Conservation Ambassador Training 2024 Spring Tune-up

Sign up by June 10 and watch the modules by July 2

We are offering the Conservation Ambassador Tune-up this month – sign up before June 10. Each training module is an engaging workshop with expert presenters who share relevant information, case studies of Best Management Practices and innovative techniques to help fellow practitioners become more knowledgeable when they are out doing their work. The content includes how to steward for wildfire resilience, wildlife coexistence, and riparian and foreshore habitats, including knowing what to look for, how to open up a conversation with a landowner on these topics, and tips for providing more holistic advice. Watch all three modules by July 2 to receive a beautiful Kootenay Conservation Ambassador certificate!

Click here for more information and to register. 

KCP Conservation Leadership Award - nominations accepted until June 15

Open for 2024 nominations

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized for their conservation work in the Kootenays? The annual KCP Conservation Leadership Awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated leadership, innovation and dedication to conservation in our region. Nominees must be affiliated with a KCP partner organization and they must show a demonstrated commitment toward the KCP vision. Award winners will be announced at the KCP Fall Gathering. Nominations are accepted until June 15.

Click here to download the nomination form.

KCP Stewardship Committee Meetings & Spring Tours

East and West Kootenay events took place in May

We had a great turnout and a mix of spring weather for our Stewardship Committee meetings and field tours in person, with both meetings also having the option of virtual attendance via Zoom. The East Kootenay meeting took place in Cranbrook on May 23 followed by a field tour of Spring Creek Ranch by ranchers Melinda and Brian Watson, Rachael Roussin with Kootenay & Boundary Farm Advisors, and Dave Zehnder with Farmland Advantage who also treated participants to a demonstration by a conservation dog. The West Kootenay meeting was in Salmo on May 28 followed by an engaging slideshow presentation and field tour of wetland restoration at Hidden Creek near the Salmo River, hosted by Gerry and Alice Nellestijn with Salmo Watershed Streamkeepers Society.

Click here for the photo galleries and full story. 

Local Conservation Funds: Columbia Valley & RDCK

Project pages updated with new projects 

The Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund Projects and the RDCK Local Conservation Fund Projects webpages have been updated! New projects in the Columbia Valley funded through the CVLCF in 2024 include the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Larsen Lake Range Fencing Project and the Rocky Mountain Trench Natural Resources Society’s Creation and Protection of Anthropogenic Bat Habitat in the Columbia Valley. New projects receiving RDCK Local Conservation Funds in 2024 include the restoration of wetland, riparian, and floodplain habitat at Crooked Horn Farm in Winlaw, and Kootenay BroomBusters – ‘A Community Led Pulling Together Program’ by the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society.

Click here to see the RDCK LCF Projects page, and here to see the CVLCF Projects page. 

Nature Conservancy of Canada

Skookumchuck Prairie Conservation Area protects grasslands, forests and wetlands

Grassland-reliant species in the Rocky Mountain Trench now have more protected habitat thanks to a new conservation area near Cranbrook. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is announcing its acquisition of 270 hectares in the Skookumchuck Prairie, which lies within the traditional territories of the Ktunaxa Nation and the Secwépemc (Shuswap Band). The Skookumchuck Prairie Conservation Area protects vital valley-bottom grasslands, open forests and wetlands. This project falls within the Skookumchuck Prairie Key Biodiversity Area and is adjacent to three Provincial Wildlife Habitat Areas, which protect habitat for the at-risk long-billed curlew and Lewis’s woodpecker. Long-billed curlew is listed as special concern due to the loss of grassland habitat used for breeding. Skookumchuck Prairie Conservation Area contains multiple nesting territories for the species. The federally threatened Lewis’s woodpecker nests in cavities within large trees, like those found in this landscape, and a breeding population of this species is present in the area. Most of the site is a dry grassland of prairie junegrass, bluebunch wheatgrass and rough fescue. Three hectares of wetlands add to the landscape diversity and offer crucial benefits to wildlife and water systems in the area. This conservation gem also provides habitat for endangered American badger and excellent winter range for elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer.

Read the full news release here.

Record Ridge

Proposal Comment Period closes on June 14

Record Ridge, near Rossland, is noted for the diversity of plant species, including Bitterroot, Lomatium species, onion grass, and numerous other species in a combination extremely rare in Canada. Botany BC and The West Kootenay Botanical Society have both held tours at Record Ridge highlighting the unique plant community that is cherished by locals and tourists alike. West High Yield Resources Ltd. is proposing a new serpentine (magnesium) mine with a production of no greater than 200,000 tonnes per year of quarried product for two years of operations, located approximately 7.5 km west of Rossland. More information can be found on the BC Mine Information website. The Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) is reviewing a formal request from Wildsight to conduct an environment assessment of the proposed Record Ridge project. The EAO is currently seeking public feedback to help determine whether an environmental assessment should be required, in coordination with First Nations and technical advisors. You can submit comments until June 14.

Click here for more information and to submit a comment.

RDCK Parks, Trails and Water Access Strategy

Survey deadline is June 19

Join the RDCK in shaping the future of regional parks, trails, and water access. Your input is valued, whether you are a regular user or not, and will help guide efforts to enhance these vital community resources. The goal at the RDCK is to provide top-notch nature-based recreation opportunities while supporting the economic, social, and environmental objectives of the region. To achieve this, we are crafting a Regional Parks, Trails, and Water Access Strategy for the next 10 years to help inform planning, decision-making, and management of the Regional Parks and Trails Services. The strategy will aim to assess current parks, trails, and water access areas; evaluate their effectiveness in meeting community needs; identify future opportunities; and develop a plan for implementation. The information and insights you share through this survey will help to inform the draft strategy. The deadline to fill out the survey is June 19 at 4:30 pm PT.

Click here for more information and to access the survey.

BC Community Bat Program

Calling all citizen scientists for the BC Annual Bat Count

Bat biologists and volunteers started spending nights counting bats at maternity roosts throughout the province on June 1st. “Female bats roost together in summer and raise their young in maternity colonies,” says Elodie Kuhnert, Kootenay coordinator for the BC Community Bat Program. “They generally only have one pup per female in June.” Male bats do not help raise the young and usually roost alone in large trees, rock cliffs, boulder fields, barns, and buildings. The Annual Bat Count involves sitting outside a bat maternity roost at sunset for an hour and counting all the bats that emerge. “The maternity roosts that we count are in buildings, bat boxes, or bridges,” says Kuhnert. The Kootenay Community Bat Project is also organizing bat count workshops across the Kootenays during the month of June. If this is your first time counting and you want to learn more about bats from one of the Bat Ambassadors, register here. Bats in BC are key predators of many night-flying insects. They are an essential component of BC’s ecosystems and provide billions of dollars of economic benefit by helping control agricultural, forest, and urban pests. 

Click here for more details about the BC Annual Bat Count. 

Living Lakes Canada

Provide your feedback about groundwater in the Columbia Basin

Groundwater in the Columbia Basin is a crucial freshwater source for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and commercial purposes. However, a lack of understanding of groundwater systems is a problem that can hinder sustainable water management and allocation. If you're a resident of the transboundary Columbia Basin, please share your feedback by completing this survey from Living Lakes Canada. Your help will build momentum for an aquifer assessment in the Columbia Basin region.

Click here to complete the survey. 

Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society

Kootenay Broom Busters Program

Supported by the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Local Conservation Fund, CKISS is launching the Broom Buster program across designated areas within the RDCK, with the goal of educating and inspiring residents to become community ambassadors. Kootenay residents’ actions will mitigate the impacts of invasive Scotch broom on local ecosystems and wildfire risks. During a Broom Bash, volunteers come together to mechanically remove invasive Scotch broom infestations from their community, fostering a collaborative effort to address environmental challenges. Participants receive valuable hands-on learning experiences about the detrimental effects of invasive plants on ecosystems and economies, gaining insights into proper removal techniques and the importance of timing in cutting broom. There have already been Broom Buster events taking place in Creston and Proctor, with an event coming up this month in the Nelson North Shore area. Residents interested in participating in a Broom Bash or proposing future Broom Bash sites are encouraged to reach out to CKISS via email at info@ckiss.ca. Your involvement and input are crucial in the fight against invasive Scotch broom, and CKISS looks forward to collaborating with residents to address this pressing environmental issue.

Read the full story here and sign up to participate.

Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society

Take Action Against Invasive Plants in Your Garden This Spring

The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) is calling upon gardeners to be vigilant about the seed packs, plants, and wildflower seed mixes they purchase or share. It is currently not illegal to import, purchase, or sell invasive plants in BC. CSISS is working to collaborate with garden centers and plant nurseries across the region to ensure they are not providing invasive species for sale. CSISS has useful resources and workshops to help you learn to identify and manage invasive plants. You can also learn about choosing native and non-invasive plants for your garden through the provincial PlantWise program. Be sure to request non-invasive plants from your local garden centre. If you are having trouble identifying a species or need advice on how to best manage a pesky plant, CSISS is here to help! Contact them at: info@columbiashuswapinvasives.org.

