LFAS Photo-Mosaic Mural

In 2013, former Langley Fine Arts School parent Susan McCaslin, visited LFAS to share her poetry and voice her concerns regarding the McLellan Forest. The forest at the time, was owned by the Township and was to be sold as a development property, but the neighbours of the little forest wanted to save it. They insisted that the land was a precious home for many rare and endangered species and was worth preserving.

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Information meetings were initiated at Langley Fine Arts School. Langley Township officials Mayor Jack Froese and Councillor Charlie Fox shared their perspectives with the staff and students. Also, WOLF (Watchers of Langley Forests) environmental lawyer, Mark Haddock took the LFAS community beneath the surface of the forest floor. The students were encouraged to research the issues to decide for themselves what should become of the wooded area.

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LFAS Senior Arts students went on a field trip to visit the McLellan Forest to experience it. Local residents welcomed LFAS students and staff, they shared special aspects of the ecology, and gave a tour of the location. The pathways were filled with Arts students. The students were inspired by the place; they sang and danced through the trails, sketched, wrote poetry, took photographs, and explored.  

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Throughout the year, there were many gatherings of poetry readings, interpretive walks, music performances, and art shows to raise awareness and preserve the grove.

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Later, the Blaauw family gave a donation to Western University to purchase the property for public use, education and research. The park is now protected for future generations.

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Meanwhile, the Township of Langley Council dedicated 25.75 acres of McLellan Forest. “People in our community made it clear that this was a special place with great environmental value, and their views were heard,” said Township of Langley Mayor Jack Froese. A natural conservation area owned by the Township and Metro Vancouver, was also preserved thanks to the efforts of the community and dedicated local organizations.

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 “McLellan Forest Natural Park is a beautiful spot that holds great environmental value and will be enjoyed by the public for many generations to come.”

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 “We live in a unique community with an abundance of natural and rural beauty,” Froese

said, “We have a lot to be proud of.”

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