How do you keep land safe from the pressures of development? This was the major concern conservationist Roderick Haig-Brown had about his 20 acres of farmland. He and Ann sold their land to the BC Provincial Government in 1975, under Greenbelt legislation that would see the land preserved as greenspace. The Haig-Brown Kingfisher Creek Society later took on the task of managing the lands, along with the Heritage Branch of the Province of BC.

Originally, the idea was to develop a nature park on the 20-acre property, extending into the 25 acres immediately adjacent to it, which is also privately owned. From the beginning, the inclusion of these properties in a "Greenbelt," now called "Greenway" networks, seemed to be the most sensible method of accomplishing a park status. The location of the property made it an ideal candidate for this type of protection. Due to its proximity to Campbell River, its potential benefits have been compared to those of Stanley Park in Vancouver. Unfortunately, the upper 25 acres was never acquired by the Haig-Brown Kingfisher Creek Society, due to financial constraints. Nonetheless, the current landowner has been co-operative in dealing with habitat conservation issues, and has consented to the creation of new salmon habitat works on his property.

Haig-Brown Kingfisher Creek
Heritage Property Sign

The old 20-acre Haig-Brown property is now conserved as public greenways land. In combination with the house and gardens (the Haig-Brown House Education Centre), this beautiful park provides the public with a convenient refuge from the city.

Moreover, it offers a fabulous learning opportunity for those interested in knowing more about salmon, their habitat, the connected ecosystem, and the people who conserve it.

Presently, a network of trails provides public access to different areas of Haig-Brown Kingfisher Creek.

Kingdom Come Trail
on the Haig-Brown property.

In addition, an access trail for the students of Campbellton Elementary has been constructed on the land. This trail offers a safe route to school away from the busy Gold River highway. Currently, additional efforts are being made to incorporate the Haig-Brown land trails with existing trails in the Elk Falls Provincial Park, as well as with trails across the Inland Island Highway near the Sequoia Springs Golf Course. Come walk the Haig-Brown Kingfisher Creek trails and experience for yourself nature's beauty.

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