Click here for the full press release.

Wildsight

Next phase of Reconnecting the Rockies project is underway

Exclusion fencing, wildlife passages under bridges and ungulate guards are helping to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions in the Elk Valley as part of the Reconnecting the Rockies project. On average, 39 road kills — from grizzly bears to elk, wolverines, bighorn sheep and deer — are reported each year along a 27 km stretch of Highway 3, between Hosmer, BC, and the Alberta border, although the true, unreported number is likely much higher. Five years after the original project proposal, the Reconnecting the Rockies project is well underway thanks to the work of a team that is now comprised of Duane Wells with the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Wildsight, the Yellowstone to Yukon Initiative, project scientists Dr. Clayton Lamb and Emily Chow, and Miistakis Institute biologist Tracy Lee. So far, three bridges (Loop Bridge, Alexander Bridge and Carbon Creek Bridge) have been retrofitted with wildlife underpasses, and 2 km of exclusion fencing has been put up connecting the Loop and Carbon Creek crossings. Phase 2, which is expected to be completed by the end of this summer, will see two more underpasses go in under Old Town and Michel Mouth bridges, fencing between the Carbon and Alexander underpasses, and ungulate guards at Fir Road and Gun Range Road. Once complete, the team aims to have constructed 11 wildlife crossings over six phases, all connected by exclusion fencing, making it amongst the largest projects of its kind in BC. 

Click here to read the full story. 

Yaqan nuɁkiy

Onward with Phase 2 of Wetland Restoration

The community of yaqan nuɁkiy is not one that likes to sit back and marvel at progress. Currently in the twilight of what was a project to restore a 517-hectare hunting-ground ecosystem near the confluence of the Goat and Kootenay rivers near Creston, the community is back at it, restoring another section of wetland just south of the initial project. Although similar in concept, the scope of phase two is far greater—four times the size, in fact. This area of 2,000+ hectares was once a flourishing wetland for a myriad of plants, animals and people, well before the historic altering of waterways. The project­—extremely important ecologically—will also have benefits that run much deeper than the roots of a cattail. The area is becoming increasingly hospitable for endangered nesting black swift populations. Burbot and white sturgeon are benefiting from the reconnection of the floodplains, equating to greater success rates during spawning. Northern leopard frogs, Western toads and Western painted turtles are becoming ever more common along the sandy banks and vegetation-rich bogs. With an end date of phase two stretching into 2027, the project is just getting underway.

Read the full story here. 

BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

Province, partners step up fight against invasive mussels

The Province, BC Hydro and conservation organizations are increasing efforts to protect local waterways and keep invasive mussels out of BC. Locally, the Columbia Basin Trust and Columbia Power are also contributing funding. “I welcome the support from BC Hydro and our conservation partners as we continue the crucial work of keeping our waterways free of invasive mussels,” said Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “The Province has made fighting invasive mussels a priority and we will keep taking action alongside our partners and communities.” While substantial action is underway to protect BC waterways from invasive mussels, the Government of BC continues to advocate to the federal government to resume funding this vital program. The Province’s Invasive Mussel Defence Program (IMDP) works to protect BC lakes and rivers through early-detection lake monitoring, watercraft inspection stations and public outreach. Inspection stations are open from April until October to prevent zebra and quagga mussels from hitching a ride on boats or other watercraft and entering BC waterways. Inspectors promote BC’s directive that everyone follow the "Clean, Drain, Dry" guidance, preventative steps every boater and paddler is expected to practice when moving between lakes, rivers and other water bodies.

Click here for the full news release.

Environment and Climate Change Canada

Public consultations on the potential amendment of the List of Wildlife Species at Risk under SARA

You are invited to submit comments on the potential impacts of amending the List of Wildlife Species at Risk according to the COSEWIC status assessments for the terrestrial species. Your comments will be considered and will inform the Minister’s recommendation to Cabinet. Please provide comments by May 16 for species undergoing a normal consultation process. One terrestrial species, the Great Blue Heron fannini subspecies, will follow an extended consultation process. Please provide comments by October 16 for this species that will be following an extended consultation path. There will also be an opportunity to provide comments during the 30-day public consultation period associated with pre-publication in Canada Gazette Part I.

Click here for the complete set of statements and the consultation path for each species.

BC Wildlife Federation: Version 3 of ''Wetlands of BC”

Looking for photos of wetland plants

The BC Wildlife Federation is advancing Version 3 of the “Wetlands of British Columbia” digital resource book. They are inviting you to explore your local wetlands, take photographs of the diverse plant species you encounter, and submit your photos for this project. Every photograph you submit to Plant Bingo contributes to conserving and protecting biodiversity in wetlands throughout BC. Join the BCWF to work together in celebrating the beauty of nature, preserving local ecosystems, and ensuring their resilience for future generations. Photos can be submitted to submission@bcwf.bc.ca.

Click here for more information on the project and how to submit photos. 

BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

New mapping app for Eagle and Heron nests

The BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship and the Community Mapping Network (NGO) have collaboratively developed a citizen science app for documenting eagle and heron nest sites. The Bald Eagle and Osprey nest registry is a province wide partnership managed by the Wildlife Tree Stewardship (WiTS) program with a goal to support the protection of nest trees covered under Section 34 of the British Columbia Wildlife Act. The WiTS Atlas collects Bald Eagle and Osprey nest records provided by government, industry, conservation/naturalist groups, and the public. The WiTS mobile app can be used both online (with an interactive base map) and offline by recording your location coordinates. When on-line, the app will help you find existing nests so that you can update nest activity, the status of the nest tree and other important information.

Click here for more information. 

Parks Canada

All water bodies closed in Kootenay and Yoho National Parks

Parks Canada has closed all bodies of water in Yoho and Kootenay National Parks until at least March 2025. This comes after BC's first-ever case of whirling disease was found in fish in Emerald Lake, near the village of Field in Yoho National Park, in September of 2023. Whirling disease was later found in fish in Kicking Horse River, Wapta Lake, Finn Creek, Monarch Creek and at the confluence of Emerald River and the Kicking Horse River. Access was first restricted for five months beginning last October, and Francois Masse, Parks Canada's superintendent for Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay, says extending the restrictions another year will help protect fish species including several types of trout and Kokanee. Whirling disease has a devastating impact on aquatic life. Once established, researchers say, it is impossible to eradicate the parasite, which is a known aquatic invasive species. Parks Canada says the mortality rate for young fish is 90%, with no treatment options available.

Click here for more information.

Society for Ecological Restoration: Make a Difference Week 2024

June 1 to 9, Everywhere

The Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) coordinates an annual week of global restoration action where individuals and organizations from around the world host and participate in local volunteer restoration events. After the Make a Difference week (MADW2024), SER collects data from all the event hosts (number of volunteers, amount of work, etc.) in order to demonstrate the incredible positive impact that globally coordinated local action can have on the world's ecosystems! You can learn more about the initiative, and see the impact of past years, on the Make a Difference Week website. If you or your organization have any ecology-focused volunteer events planned for the week of June 1 to 9, you can register them with MADW2024. Please reach out to Keith MacCallum at keith@ser.org with any questions you may have.  

Lake Biodiversity Photo Challenge opens for submissions on June 1st 

June 1 to July 31, Local Lakes

Hosted by Living Lakes Canada and the Canadian Conservation Photographers Collective, the Lake Biodiversity Photo Challenge celebrates the beauty of lakes in Canada and raises awareness around what’s threatening their incredible biodiversity. Everyone who enters is eligible to win! New this year, we’ve partnered with Nikon Canada Ambassador and Kase Filters Global Ambassador Viktoria Haack to offer the grand prize of an online photography workshop for winners. Winners will also receive age-appropriate prizes provided by gift sponsors LUSH Cosmetics, Kicking Horse Coffee and Laykhaus Candles.

Click here to learn more and submit your photos. 

Key Biodiversity Areas in BC: 2024 Progress and Updates

June 4, Online

In the 4th year of identifying Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in BC, join for a (re)introduction to the process, an update on the work done so far, and information on further opportunities for involvement. KBAs are sites that are remarkable in terms of their natural values and hold species or ecosystems that depend on the sites for their persistence. KBAs are identified using a set of globally agreed upon criteria, and by covering all the natural values they provide a single coherent and global approach to identifying sites important for nature. In Canada, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Birds Canada and NatureServe Canada are coordinating the initiative to identify all the nationally and internationally significant KBAs in the country. This meeting is open to everyone, so please tell anyone in your network who might be interested. From 7 to 8 pm PT / 8 to 9 pm MT, with an optional 30 minutes extra for additional questions/discussion.

Click here for more information and to register.

