Take Action for the Yukon’s Environment

Join us as we research, educate on, and advocate for the Yukon’s ecosystems.

Our Sustainability Efforts in the Yukon

The destruction left behind by the abandoned Faro Mine, which requires extensive reclamation work expected to cost billions of dollars.

Advocacy

We advocate for policies, legislation, and actions which support the conservation of the Yukon’s ecosystems and sustainable industry.

A family of three caribou from the Yukon.

Conservation

We protect the Yukon’s natural resources through hands-on conservation efforts and research on ecosystems and wildlife populations.

Education

We promote awareness and understanding of the Yukon’s ecosystems to support practices that help to conserve the Yukon’s nature.

  • Northern lights dancing above the treetops in Yukon Territory.

    Key Initiatives

    The pillars of our work at YCS ➤

  • Caribou trudge through the snow in northern Yukon Territory, Canada.

    Wildlife Conservation

    We work to ensure that Yukon's fish & wildlife have safe habitat and healthy populations, despite pressures from human development.

    Conservation Projects
  • Wind turbines on top of Haeckel Hill, providing clean renewable energy into the Yukon's electrical grid. One of the only wind renewable resources in the territory.

    Clean Energy

    We promote energy conservation and efficiency to reduce energy use and waste. We believe that instead of developing a Yukon oil and gas industry, the Yukon must replace imported fossil fuels with local, low-impact renewable energy sources for thriving, resilient communities.

    Clean Energy Projects
  • The destruction caused by a mine on the edge of boreal forest and old growth ecosystems that provide valuable habitat and carbon sequestration.

    Mining Oversight

    YCS researches, educates, and advocates for sustainable mining processes, whether that’s through pushing for strong legislation or actively fighting harmful mining projects.

    Mining Oversight Projects
  • Samples being taken from a pond in Yukon Territory to analyze the insect species present.

    Education

    Outreach and education are at the core of who YCS is. By providing opportunities to learn and engage with nature, we foster awareness, respect, and action to conserve our land and water.

    Education Projects
  • The view of Yukon mountains from a small bushcraft plane.

    Carbon Reduction & Mitigation

    One of our core values is acknowledging & acting consistently within the understanding that the Yukon is in a climate and a biodiversity crisis. With the recent release of the IPCC, Sixth Assessment Report, it is critical that we create dialogue and action.

    GHG Reduction Projects

Current Campaigns

Re-Imagining the Parnell House Campaign

Our current campaign is re-imagining the future of our current offices at the Parnell House in downtown Whitehorse. Where there are offices today, we see the potential for a new Green Community Hub to serve the community and further conservation efforts across the Yukon.

The new Community Hub will be one of the Yukon’s only net-zero carbon emitting buildings with accessible spaces for community gatherings and hands-on environmental workshops for everyone.

Making this project a reality will need the support of the community behind it - lend your support today by signing your name to our petition, suggesting names and ideas for the new space, and get entered to win over $500 in prizes!

Prizes

Winterlong Brewing: Pingo Buff, Winterlong Glass, Winterlong Pet Travel Bowl, and Beer Soap

Sunshine & Wild Co: Medium Camel Hoodie made from sustainable materials and manufacturing processes

Oopsmark: Leather Belt, Leather Knife Case, and Leather Beer Holster

A stunning view of Tombstones National Park in Yukon Territory's northern reaches.

Giving a voice to the Yukon’s environment and its inhabitants

“I support the Yukon Conservation Society because they are protecting the Yukon’s land, water, and wildlife for future generations. Please give them your support.

- Jimmy Johnny, Elder, First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun

Our Partners & Supporters

  • Local Yukon clothing brand Sunshine & Wild, a proud & regular supporter of YCS.
  • The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, which has collaborated on numerous projects alongside YCS.
  • The Yukon Government, a collaborator and supporter of many of YCS's initiatives.
  • A stand-out YCS partner, the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre is a frequent collaborator alongside YCS.
  • The City of Whitehorse works with and supports YCS on several different initiatives.
  • Yukon Energy is a supporter and collaborator on YCS's different clean & renewable energy projects.
  • YCS's partner in conservation, CPAWS is a national-scale conservation organization that compliments YCS's own grassroots approach and frequently works with us for different projects.
  • The federal government of Canada has proudly supported YCS in the past and continues to do so for ongoing and future projects.
  • Nature Canada has frequently worked alongside YCS to advocate for nature-based solutions and integration of green-focused strategies in city and industrial development in the Yukon.
  • Raven Recycling provides a critical service in reducing waste in the Yukon and is a regular supporter of YCS's different efforts.
  • Yukon University has supported YCS on different clean energy and research projects over the years, a partnership YCS sees extending far into the future.
  • Wild Wise Yukon has supported YCS and helped make our mission possible for years.
  • The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a nation-wide conservation organization that has supported our research into northern & arctic wildlife populations.
  • The Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon has helped to make YCS's guided hikes in Miles Canyon possible.
  • Yukon Brewing has dedicated a lot of support to YCS over the years through donations and proceeds from specialty brews.
  • The Arts Fund is a huge reason why YCS is able to host our annual Created in the Canyon event by providing us the means to provide infrastructure, gather partners to provide environmental education, and pay artists to do sustainable artwork.
  • Local tourism company Terre Boreale is a supporter of YCS
  • Our talented contributing photographers, Steve Wilson, Peter Mather, Maggie Leary, and Grant Abbott, have helped make this website and our various graphic art & social media accounts possible.
  • Engage with Nature-Based Solution is a Victoria-based movement incubated in the University of Victoria campus. The organization is set on increasing sustainability and further the UN SDG goals across Canada by collaborating on projects.