MGen Bert Hoffmeister as the founding chair of the Nature Trust of BC. A framed photo and a caption of his role with a biography. A sign was put up on 72nd Avenue in Surrey. The Nature Trust of British Columbia was established in 1971 with a $4.5 million grant from the Federal Government in honour of BC’s centennial. One key factor in selecting sites was that they should be based on solid scientific information and need. There was also a sense of urgency in getting the projects underway because BC was experiencing a period of rapid growth and industrial development. That is how The National Second Century Fund of British Columbia, later to be called The Nature Trust of British Columbia, was born. It was founded to help set aside ecologically suitable natural places for future generations of British Columbians. The first chairman was Bert Hoffmeister, one of the most decorated Canadian soldiers of the Second World War, a retired forestry executive, and conservationist. In the spring of 1971, retired Major General Hoffmeister was riding near Pavilion, BC, when he was told Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau was calling him. Trudeau said he had a grant to finance a unique conservation project in BC. Bert Hoffmeister was the Chair of the organization for 20 years.