Taseko Talks

My Cariboo Now: Giving mother nature & Scout Island Nature Centre a helping hand

By Pat Matthews

A few employees of the Gibraltar Mine team rolled up their sleeves for a good cause.

On July 3, they had an opportunity to spend a day at Scout Island Nature Centre in Williams Lake for a good cause.

Vice President Corporate Affairs for Taseko Mines Limited, Sean Magee, said this was the second time Gibraltar staff have volunteered their time and made an investment in the natural habitat of Scout Island.

"This is an initiative led by one of our Senior Environmental Managers, Steve O'Hara, and about eight other staff spent time planting new aspen and cottonwood trees. Built an enclosure to help protect the trees from some of the wildlife out there. They also an built an irrigation system to ensure that new trees grow and thrive."

Magee said they see it as a really positive way to give back to the community and help foster a really tremendous natural environment that's available to Williams Lake residents.

"Our teams certainly have lots of experience around reclamation, around planting trees and shrubs, and ensuring natural vegetation is thriving. I think in total we (Gibraltar) have donated 200 person hours of volunteer time as well as I think there are 50 new large species trees. A very positive contribution to a community asset that is easy to access for local people, bird watchers, walkers, hikers who appreciate nature," Magee said.

He added they are very happy to donate time and expertise, as well as some trees and other assets to make sure that Scout Island Nature Centre continues to be available to residents and visitors.

"I suspect there's going to be an ongoing relationship there. Our team is very proud of the work that they've done even going back this year to see the significant growth of the trees that were planted in 2024 that was very fulfilling. I like to believe that's going to be an ongoing collaboration."

Magee thanked the Field Naturalists who manage Scout Island and the Gibraltar employees who volunteered their time.

"It's great to see positive community partnerships like this happen," Magee said, "everyone is the beneficiary when they do."