Bat Count Workshops

June 4 to 15, East & West Kootenay

The Kootenay Community Bat Project (KCBP) is delighted to announce a series of Bat Counts Workshops taking place across the Columbia Basin. This is a family friendly event, children are welcome! Locations include Creston, Invermere, Slocan, Castlegar, Nelson, Cranbrook, Golden, and Trail. The bat counts start in the evening at dusk. Note that in case of rain, each workshop will be postponed to the backup date listed.

Click here for a list of all locations and dates, and to register. 

Ecosystem Enhancement Program - Submitted Projects Discussion

June, 5, Online

The Columbia Basin Trust's Ecosystem Enhancement Program aims to maintain and improve ecological health and native biodiversity in a variety of ecosystems by supporting landscape-scale ecosystem restoration and enhancement projects across the Basin. The Trust is hosting a Basin-wide community discussion to review and seek input on the submitted project ideas. Your input is important and will help inform which projects could be implemented. Please join the conversation. From 9 to 11 am PT / 10 am to 12 pm MT. 

Click here to register.

Invasive Species Information Session

June 6, Cranbrook

The East Kootenay Invasive Species Council present this Invasive Species Information Session at the Public Produce Garden in Cranbrook. Learn how invasives can impact your garden, community, environment, economy, and you! Identify common invasive species and learn what we can do about them. From 10 am to 12 pm MT.

Click here for more information.

Family-Friendly Foraging Walk

June 8, Lake Enid

Enjoy a hike for the whole family around the shores of gorgeous Lake Enid and discover the art of foraging for wild plants. This foraging hike is coordinated by Wildsight Invermere. Kalista Pruden from Avalily Permaculture and The Earthskills Institute brings a wealth of local and Indigenous knowledge to lead the walk, showing what you can and can’t eat, exploring medicinal and other cultural uses of wild plants, and how to harvest wild plants safely, sustainably, and respectfully. To access Lake Enid, take Horsethief Road west from Wilmer. From 10 am to 12 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register. 

Field Day 2: ​​Establishing a Wildflower Meadow & Filling the June Bloom Gap - new date

June 9, Slocan Valley

This workshop is part of the Planting for Pollinators course series offered by Elk Root Conservation Farm Society. This second field day will include: 1) Pollinator Meadows: how to plan, select and prepare a meadow site, select local ecotype native flowering plants, manage invasive plants and grasses, care for, and successfully maintain your meadow into the future; and 2) Filling the June bloom gap in gardens and meadows through careful plant selection to counteract the lack of late spring and early summer blooms to ensure continuous nectar and pollen supply for wild pollinators as well as honeybees. Suitable for all levels of gardeners and ideal for beekeepers. From 9 am to 12 pm PT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Wild Spaces Recreation Dialogues: Recreation Ecology

June 12, Fernie

Wild Spaces Recreation Dialogues is a series of Wildsight-hosted events happening this spring in Golden, Radium and Fernie. Do you spend time on the trails or in the backcountry and want to learn more about the wildlife around you? Join Wildsight to hear from local experts about wildlife issues specifically relevant to those who move through our valleys and mountains on foot, wheels or water. The Elk River Alliance will kick things off with a talk about Whirling Disease before wildlife scientist Clayton Lamb takes the stage to share results from his three-year study looking at wildlife responses to bike and hiking trails in Fernie. Presentations will be followed by an opportunity to ask questions and share perspectives. This event is free, but space is limited so please register to save your seat at the Fernie Legion from 7 to 8:30 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Naturalist guided bird walk 

June 15, Golden

Are you interested in learning about the birds that call Golden their home? Come join Naturalist Verena Shaw, to see what we can find at Reflection Lake near Golden. We will check out the viewing platform as well as the view from above the lake. There should be lots to see and hear at this time of year! Please bring binoculars, water, a hat, and some walking shoes. Binoculars and field guides will be provided for those who need them, and scopes will be set up for good viewing. This event begins at 8:15 am MT.

Click here for more information and to register. 

2024 Summer Bee Bioblitz

June 16, Kokanee Creek Park

We need your help! There are over 500 native bee species in BC, and many of them are still relatively under-studied, and under-represented. The more eyes we have looking for bees, the more likely we are to find rare species. iNaturalist is teaming up with BC Parks to offer this event at Kokanee Creek Park near Nelson. You are invited to attend the Summer Bee Bioblitz, where there will be a brief talk about the importance of native bees and other pollinators, before leading a ‘bee safari’ walk for a hands-on example of how to collect observations to upload to iNaturalist. Please dress for the weather and avoid wearing heavily perfumed products. Dogs and other pets tend to scare the bees away, so please leave them at home. Even if you aren’t able to attend this event, everyone is still encouraged, anywhere in BC, to get outside, enjoy some fresh air, and collect some bee observations. While they will not end up in this particular project, they are still incredibly useful, and they will be collected in the Native Bee Society of BC’s BC Bee Tracker project, which is ongoing, and collects bee observations from anywhere in the province. Meet at the Nature Centre at Kokanee Creek Park on Sunday, June 16, beginning at 1 pm PT.

Click here for more information (scroll down to the bottom of page).

Indigenous Rights and Environmental Justice: Insights from Author and Human Rights Defender Clayton Thomas-Müller

June 16, Online

As part of Living Lakes Canada’s Lake Blitz Summer Speaker Series, this webinar welcomes Clayton Thomas-Müller, a prominent author, Indigenous rights advocate and environmental justice champion from Treaty #6 based Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (also known as Pukatawagan) in Northern Manitoba. Clayton will delve into the importance of lake ecosystems and fostering water literacy, and he will share details about his work to fight against the fossil fuel industry’s encroachment on Indigenous lands. This live webinar will be held from 5:30 to 6 pm PT / 6:30 to 7 pm MT followed by time for questions.

Click here to register. 

Guided Grasslands Hike

June 17, Wycliffe / Kimberley

Get ready for an exhilarating and informative tour through the stunning grasslands of Wycliffe Butte! Learn from top experts about the Wycliffe Conservation Corridor, grassland ecology, and a variety of fascinating topics including grass/plant/weed identification; forest ingrowth and ecosystem restoration; the effects of fire on grasslands; grassland management for wildlife, livestock, and recreation; invasive species control; species and habitats at risk; and recreation management strategies. Co-hosted by the Grasslands Conservation Council of BC, BC Institute of Agrologists, the Nature Trust of BC, Nature Conservancy of Canada, the East Kootenay Invasive Species Council, and the Province of BC, this event promises a deep dive into the heart of grassland ecology. Meet at the Stirton Road parking lot at 9 am MT. The hike will be approximately two hours.

Click here for more information and to register.

Ktunaxa Nature Walk: Alfred Joseph's Walkabout Book Launch

June 18, Online

Author Alfred Joseph is a highly respected Ktunaxa Elder and past chief of the Akisqnuk Nation. He is an expert in Ktunaxa language and knowledge and an immensely passionate, dedicated and talented educator. He was a student at St Eugene’s Residential School and graduated from Olds Agricultural College. He has a farm with hay production and farm animals, and a Trail Riding operation for 25 years, ending in 2000. He is very knowledgeable about and utilizes all aspects of Ktunaxa Culture. Join the Outdoor Learning Store for a short and sweet launch party to learn from the author about this exciting new Outdoor Learning resource 'Ktunaxa Nature Walk: Alfred Joseph’s Walkabout'. This “Walkabout” book came from the idea to create interest in looking at the outside environment through the lens of the Ktunaxa language. From 4 to 4:30 pm PT / 5 to 5:30 pm MT.

Click here for more details and to register.

Preparing for Wildfire Season

June 21, Online

As we face another summer with risks of wildfires, heat and smoke, the West Kootenay Climate Hub shares ways to build our communities’ resilience in the face of worsening climate impacts. We'll hear from Stephan Martineau, with Slocan Integral Forestry Cooperative (SIFCo), about their Resiliency Centre in Appledale. He will share their experiences in creating the centre, including challenges and successes in building community while preparing for extreme weather, smoke, wildfires and other emergencies. Stephan's lifelong passion and pursuit is to move beyond ideas, discussions and theorizing to actually doing and being the changes we wish to see in the world. Chris Bullock, with the East Kootenay Climate Hub will share their experience with DIY air purifiers, using simple materials for a much lower cost than commercial air purifiers. A great project to build community and distribute to those who would benefit from clear air during smoke season. Chris is an environmental engineer now living in Cranbrook. We will also hear from a representative from RDCK's FireSmart program to learn what we can do to make our properties and neighbourhoods safer from wildfires and share emergency preparedness tips in the event of wildfire. From 12 to 1 pm PT / 1 to 2 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Invasive Species Pull

June 22, Canal Flats

Wildsight Invermere and the East Kootenay Invasive Species Council (EKISC) are joining forces to host a weed pull in the bighorn sheep habitat around Canal Flats. This is part of Wildsight's Bighorn Sheep Conservation project, helping to preserve and enhance the ecology of the sheep’s habitat and winter foraging grounds. Everyone is welcome, especially local residents and recreationalists who would like to learn how to identify and remove invasive plant species from the bighorn sheep habitat in your neighbourhood. Training will include identification and control methods, as well as understanding the impact of invasives and recreation on the sheep and other wildlife. We will spend around 2 hours out on the trails pulling up and bagging the weeds. Gloves and bags will be provided, or bring your own, and enjoy a complimentary barbeque afterwards from 12.30pm. Meet at the Canal Flats Village Office carpark at 10 am MT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Reimagining a Garden for Butterflies

June 23, Castlegar

The Kootenay Native Plant Society presents this native plant gardening workshop with Bren Beckwith of KinSeed Ecologies. This workshop and day of celebrating the butterflies and plants of Syringa Provincial Park will be held at the new Learning Garden at Syringa near Castlegar. More details and registration to come!

