The Mitlenatch Island Stewardship Team (MIST), a volunteer organization, was formed in 2010 to support BC Park’s mandate to provide protection for Mitlenatch Island. A large part of the organization’s focus is to maintain the volunteer warden program, which is crucial for visitation and conservation of the island.

MIST volunteers respectfully recognize that Mitlenatch Island is within the territory of Coast Salish and Kwakwakaʼwakw First Nations and that the island was and continues to be used by Indigenous peoples.

We encourage all visitors to check in at the volunteer cabin. Volunteers are happy to provide complimentary guided walks and introductory talks. They also have detailed bird and plant checklists for the island as well as a library full of information on the island’s natural and human history.

MIST volunteer wardens are present throughout the late spring and summer months. Our primary role is the protection of nesting birds as well as the natural features of Mitlenatch Island including the terrestrial flora and fauna and the surrounding marine protected areas.

MIST volunteers help maintain the integrity of the island by greeting all visitors and providing information on the island, including how to experience the island without disturbing the parks features.

MIST wardens also keep detailed records of visitation and natural history, remove invasive plants and maintain the park signs, trails and buildings. To see our volunteer wardens in action, visit our Volunteer Activities gallery.

Approximately 70 to 80 volunteers are stewards on Mitlenatch each year, some who have been involved since the 1960s.

Read more about MIST’s projects.