A message from Maery Kaplan-Hallam, Senior Specialist, Climate Change and Health, Environmental Public Health Services.
The Yakweakwioose Land, Water & Wellness project led by S. A. Y. Lands. S. A. Y. Lands provides administrative and land management services to Sq’ewqéyl (Skowkale), Áthelets (Aitchelitz), and Yeqwyeqwí:ws (Yakweakwioose) First Nations.
This June, the FNHA Climate Change and Health team visited the Ts’lhimexósem Trail in Chilliwack, a three-kilometre public walking path featuring an urban food forest, wetland and community gathering spaces.
The trail is part of the Yakweakwioose Land, Water & Wellness project, led by S. A. Y. Lands, the shared lands stewardship and management office serving Sq’ewqéyl (Skowkale), Áthelets (Aitchelitz) and Yeqwyeqwí:ws (Yakweakwioose) First Nations in the Fraser Valley. The organization’s name reflects the three partner Nations it serves. Through land stewardship, restoration and planning initiatives, S. A. Y. Lands works to support healthy ecosystems, cultural connections and community well-being.
A nature-based response to climate change
As we entered the trail on that hot June day, one of the first things we noticed was the welcome drop in temperature. Creating cooler outdoor spaces is one of the project’s key objectives. The tree canopy, lush vegetation, wetland and stream help cool the surrounding environment, while drought-resistant species have been planted in upland areas to help the landscape adapt to increasing heat and water scarcity.
Transforming pastureland into a thriving ecosystem
Wandering through the restored streamside area, it was hard to imagine that just three years ago the site was overgrazed pastureland.
Since the project began, the S. A. Y. Lands team has transformed the area through extensive restoration work, including the removal of invasive species and the planting of more than 23,000 native plants representing 70 species of trees, shrubs, herbs, and wildflowers.
The restoration supports climate resilience while improving habitat for local wildlife. By planting trees and restoring riparian habitat, the project will contribute to carbon sequestration, the process of capturing and storing carbon in vegetation and soils, helping to mitigate climate change while enhancing the overall resilience of local ecosystems. Large woody debris has also been incorporated throughout the site, helping retain moisture, support biodiversity and store carbon within the landscape.
The team has carefully selected species that are expected to be resilient under future climate conditions.
“When we’re thinking about the forests of the future, we’re not just asking what will grow and thrive today, we’re thinking about what will continue to grow and thrive 20 years from now,” said Ilesha Maharaj, Stewardship Coordinator for S. A. Y. Lands. “Our goal is to establish forests that are not only healthy today, but are better equipped to withstand the climate conditions of the future.”
Restoration efforts also included replacing undersized culverts to improve water flow and reconnect habitat. According to Steve Clegg, Land Stewardship Manager for S. A. Y. Lands, the improvements helped create conditions that supported the return of chum salmon higher up stream than had been seen in decades.
Designed for community and culture
Ts’lhimexósem means “Going for a walk together,” and the trail was designed to create opportunities for connecting with nature, engaging in recreation and participating in cultural and ceremonial activities.
Along the route, visitors will find gathering spaces, masks carved by local artists, geocaches containing cultural items and descriptions inside, a library box filled with donated books, and even a stick library for dogs.
“Community members have also appreciated having edible trees and shrubs incorporated along the trail, providing opportunities to learn about and enjoy plants that are connected to the land and traditional food systems,” said Ilesha.
The path meanders gently alongside salmon-bearing streams and beneath eagle nests, creating an immersive natural experience that is accessible for Elders and community members with mobility challenges.
“The trail has also become a place where Elders can bring their grandchildren and share stories about growing up and playing in the area,” said Ilesha. “It is creating opportunities for intergenerational connection and for community members to spend time together outdoors.”
Photo stations along the trail encourage visitors to upload photos showing the changing seasons while helping the stewardship team track plant growth and ecosystem development.
Built through strong partnerships
Partnerships have been central to the project’s success. The S. A. Y. Lands team shared many examples of community support, from local farmers lending equipment and materials to government agencies providing technical expertise.
One memorable gesture came at the end of the restoration process, when the S. A. Y. Lands team delivered a thank-you card and bundle of carrots to the horses whose former grazing lands had become part of the trail and restoration area.
The site has also become a learning destination for other Nations, schools, and community groups interested in land restoration and stewardship. The team has hosted visitors from across BC and internationally, including members of the Ainu, an Indigenous people of northern Japan.
As the project continues to grow, ongoing restoration efforts will further strengthen climate resilience and enhance ecosystem health. At the same time, the Ts’lhimexósem Trail will continue to serve as a place where people can gather, learn, and reconnect with the land for generations to come.
