been zoned for redevelopment.  Foundation CEO Andy Day says preserving rare ecosystems like this one helps prevent the creation of viruses like COVID-19.

West Ballenas Island is already a popular spot for kayakers.  The foundation is planning to build trails to ensure sensitive plants can flourish.  Day says the ultimate plan is to create a national marine park in the Winchelsea Archipelago.  West Ballenas Island would be its most northerly point.