Click here for more details when they are available.

Native Flora Garden Tour

June 23, Golden

Join Nick Laferriere; artist, photographer and gardener (some of his roles!) as he tours us around his local flora garden. Nick has been planting local plants in his nursery for a few years and has created magical gardens, good for pollinators, birds and other local fauna. His garden is beautiful, and he loves to share his knowledge and tips with other gardening aficionados. This event begins at 5:15 pm MT.

Click here for more information.

North American Congress for Conservation Biology

June 23 to 28, Vancouver

The biennial North American Congress for Conservation Biology (NACCB) brings together conservation professionals and students working across a wide variety of disciplines and institutions for discussion, innovation, and opportunities in science. This year's conference theme is "Celebrating Diversity in Conservation from Summit to Sea". The 2024 congress provides an opportunity for the North American conservation community to unite after three challenging years with escalating climate change and biodiversity loss. NACCB 2024 offers a diverse range of symposia, concurrent sessions, workshops, short courses, and field trips to advance discourse and foster collaboration across conservation disciplines. The Congress serves as an open platform for sharing unique perspectives and adapting emerging ideas, technologies, and methods in conservation science. Society for Conservation Biology North America is committed to promoting diversity by providing dedicated spaces for Indigenous communities and marginalized groups to share their perspectives, experiences, and practices at the 2024 Congress. 

Click here for more information and click here to register. 

Fire & Water: A Path to Resilient Watersheds

June 26, Nelson

Presented by the West Kootenay Watershed Collaborative, this workshop with Fire Ecologist Robert W. Gray will explain how we can make our landscapes more resilient to fire, drought, and insects. A large-scale project throughout the Ktunaxa Territory in BC is using complex fire behaviour and fire effects modelling to establish crucial resiliency measures. These include determining likely fire flow, optimizing the placement of treatments to interrupt fire flow, and reducing the number of high-severity fires and their impact on a wide range of societal and environmental values. This event is at Taghum Hall starting at 6:30 pm PT.

Click here to see the event poster. 

Native Bee Study Group: June Bees and Their Hosts

June 26, Online

The BC Native Bee Society hosts a monthly Native Bee Study group with a different theme each month, as a jumping off point to share knowledge and learn from others. This group is an opportunity for connecting and learning about native bees with others throughout the province. Experts and complete beginners are very welcome! The format is a show and tell style, and anyone who is interested in participating can create a slide on the shared google slides deck to share with the group (link sent with registration). Photos can also be sent to bcnativebees@gmail.com with a subject line of "Native Bee Study Group". This month, the theme is 'June bees and their hosts'; let's share the bees and flowers that we are seeing this month! From 7 to 8:30 pm PT / 8 to 9:30 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Grizzly Bears in the Kootenays

July 4, Nelson

As part of the Kokanee Creek Summer Speaker Series, this evening presentation by Wildlife Biologist Grant MacHutchon will be sure to engage you and teach you something new about the iconic grizzly bear. Based in Nelson, Grant specializes in bear research and management issues, including habitat ecology, population biology, and bear and human conflict management. This evening presentation is from 7 to 8 pm PT, at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park nature centre.

Click here to see the entire Kokanee Creek Summer Speaker Series. 

Native Butterflies and Butterfly Habitat 

July 5, Nelson

As part of the Kokanee Creek Summer Speaker Series, this evening presentation by Biologist and Botanist Bren Beckwith is about the fascinating world of native butterflies and their habitat. Brenda has a PhD in Ethnoecology from the University of Victoria as well as a MSc in Ethnobotany and a BA in Plant Ecology from California State University. The presentation is from 7 to 8 pm PT, at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park nature centre.

Click here to see the entire Kokanee Creek Summer Speaker Series.

Connecting to the Land, the Métis Way: Summer Course

July 8 • 15 • 22 • 29, Online

This course introduces parents, adult learners, and educators to children’s resources on Métis knowledge, culture and history connected to the land. Join Leah Marie Dorion, Métis artist, author, curriculum developer, lecturer and researcher, in discovering resources that include translations into Michif and offer incredibly vibrant illustrations giving insight into Métis life. There are four sessions on Mondays, July 8 to 29, from 4 to 5 pm PT / 5 to 6 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register. 

Native Bee Biology and Identification

July 19, Nelson

This is a collaboration between the Kootenay Native plant Society and the Native Bee Society of BC. Join the extraordinary Bonnie Zand in a native bee school at Kokanee Creek Park Nature Centre. More details to come!

Click here for more details when they are available.

Native Bee Quest: Discovering Common & Rare Species in the Lower Columbia

July 20, Trail

The Kootenay Native Plant Society and the Native Bee Society of BC are teaming up for an exploration of the common and rare native bees of the lower Columbia and the Pend d’Oreille Valley. More details and registration to come!

Click here for more details when they are available.

Fire and Flow: Exploring Wildfires and Watersheds with Geographer François-Nicolas Robinne

July 24, Online

In the third webinar of Living Lakes Canada’s Lake Blitz Summer Speaker Series, discover how wildfires threaten water security and influence watershed dynamics as summer heats up. Geographer and wildfire researcher François-Nicolas Robinne will explore the complexities of wildfire behaviour and shed light on both the challenges and positive impacts. François-Nicolas will offer a nuanced perspective on this natural phenomenon and give participants insight into the fascinating interplay between wildfires and watersheds. This live webinar will be held from 5:30 to 6 pm PT / 6:30 to 7 pm MT followed by time for questions..

Click here to register.

Field Day 3: Gardening with Native Plants

July 27, Slocan Valley

This workshop is part of the Planting for Pollinators course series offered by Elk Root Conservation Farm Society. Specific topics in this third field day will include: native plant ecosystems; identification of native plants; the danger of unmonitored seed collection and wild harvest of native plants from natural environments; selecting drought tolerant native plants in the face of climate change; the importance of sourcing local ecotype native plants so as not to pollute the adapted traits of local native plants through cross pollination; native plant care and managing invasive plant competition, and more. Suitable for all levels of gardeners and ideal for beekeepers. From 9 am to 12 pm PT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Toadfest 2024

July 30 & 31, Summit Lake near Nakusp

Save the date for Toadfest at Summit Lake Provincial Park near Nakusp! Learn more about western toads and other species that call the region home at this free and fun family event. Toadfest is organized by the Fish & Wildlife Compensation (FWCP), with support from the Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship, BC Parks, and the Okanagan Nation Alliance. Thanks also to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. ToadFest 2024 will be held earlier than previous years: on Tuesday, July 30 from 4 to 7 pm PT, and Wednesday, July 31 from 9 am to 12 pm PT.

Click here for more information. 

Art Meets Science: Climate Action and the Power of Art with Jill Pelto

August 28, Online

The dynamic fusion of art and science has the power to move hearts and minds. In the fourth webinar of Living Lakes Canada’s Lake Blitz Summer Speaker Series, climate artist Jill Pelto will illuminate the urgency of climate change and speak to how art can effectively communicate scientific concepts in accessible and engaging ways. Jill will share her breathtaking artwork and provide insights into the vital role of artistic expression in raising awareness about environmental challenges. This live webinar will be held from 5:30 to 6 pm PT / 6:30 to 7 pm MT followed by time for questions.

Click here to register. 

Field Day 4: Fall & Winter Preparations, Meadow Preparation & Fall Seeding of 2025 Pollinator Habitats

September 14, Slocan Valley

This workshop is part of the Planting for Pollinators course series offered by Elk Root Conservation Farm Society. Specific topics in this fourth field day will include: pollinator habitat development grants available to support your 2025 pollinator habitat project plans; fall to winter preparations; preparing and seeding pollinator meadows; planting perennial native plants; selecting plants for dividing, cutting back and frost protection by plant preference; selection and planting of spring bulbs; protecting orchard trees and shrubs from winter rodent damage and more! Suitable for all levels of gardeners and ideal for beekeepers. From 9 am to 12 pm PT.

Click here for more information and to register. 

