Paul P.
5/5
Wildwood Ecoforest is a sustainably managed forest property located near Yellow Point / Cedar, on eastern Vancouver Island, between Nanaimo and Ladysmith.
It is a working example of ecoforestry — meaning trees are harvested selectively, with attention to maintaining ecological integrity. It isn’t a park for intense recreation, but rather a space for learning, demonstration, and restoration.
The property is about 77 acres (or ~31 hectares) in size. It includes areas of old-growth trees (some over 250 years old), second growth, wetlands, ridges, forested slopes, and varying moisture zones.
Wildwood is owned/managed by the Ecoforestry Institute Society. It was transferred to this non-profit in 2016 to ensure its continuing role as a model of sustainable forestry and public education.
To visit Wildwood, participation is generally via interpretive walks and scheduled tours. These are led by volunteers or hosts who explain the ecoforestry philosophy, forest ecology, wildlife, plant species, and forest management practices.
The terrain is mixed: some steep or undulating slopes, ridges and drier upland forest, and wetter marshy or valley bottoms. So hiking is moderate; paths may not be heavily developed everywhere.
There is a restored log homestead / cabin on site, which at times serves educational or accommodation purposes. The cabin has been under restoration to serve as a learning centre.
