Earthwise Agassiz

Welcome to Earthwise Agassiz!

Earthwise Society aims to create a unique, nature-based community resource, and restore the riparian, wetland, and old-growth ecosystems on our Agassiz site. Earthwise Society acquired the property, located at 6031 Golf Road, in 2015. Since then, we have been working with community partners, individuals, and organizations to help us realize our vision for the site. This beautiful property encompasses 58 acres of diverse ecosystems between Harrison Hot Springs and Agassiz, BC. The Miami River runs along the entire eastern boundary, providing habitat and pure running water right from the mountains A second stream and an estimated 2 acres of native wetland nestles at the foot of rocky mountain outcroppings to the west. A grove of almost 30 mature cedars marks the northern edge where the two streams join. At the entrance, a striking heritage farmhouse and barn, circa 1910, welcome visitors. 

Wetland restoration project: Since acquiring the Agassiz property, one of our main goals has been to restore the delicate riparian, wetland, and old growth ecosystems on site to enhance local biodiversity.  With the help of volunteers and the Fraser Valley Land Conservancy we have cleaned up the area, removed invasive species and planted hundreds of native trees, shrubs, and perennials along the newly created swale. Our long-term plan includes continued improvement and extension of our trail system along the Miami River.

Agassiz-Harrison food security project: Recently, Earthwise Agassiz has widened its focus to exploring ways to provide support to vulnerable populations in Agassiz-Harrison. The District of Kent and Harrison Hot Springs are communities that have agriculture and food at their core. However, there are also challenges that come along with being a rural agricultural community, and household food insecurity in the Eastern Fraser Valley is high. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need for organizations to pivot to address associated emerging food security challenges. Drawing on our experience establishing the Delta Food Coalition, Earthwise Agassiz has been working since 2022 to establish a network of local agencies that will collaborate to address important food security issues in Agassiz-Harrison. For more information about our food security work in Agassiz, CLICK HERE!

Come and visit us! 

There is something for everyone at Earthwise Agassiz! Whether you want to spend an afternoon exploring our magical forest trails and strolling through the gardens, participate in one of our programs, or simply wish to drop by to pick up some fresh organically grown produce from our farm store, you will not be disappointed! Here are just a few things we offer at Earthwise Agassiz:

Earthwise Agassiz Farm: Earthwise Agassiz is home to the Earthwise Farm, a one-acre demonstration organic teaching farm. Delicious, freshly harvested organically grown produce is sold at our farm store from June to September. You can also sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture subscription box, which provides members with a weekly box of freshly harvested Earthwise produce. This is a wonderful way to taste the harvest!

Stroll through the gardens: Take a walk through our beautifully landscaped, ecological demonstration gardens which include great examples of native and pollinator-friendly gardening. Get some inspiration for your own home gardens! Staff are always happy to answer any questions you might have.

Explore our Forest Trails: Take a self-guided tour through the lush streamside and woodland trails that meander along the Miami River. These trails, which we have been working hard to complete over the last few years, are part of our long-term plan to restore the delicate riparian and wetland habitat along the river.  We have removed a tangle of invasive species and replaced them with native plants to help enhance local biodiversity-see how many you can spot! While you explore the forest, be on the lookout for our beautiful interpretive signs along the way.

Outdoor School at Earthwise Agassiz: Our Outdoor School program is back by popular demand! This hands-on experiential learning program, geared at home-learners aged 6-10, will focus on streamside riparian ecosystems and organic farming. This program is a perfect way to help instill long-term environmental stewardship and respect for the environment. Click HERE for more info!

Field Trips: Earthwise Agassiz makes an exciting learning destination for school groups of all ages. Take the learning outside of the classroom and explore topics such as organic farming, wetland and riparian ecosystems, the importance of pollinators, ecological conservation and environmental stewardship! Field trips can also be customized to fit with your specific needs. Please contact us at info@earthwisesociety.bc.ca for more information!

Senior and Group Tours: Do you know a group who would love a tour of Earthwise Agassiz? We offer customized guided tours of the property- perfect for seniors’ groups or other interest groups! Spend an afternoon touring the property and garden, visit the farmhouse for some fresh produce, and maybe even enjoy a picnic lunch in the orchard!

Wedding Venue: Earthwise Agassiz provides a lovely venue for any event you might have in mind. Our striking farm house framed by the rich forest and majestic mountains make the perfect backdrop for weddings, parties, or social events!  For more information about our venues please click HERE!

You can help us make a difference!  

Are you interested in getting involved? There are so many ways you can help us realize our vision for Earthwise Agassiz!  Join us  as we plant trees, remove invasive species, and enhance our trails.  Bring the whole family out for a fun day of planting, then eat your picnic lunch and take in the stunning beauty around you!  This could be a rewarding way to reconnect with nature while lending a hand and giving back to the community. 

 If you are curious about other ways to get involved, check out our unique sponsorship program, or donate here. Your support will go a long way to help us create the changes we want to see. We would be happy to tell you more about what we do. Call us at 604-946-9828 or email info@earthwisesociety.bc.ca  for more information!

Thank you for your support:   

Earthwise Society gratefully acknowledges the support of our funders:

  • Vancity Envirofund
  • TD Friends of the Environment
  • RBC Blue Water
  • VanCity Strategic Partnerships
  • Pacific Conservation Assistance Fund
  • Environment Canada
  • United Way of British Columbia

 

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