Introduction to Camera Trap Data Management and Analysis in R

September 25 – 27, Revelstoke

The number of projects employing camera traps to understand ecological phenomena is growing rapidly – as are the number of statistical tools to analyze the resultant data. Consequently, the management and analysis of camera trap data can seem complex and overwhelming. This course aims to guide participants in effective ways to store, manipulate and analyze camera trap data within the R statistical environment. It will cover data storage and exploration of best practices, introductions to the major methods used to analyze camera trap data, all using real world camera data. The course will give participants the tools to manage, analyze and share camera trap data in an approachable and practical way! This course is designed for students who are familiar with the basics of using R and R Studio.

Click here for more information and to register. 

Nerdy about Nature: Making Watershed Science Accessible through Social Media with Ross Reid

September 25, Online

For the last webinar in Living Lakes Canada’s Lake Blitz Summer Speaker Series, join to hear Ross Reid, the creative force behind the social media sensation Nerdy About Nature, which has nearly 300K followers on Instagram and 200K followers on TikTok. Ross will offer a glimpse into his captivating project, share clips of his favourite social media videos, and provide insights into promoting watershed restoration and accessibility in science education. Get ready for an engaging session that goes beyond the typical slideshow - prepare to learn, laugh, and leave inspired! This live webinar will be held from 5:30 to 6 pm PT / 6:30 to 7 pm MT followed by time for questions.

Click here to register. 

4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning

October to May, Online - Early bird registration is now open

Beginning this fall, offered in partnership with over 50 non-profit organizations, this course serves to support participants in deepening their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives while strengthening connections with the local land and supporting more respectful, reciprocal relationships. This year of learning features 12 incredible Indigenous presenters from across Turtle Island (North America), including Shelley Boyd, Arrow Lakes Cultural Facilitator for the Sinixt Confederacy, Dr. Gregory Cajete, Director of Native American Studies at the University of New Mexico, Micaela Iron Shell-Dominguez, co-founder of the International Indigenous Youth Council, and scientist, author, and professor Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer. You are invited to watch the 2 minute welcome videos offered by Director of Indigenous Learning, Jenna Jasek (Secwépemc, Ktunaxa) and Indigenous Learning Facilitator, Alyson McMullen (Swampy Cree).

Click here for more information and to register.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) Theory and Implementation

October 23 & 24, Revelstoke

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a proven and globally accepted method that is increasingly being used for survey of aquatic taxa. This highly effective, cost-efficient, and non-invasive method relies on the detection of genetic materials in aquatic ecosystems using laboratory analysis of water samples to detect DNA from the target taxa. Environmental DNA methods are predicated on basic biological principles and employ long-standing proven methods for laboratory testing. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is the preferred method for detecting DNA in water samples as it provides an effective way to amplify, detect and identify existing DNA in sample water collected from natural aquatic systems.

Click here for more information and to register. 

National Program for Ecological Corridors

Deadline: June 28

Parks Canada is pleased to invite new project proposals for funding through the National Program for Ecological Corridors. The Program will support work for corridors that maintain or restore ecological connectivity between protected and conserved areas and unprotected natural habitat. Funding will be available to support work in corridor planning and delineation, creation, stewardship and management, and monitoring. Proposals must meet the following eligibility requirements: projects must be led by an environmental non-profit, non-governmental organization; projects, or part of projects, must be located within a National Priority Area for Ecological Corridors; projects must demonstrate how the work will help meet the Criteria for Ecological Corridors in Canada. Project proposals should be in the range of $250,000 to $1,000,000. Successful proposals are expected to complete the work between late fall 2024 and December 2025. This one-time intake of proposals is open until June 28.

Click here for more information and to apply. 



Funding Opportunity to Hire Interns through Eco-Internships

Deadline: July 31

The mission of Eco-Internships is to support environmental organizations across Canada by connecting non-profits to funding opportunities to hire interns through wage subsidy grants and other funding. Build capacity for your organization with Eco-Internships; they have helped 70 grassroots environmental non-profits and supported over 180 internships through our Intern Support Program. The 2024 Employer Applications are now open!

Click here for more information and to apply.

Small-scale Ecosystem Grants from the Columbia Basin Trust

Deadline: November 28

Do you have a small-scale project, that helps improve ecological health and native biodiversity in the Basin? If so, the Trust wants to hear from you. Does your new project enhance a terrestrial and/or aquatic ecosystem, such as wetlands, fish habitat, forests or grasslands? Implement on-the-ground action? Have a small local scale? Take less than two years to implement? If your project meets these criteria, email Natasha Barisoff, Delivery of Benefits Manager, at ecosystems@ourtrust.org to discuss your project further. Deadline to apply is November 28 at 2 pm PT / 3 pm MT

Click here for more information. 

Seed Grants, Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program

Deadline: Ongoing

You can now apply for a Seed Grant any time of the year; you don’t need to wait for the FWCP annual grant intake. An FWCP Seed Grant—up to a maximum of $5,000—can be used to fill information gaps, prepare technical information, and explore the feasibility of your project idea. Think of a Seed Grant as a first step toward a future Large Grant application. The FWCP Columbia Region board will review Seed Grant applications and make decisions at its spring, fall, and winter board meetings. Apply early.

Click here for more information. 

Healthy Habitats Community Service Grants for Youth, Invasive Species Council of BC

Deadline: Ongoing

Through this micro grant program, it is the goal of the Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) to provide you with financial and project management support to help you grow your skills and make an impact in your community. ISCBC's Youth Engagement Coordinators will be happy to support you through every step of the project. The guidelines will walk you through the application process. The micro-grant program is designed to support youth in various stages of their projects or ideas. They supply three distinct tiers of funding, each aimed at different scopes and scales. Applicants can apply for one of the three tiers based on the needs of their project. The project must align with the goals of the grant program, and must show a reasonable effort to protect the environment at a local, regional, or national scale. This could include educational materials, art installations, research, field activities, etc. They encourage applicants to think freely, and not to feel discouraged if your project idea does not align exactly with their examples. Applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 30 at the time of application.

Click here for more information and to apply. 

Grassland and Rangeland Enhancement Program

Deadline: Ongoing

If you have an idea that will maintain or enhance grassland resources while meeting conservation, environment and recreation objectives, this program could help support it. This program is delivered by the Kootenay Livestock Association.

Click here for more information and how to apply.

Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Community Engagement Grants

Deadline: Ongoing

Community Engagement Grants are typically $500 to $1000 and help stewardship groups and others take action to benefit local fish and wildlife.

Click here for more information and how to apply.

Columbia Basin Trust Career Internship Program

Deadline: First-come, first-served basis

The Columbia Basin Trust Career Internship Program provides eligible employers with up to 50 per cent of an intern’s salary (up to $25,000 over a seven to 12 month term) for full-time, career-focused positions that lead to permanent employment. Eligible employers are businesses, registered non-profits, municipalities, regional districts and Indigenous organizations within the Columbia Basin Trust region.

Click here for more information and how to apply.

BC Ministry of Forests

Research Vegetation Ecologist, Cranbrook

The Research Vegetation Ecologist is a scientific advisor in the field of natural resource management, conducting applied research to support science-based decision-making, providing professional advice related to vegetation ecology and classification, and leading multidisciplinary research projects. This position conducts ecosystem research, creates and maintains the biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification and its interpretations and applications, and communicates results to scientific and technical users. You will contribute your expertise to implementation of the Old Growth Strategic Review in the region. To be successful in this position, you will use your professional expertise to draw conclusions on complex technical issues, using advanced analytical reasoning and judgement skills. You have strong written and oral communication skills, exercising professionalism, tact and diplomacy, allowing you to effectively liaise with industry clients, government agencies, First Nations, the public and diverse public interest groups. If you are dedicated to environmental stewardship, values and issues, we encourage you to apply. Note that the deadline to apply is June 5.

Click here for more information and to apply.

BC Chapter of Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society (CPAWS-BC)

Young Leaders in Conservation Program

The 2024 Young Leaders in Conservation Program (YLICP) provides youth with knowledge, skills and opportunities to advocate for conservation issues in BC. CPAWS-BC is seeking young leaders, ages 18-30, who permanently reside in BC and are connected to and passionate about environmental issues. Delivered over six months (August 2024 – January 2025), the YLICP consists of the six virtual webinar workshops, in-person conservation and youth-focused election townhalls and candidate Q&As in strategic ridings ahead of the 2024 BC provincial election, and a multi-day, in-person summit on the Traditional lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) People, known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations (Victoria, BC). Note that the deadline to apply is June 5.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Valhalla Foundation for Ecology

Contractors for invasive species removal, New Denver

Valhalla Foundation for Ecology (VFE) is seeking help to steward one of our region's most ecologically significant habitats - Snk'mip Marsh Sanctuary. They are offering $30 / hour for contractors to come pull invasive plants, including knapweed, burdock, hawkweed and St. John's wort from important wildlife habitat areas. Please join VFE and spend approximately 4-5 hours a session in a beautiful location while helping our local biodiversity and species at risk. Plan to bring whatever you need to feel comfortable in the elements, including gloves, a hat, water, bear spray and a shovel if you have one. This is a casual position and dates can be arranged based on your availability and the availability of our Team Lead. Please contact Amber Peters at amber.vfe@xplornet.ca to arrange a time to help if you can spare one or more days this season, starting as soon as possible. 

