The Gorge Waterway Action Society

The Gorge Waterway Action Society (GWAS) is a registered charity focused on preserving and enhancing the Gorge Waterway through environmental education, restoration, conservation, stewardship, and community involvement. The core of our organization is the Gorge Waterway Nature House, an interactive environmental education centre in Esquimalt Gorge Park, on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples, known today as the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations. The Nature House is a showcase of local ecosystems, an informational hub for local environmental organizations, and an accessible community space where everyone is welcome to learn!

How can you become an environmental steward?

1. Start With Love

Our society was founded in 1990 by a group of people who loved the Gorge Waterway, and who wanted to restore its beauty and its ecological function for the many living things who call this place home.

Ask your students: What is a natural place that you love? What lives there? What used to live there? How have people interacted with that place over time? What challenges does it face now?

2. Find the Helpers

One of the best parts of environmental work is that you’re never alone! A great way to begin learning about the place that you love and helping it thrive is to find out who is already doing that work. Your local Nature Centre is a great place to start!

Ask your students: Are there other people who care about the places that you love? Is there a Nature Centre in your community? Is there an organization, club, or society in your community that does environmental work? If so, how can you contribute? If not, can you create one at your school?

Finding a Nature Centre

You can find a map with our location and the locations of many of BC’s Nature Centres on our website.