On the island three large fundraising campaigns in the past few years have built community spirit and have raised money both to purchase and preserve two sensitive natural areas on the island and to build a unique community hall. In another community project, called the Bear Mother Project, Pender women under the guidance of Tsimshian carver and artist, Victor Reece, have carved three welcome poles which will stand at the entrance to the new community hall as of May 1st, 2000. There is a growing art community on the Penders with many galleries and arts and crafts shops for visitors to visit. The Market goes from the May Long Weekend until October. Schedules vary so check carefully.
Spring is a busy time around the lake as the hummingbirds and swallows return to nest.
Many species of songbirds can be heard as well as the nightly frog chorus. Wood ducks, uncommon and spectacularly coloured birds, nest here. Overhead, bald headed eagles and turkey vultures soar in the up drafts as they look for their next meal. Beginning in late April, the black-tailed deer fawns are born and the deer family dynamics are a joy to observe. Sorry, because of the deer we cannot take dogs.