Nature Trust of BC

Kootenay Field Operations Coordinator, Cranbrook

The Nature Trust of BC (NTBC) is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated team player to work in the Kootenay Region as a Field Operations Coordinator. This term contract ends in March 2026, with the possibility for the role to become permanent. The Field Operations Coordinator will undertake all aspects of fieldwork associated with the management of conservation areas within the Kootenay Region. During the summer season, this role will supervise a small seasonal Conservation Field Crew; throughout the rest of the year, responsibilities of the position will vary widely, involving independent, project-based field work and a variety of office-based functions including planning, coordination, grant writing, and reporting tasks. Applications are accepted until June 9.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Lake Windermere Ambassadors

Water Stewardship Assistant, Columbia Valley

The Lake Windermere Ambassadors are looking for a passionate water steward and community leader to join their organization. The ideal candidate will enjoy working within the community and will have a strong interest in water resources, the natural world, and the environment. The Water Stewardship Assistant must be under 30 years old, passionate about the environment and looking forward to a summer spent working outdoors. The main roles are to provide support to our water quality and quantity monitoring program and offer public stewardship education about Lake Windermere and the Columbia River Basin. The Water Stewardship Assistant will report to the Program Manager, who is also available to provide training. Anticipated employment is from June to August or September. Applications are accepted as soon as possible.

Click here for more information and to apply.

BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Senior Environmental Impact Assessment Biologist and Environmental Impact Assessment Biologist, Cranbrook or Nelson

The Senior Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Biologist and EIA Biologist positions currently available are provincial specialists in aquatic environmental impact assessment. The successful candidates for these positions will have the ability to draw conclusions on complex technical issues, using advanced analytical reasoning and sound judgement skills. Candidates must have strong written and oral communication skills with tact and diplomacy and the ability to effectively liaise with other industry clients, government agencies, Indigenous Nations, the public, and diverse public interest groups. The Senior EIA Biologist is a provincial specialist in aquatic EIA and manages staff and financial resources in the Water Quality Monitoring and Analysis section. The Senior EIA Biologist will provide recommendations and guidance on monitoring, mitigative or remedial activities, including those related to cumulative effects. These are exciting opportunities to work in a collaborative, energetic team environment and to gain valuable experience with diverse ecosystems. If you are ready for the next step in your biology career, consider these excellent opportunities. Applications are accepted until June 14.

Click here for more information and to apply. 

East Kootenay Invasive Species Council

Field Operations Manager

The Field Operations Manager for the East Kootenay Invasive Species Society (EKISC) oversees field operations, focusing on planning, project management, and data collection related to invasive species management. They work with contractors, field crews, and the Program Director to manage projects, conduct field research, and maintain relationships with stakeholders, while also handling financial tracking and reporting. This position will begin on July 29, and applications are accepted as soon as possible, as EKISC will conduct interviews on a continuous basis.

Click here for more information and to apply.

East Kootenay Invasive Species Council

Field Operations Coordinator

The Field Operations Coordinator for the East Kootenay Invasive Species Society (EKISC) leads fieldwork to manage invasive species in the Regional District of East Kootenay, focusing on species identification, management, and restoration. They are the boots on the ground, running EKISC's internal field crew. They develop work plans, supervise field staff, conduct treatments, and assist with management plans, grant applications, and reporting. This position will begin on July 29, and applications are accepted as soon as possible, as EKISC will conduct interviews on a continuous basis.

Click here for more information and to apply. 

Yellowstone to Yukon

Director of Science and Knowledge, within Y2Y region

Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y) is seeking an experienced professional to be their next Director of Science and Knowledge. This individual should have a passion for communicating science, advancing collaborative conservation efforts, and ensuring the practical application of science to serve both policy and place-based conservation outcomes. This person should enjoy working with conservation advocates to ensure that Y2Y’s strategies and tactics are informed by science. They should also excel at creating and supporting diverse collaboratives and designing scientific research that directly advances conservation outcomes. Experience working with Indigenous Peoples, including an understanding how to work within an ethical space framework is also important. This person should delight in communicating science in a variety of ways from small groups, to talks and interviews, and through writing; and have demonstrated communication skills to communicate both to science and non-science audiences. Applications are accepted as soon as possible. Questions about the position can be directed to jodi@y2y.net.

Click here for more information and to apply. 

Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative

Director of Communities and Conservation, within Y2Y region

Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y) is on the lookout for a dynamic, strategic, collaborative, and high capacity senior professional to lead their Communities and Conservation Program. This position is responsible for leading engagement with communities to develop support for protected areas, wildlife corridors and nature-positive decisions. The Communities and Conservation Program currently focuses on human-wildlife co-existence and promoting well-planned and managed recreation. The new director will identify 1-2 other potential areas of long-term engagement for their team. There are already some excellent model communities identified within the Y2Y landscape, and this team is tasked with determining how best to ensure that the characteristics of these model communities are replicated and scaled across the Y2Y region. The successful candidate will thrive in a complex, fast-paced work environment while leading a diverse, geographically dispersed team in strategy, planning, advocacy, partnership development and project execution. In addition, they will lead work that scales across Y2Y and drives change at the systems level. The position offers flexible location within the Y2Y landscape, with preference for proximity to airports in Idaho, Montana, British Columbia, or Alberta. Applications are accepted as soon as possible.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Eco-Internships

Now Accepting 2024 Intern Applications

The mission of Eco-Internships is to support environmental organizations across Canada by connecting non-profits to funding opportunities to hire interns through wage subsidy grants and other funding. Build capacity for your organization with Eco-Internships; they have supported over 180 internships through our Intern Support Program. Eco-Internship's mission is to create sustainable jobs for youth aged 18 to 30, equipping youth with the skills and experience necessary to excel in the environmental sector. The 2024 Intern Applications are now open!

Click here for more information and to apply.

Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network

Wild Voices Community Educator

Are you a forester or geographer? A biologist or mountain guide? A historian or holder of traditional knowledge? Do you have some unique knowledge, skill, or expertise you can share with students? If so, we’d like to connect with you! Wild Voices for Kids is a program of the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network. It is a unique program in the Basin as it enables local specialists to develop programs connected to the local environment and tailored to their area of expertise and passion. Each educator brings their own unique knowledge of environment or natural history, adds their passion for education, and creates classroom or field-based programs that will both captivate students and satisfy the learning objectives of teachers. Community Educators are the heart and soul of the Wild Voices for Kids program! Wild Voices for Kids promotes presenters and their programs and provides cash honoraria to community educators. For more information, see link below, or email the Wild Voices program manager at education@cbeen.org.

Click here for more information.

Grasslands Conservation Council of BC

Local volunteers wanted to improve grassland knowledge and stewardship  

The Grasslands Conservation Council (GCC) of BC is looking for volunteers across the province to increase local efforts to improve grassland knowledge and stewardship. Are you able to work with any of the following: local governments, Indigenous groups, ranchers and landowners, conservation organizations, recreation groups, invasive plant committees and others who have connections to the grasslands? Then you can have a role in helping maintain your area grasslands and ensuring they are there for future generations! Local volunteer coordination is key. The GCC is looking to work with interested parties on educational events, weed pulls, grassland tours, stewardship projects and fundraisers to help raise the profile of grasslands in your community. The GCC can help with speaker and material support, online meetings to share best practices, social media support, and making local connections. You can help the GCC of BC work for grassland conservation province-wide! If you are interested in volunteering, please send a note to Kristi@bcgrasslands.org  with your location and main areas of interest. Kristi will be sending a virtual survey this month and begin coordination in communities throughout BC! The GCC is looking forward to hearing from you!

Wildsight Golden

Upper Columbia Swallow Habitat Enhancement Program Volunteers

Volunteer with the Upper Columbia Swallow Habitat Enhancement Project (UCSHEP) this summer! Volunteers are needed to monitor swallow nests, or colonies, or possibly to monitor the effectiveness of conservation actions already on the ground. This is a great way to learn more about local swallows and get outside at the same time! UCSHEP will also provide landowner outreach and education through farmers markets, bird walks, presentations, and give Barn Swallow nest cups to people that qualify. UCSHEP cannot do this work without the help of volunteers, and are looking for people who have binoculars to help between May and September - between Donald and Canal Flats. Training and support are provided. UCSHEP is also looking for any new Barn Swallow nesting locations, so if you know of any please let them know. This program is managed by local biologist Rachel Darvill and naturalist Verena Shaw, who look forward to hearing from you at swallows@wildsight.ca.

Click here for more information.

Migration, movements, and survival in a partially migratory elk (Cervus canadensis) population

Kim G. Poole, Clayton T. Lamb, Sam Medcalf, Lanny Amos

The Sparwood and District Fish and Wildlife Association is proud to announce the publication of a major study on elk migration in the science journal Conservation Science and Practice. The club collaborated with researcher and lead author Kim Poole to complete the research and support his work through to publication. The project collared 78 cow elk and followed their survival, death, and migratory patterns in the Elk Valley from 2016 to 2022. Compared to a 1980s study, a similar percent of elk migrated (about half) but migratory elk made fewer and shorter movements into upper mountain tributaries, and greater use of coal mine properties. Collisions with vehicles and trains, starvation, and predators were the main sources of mortality, according to Poole. The study found that the annual mortality rate from collisions averaged 5 per cent. Signs of nutritional stress and lower pregnancy rates indicated potential forage limitations.  

Click here to access the report.

BC Bat Action Plan (2024-2028)

British Columbia Bat Action Team (BCBAT)

The 2024-2028 BC Bat Action Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy for bat conservation in BC over the next four years. It emphasizes the prevention and mitigation of threats to bats, including white-nose syndrome, forest practices, wind energy development, and climate change impacts like fires. BC is the most bat-diverse province in Canada. Fifteen of the nineteen Canadian bat species occur in BC, and there are currently two additional species detected with only acoustics records. Seven of BC’s species are found nowhere else in Canada. Over half of the bat species in BC are of conservation concern. As the primary consumers of night-time insects, bats play important roles in many ecosystems and provide significant economic value through ecosystem services including pest control. It has been suggested that bats can be bioindicators in changing ecosystems. If White-nose Syndrome causes significant declines in bat populations in BC, as has occurred in eastern North America, there are likely to be far-reaching and long-lasting impacts on other wildlife such as birds and fish, arising from a trophic cascade of changing insect diversity and relative abundances.

Click here to access the full report.

Black swifts: How to help an endangered species

Yellowstone to Yukon & biologist Paul Levesque

These remarkable birds migrate long distances and breed in the Yellowstone to Yukon region — often choosing to nest in cliff-side habitats near waterfalls, especially in BC and western Alberta. Yet they are facing population decline due in part to habitat loss and climate change. Understanding where black swifts nest, how many are nesting, and what they need to survive are key to helping this endangered species thrive. However, black swift nests are very hard to locate, and understanding the species can benefit from people skilled at finding their breeding sites. Community scientists, including you, can help locate and monitor their nesting sites. Learn more about black swift biology and how to locate their nests in this training session led by biologist Paul Levesque.

Click here to access the recording of the training session.

Recording: Elk Biology in the Columbia Valley

Brian Gustafson, Wildlife Ecologist

Much of Brian Gustafson’s work as an independent ecologist revolves around researching and monitoring local elk populations. Brian grew up in Golden and has witnessed a lot of change in and around the Columbia Valley over his lifetime. As a kid, he remembers seeing herds of hundreds of elk, and now, he says he’s lucky to see herds of 30 to 50 animals. In his presentation, Brian speaks about some of the many challenges and threats that elk face in the Columbia Valley — from habitat degradation, destruction and fragmentation, to the impact of recreational activities like mountain biking and ATVs. While it’s clear that our elk aren’t doing so well — the draft Kootenay Region Elk Stewardship Plan found that Elk populations in the North Trench aren’t resilient or self-sustaining over the long term — a lack of data has prevented scientists and land managers from fully understanding what’s going on. Brian’s work as part of the North Elk Collaring Project is trying to shed light on some of those gaps and hopefully help elk populations to bounce back.

Click here to access the recording. 

State of the Basin Report - Understanding Snowpack, Drought, and Wildfire Conditions

Selkirk College

Selkirk College's State of the Basin initiative monitors and reports on indicators of social, economic, cultural, and environmental well-being in the Columbia Basin-Boundary Region. This report from April 2024 is focused on snowpack, drought, and wildfire, all of which are interconnected environmental phenomena with notable impacts on ecosystems and communities. Low snow accumulation can contribute to drought. Drought is also caused by prolonged periods of high temperatures and lower-than-average precipitation, ultimately leading to dry conditions and water shortages. The combination of low snowpack and drought can contribute to increased wildfire activity. The combination of reduced snowpack, warm weather forecasts, and lingering effects of ongoing drought is leading to heightened drought risk for this spring and summer. As of March 2024, the long-range wildfire forecast indicates a strong likelihood of a busy wildfire season in BC starting this spring. Residents and local governments alike should consider how to best prepare for drought and wildfire conditions.

Click here to access this State of the Basin feature report.

Kootenay Connect featured in recent podcast

Northern Latitudes

What’s the connection between getting eye-to-eye with tundra plants in Labrador, bears binging on beechnuts, and keeping toads and turtles off roads? To find out, listen to Northern Latitudes’ podcast featuring an inspirational interview with Marcy Mahr, Kootenay Connect Manager. Host Bill Ault and Marcy shared a sweeping conversation of coast-to-coast Canadian biodiversity that includes wildlife corridors, changing landscapes, and partnerships, and how Kootenay Connect is making waves in conserving biodiversity. Marcy explains the concept of ecological corridors and how this has informed the landscape-level, multi-jurisdictional work of Kootenay Connect, in the vast and varied region framed by the Rocky Mountain, Purcell, Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges. Learn how synergistic and diverse partnerships are helping protect the Kootenay’s biodiversity and species at risk including grizzly bears, American badgers, bats, swallows, and northern leopard frogs. 

Click here to access the 30-minute podcast.

KCP Annual Report 2023/2024

Now available for viewing

From being featured as a model partnership in a national report on the benefits of conservation partnerships internationally, to supporting the RDCK in successfully expanding the Local Conservation Fund Service to Electoral Area F, and having record numbers of people tune in to our 8-part webinar series on the theme of “Wildlife Corridors and Ecological Connectivity” in partnership with the Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology, the 2023/2024 year was another busy and highly productive year for Kootenay Conservation Program. Our Annual Report contains more highlights and a summary of our various activities over the year, and is now available to view!

Click here to access the Annual Report.

Living Lakes Canada, Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society and the Nelson District Rod Gun Club and Conservation Society

Cottonwood Creek Revival Project

Cottonwood Creek flows from Cottonwood Lake Regional Park through the City of Nelson before entering Kootenay Lake. The creek is an important part of the community; however, sections of the creek are in poor condition and lack habitat that promotes biodiversity. In mid-February, Living Lakes Canada co-hosted a community meeting in Nelson, along with project partners Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society and the Nelson District Rod Gun Club and Conservation Society. Over thirty participants attended, including local and regional government officials, First Nations, academia, environmental consultants, local community groups, and watershed residents. The meeting included two presentations and discussions, and a report was produced to summarize the feedback received related to three key areas: community values, concerns, and visions for the watershed. Living Lakes Canada and project partners will continue to carry out the necessary assessments required to identify restoration opportunities in the future.

Click here to access the report. 

Recording: Columbia River Treaty and Climate Change webinar

West Kootenay Climate Hub with Greg Utzig

How will climate disruption affect hydrology and ecosystems within the Columbia River Basin? Conservation ecologist Greg Utzig explores the projections, and their potential implications for a renewed Columbia River Treaty. Climate change, or more appropriately “climate disruption,” will bring significant changes to ecosystems and water management in the Upper Columbia Basin. To support Columbia River Treaty negotiations, projected climate change scenarios are being used to assess the resilience of any proposed changes to reservoir management under a range of climate change futures. Greg Utzig summarizes the projected climate changes, and their implications for future management of reservoirs and seasonal flows in the Columbia Basin. The changing conditions will provide a challenging environment for future managers, and the spectre of projected increases in frequency and intensity of extreme events will compound this complexity. Climate change is threatening the clean, cold, and plentiful water in rivers that salmon need to survive. Greg is a conservation ecologist and land use planning consultant based in Nelson.

Click here to access the recording.

Changing Course: A River's Journey of Reconnection - Full Documentary

Creatively United for the Planet

Telling the story of the majestic Columbia River, Changing Course: A River's Journey of Reconnection offers a deep sense of the importance of freshwater management - and the complexities added when a river flows across human-defined borders. The film explores the degradation of what was once one of the most productive salmon rivers in the world. It looks at the dams and storages that eliminated wild salmon from the main stem of the river in Canada, and how this loss cut the heart out of Indigenous culture throughout the basin. The film also touches on the Columbia River Treaty, which came into force between Canada and the US in 1964. At the time, it had a very narrow focus on flood control and hydropower. Sixty years later, however; new thinking is needed to ensure a sustainable future for this important river. In Changing Course: A River's Journey of Reconnection, leading voices from Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities eloquently express the need for new approaches to water management and governance that are more connected to nature, account for climate change, and meaningfully include First Nations leadership.

Click here to see the full documentary.

Video: Wildlife using underpasses in the Rocky Mountains

Alberta Parks

This video compilation filmed in Alberta (just east of Canmore), of wildlife utilizing highway underpasses shows how important road crossing structures such as these are for a variety of wildlife. The video clips were captured at two separate underpasses below the Trans-Canada Highway between Canmore and Deadman’s Flats. The purpose of these two underpasses, built by Alberta Transportation about 15 years ago, are to provide a place for wildlife to cross the highway in an ecologically important corridor. Specifically, this corridor augments the ecological connectivity of Wind Pass, a central connection between the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country. Wildlife species include deer, black bear, coyote, cougar, bighorn sheep, elk, wolf, and grizzly bear. 

Click here to access the 5-minute video.

Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) Database

The KBA Canada Coalition

The KBA Program applies internationally established criteria to recognize places necessary for the persistence of biodiversity. KBAs are an information tool that can inform land use decisions and conservation goals and preserve ecosystems and the species that depend on them. Recently added KBAs in the East and West Kootenay include Skookumchuck Prairie.

Explore the KBA database here.

Recordings of the Knowing Water Symposium

Elk River Watershed Collaborative Monitoring Program

The Knowing Water Symposium was held last month in Fernie, hosted by the Elk River Watershed Collaborative Monitoring Program. The Collaborative sees public engagement as an essential step to creating a monitoring program that represents community values, and therefore hosts public events to educate the Elk Valley community on water matters and give citizens the opportunity to ask questions, while seeking input on water quality concerns. This year’s Symposium was recorded, and the presentations include talks by Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it Councillor Kyle Shottanana, Environmental Impact Assessment Biologist Nathan Medinski, City of Fernie Project Engineer Joanna Line, and Paige Thurston, Columbia Basin Water Monitoring Framework Program Manager with Living Lakes Canada.

Click here to access all the recordings.

Recording: Invasive Fish Northern Pike webinar

Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society

The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) presented this webinar about the invasive northern pike (Esox lucius) in BC. Northern pike were first seen in the Columbia River in Castlegar in 2010. Hosts Ross Zeleznik and Evan Smith, fish biologists with the Okanagan Nation Alliance, share their efforts in mitigating the impact of these invasive fish species on local aquatic environments. Highlighted are the innovative approaches, successful interventions, and ongoing challenges and projects. The Okanagan Nation Alliance is recognized as the lead by Canadian agencies for suppression and monitoring in the Columbia River Basin.

Click here to access the recording.

Whirling Disease Education Project

Elk River Alliance

The Elk River is at high risk of disease spread, since whirling disease is found in the Crowsnest Watershed, a mere 15-minute drive away. Monitoring by the Elk River Alliance (ERA) has detected presence of the Tubifex tubifex worm, a key parasite host, throughout the watershed. The hardy spore stage of the disease can survive for a long time in mud/dirt and can be spread by human recreational stream users. Once established, eradication is not possible and mortality rates of up to 90% of juveniles have been recorded in fish populations. Being on the front lines, it is especially important that we do our part to slow the spread. A simple transfer of wet or muddy equipment between waterbodies can cause the spread of whirling disease to an entire watershed. Please consider not transferring any equipment between the Crowsnest and Elk River watersheds, but if you do remember to Clean, Drain and Dry all of your equipment.

Click here to access the education project

Summary Report: Lower Columbia Rare Species Ecosystem Enhancement Project

Okanagan Nation Alliance, Trail Wildlife Association, and BC Ministry of Forests

The Lower Columbia Rare Species Ecosystem Enhancement Project (LCRSEEP) supports rare and threatened ecosystems and wildlife species in the Lower Columbia Basin. LCRSEEP protects and enhances habitat, with a focus on riparian, dry forest, and brushland ecosystems, while incorporating Syilx Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) for ecological resiliency and providing community outreach and education. This 2023 Project Summary includes details on many projects including the treatment of 19.5 hectares to increase fire resiliency and enhance habitat in dry open forest and brushland at akɬ p̓ʕas (Fort Shepherd Conservancy Area - FSCA) south of Trail, and the planting of over 1,000 riparian trees and shrubs at Norns Creek and Kinnaird restoration sites along the Columbia River.

Click here to read all about the projects in the summary report.

New publications in the Susan Bond Memorial Library for 2024

Rocky Mountain Trench Ecosystem Restoration Program

This was a busy year, and there are 146 new titles in the online Susan Bond Memorial Library! These include 19 papers on First Nation use of fire and covers reports on K’tunaxa, Salish, Secwepemc, and Blackfoot Nations fire knowledge, with varying degrees of First Nation knowledge keepers. Also new is the “Cranbrook Community Forest Intensive Monitoring Report Year 6” written by Becky Philips at VAST Resource Solutions, in December 2023. The report was funded by the Rocky Mountain Trench Natural Resources Society and the Cranbrook Community Forest Society. It covers the change in vegetation in a thinning operation carried out in the Community Forest in the winter of 2018-2019. Some interesting Policy Papers are added because they give a good overview of issues and have good bibliographies for the topic. Possibly the most difficult to find document added to the library this year is a government scientist’s firsthand description of the Trench prior to settlement: Geological and Natural History Survey of Canada: Preliminary Report on the Physical and Geological Feature of that portion of the Rocky Mountains, by George M. Dawson, D.S., F.G.S., 1886.

Click here for more information and click here to access the library.

Guidelines for Winter Recreation near Wolverine Dens in Montane Western North America

Doris Hausleitner, Andrea Kortello, Mirjam Barrueto, William Harrower, and John Krebs

This paper is meant to form the science-informed basis for operational best practices and provincial and federal regulations in areas where wolverines and winter recreation overlap. The goal of this research was to synthesize existing ecological information for denning wolverine and identify risks from human presence in the categories of timing, distance, footprint, pattern of use, and frequency of use. The authors suggest commercial tenure holders and private users keep recreation in the low-risk category to minimize disturbance on denning females. Denning area surveys should be conducted prior to tenure application or renewals and dens can be identified by a concentration of tracks over more than three weeks from January 15 to May 15. Recreation should be restricted within a 5-km radius of confirmed dens during this window. Best practices include limiting the number of groups and concentrating movement on existing linear features as wolverine are sensitive to disturbance at a very low intensity of use and are at greatest risk when disturbances are dispersed and unpredictable.

Click here to access the article.

Wildfire Video Series

Harrop Procter Community Forest

This series of short educational films about community wildfire protection features the Harrop Procter Community Forest in the West Kootenay, and includes local experts including Erik Leslie and Rachel Holt. The first video, Climate Change and new Approaches to Wildfire Risk Reduction, lays the groundwork for the overall series with experts sharing both the historical approach to and current best practices for land management, ecosystem resilience and fuel treatments. The Harrop Procter Community Forest will serve as the case study for how a close call in 2003 spurred a local community to meet the challenges of climate change and a history of fire suppression. From this example, we learn how a community can work together to take responsibility before it's too late. The series continues with Wildfire Risk Reduction in Harrop Procter Community Forest, Living with Fire: A Community Approach to Wildfire Risk Reduction, and Working with Fire: Forest Management Strategies for Wildfire Risk Reduction.

Kootenay Connect: Riparian Wildlife Corridors for Climate Change – Year 4 Summary Report

Michael Proctor and Marcy Mahr

The Kootenay Connect Initiative envisions a regional network of 12 ecological corridors connecting important habitats, biodiversity hotspots, protected areas, and climate refugia across the human-settled valleys of the Kootenay region of BC. The premise behind Kootenay Connect is that landscape linkages focusing on large riparian-wetland complexes are essential for conserving biodiversity, habitat connectivity, species movement corridors, and ecological resilience in a changing climate. Since its inception in 2018, Kootenay Connect has integrated the best available science and local knowledge to identify important habitats for large carnivores, ungulates, and many at-risk species. Kootenay Connect’s collective on-the-ground conservation and management actions are supporting the recovery of 34 federally listed species at risk and working to help Canada achieve its goal of conserving 30% of its land and water by 2030. This Year 4 Summary Report presents the initiative’s scientific rationale, local, provincial, national, and international significance, corridor analysis, and maps of conservation values and threats in our region. It also provides progress and results from over $4 million investment in four of the 12 Kootenay Connect corridors with nearly 50 projects delivered by 35 partners that are contributing to species recovery and connected and protected landscapes. Projects include wetlands vulnerability assessment and restoration, species at risk habitat enhancement, forest thinning, invasive species management, wildlife-friendly fencing, creation of habitat features, potential large carnivore and ungulate wildlife corridors, access management, strategic land purchases, and more.

Click here to access the report.

KCP Stewardship Solutions Toolkit

Resource updated with growing number of stewardship listings

In 2019, KCP launched Stewardship Solutions, an easy-to-access stewardship resource for landowners and land managers in the Kootenays available both in print and online. We keep this resource up to date, and encourage you to access all the available stewardship "solutions" (i.e. services and resources) available in each of the 14 Conservation Neighbourhoods. Visit the website, select your location on the homepage map, and you'll be brought to the growing list of stewardship options available in your region.

Visit the Stewardship Solutions website.

Kootenay Conservation Program

Conservation Resources for our Region

The Kootenay Conservation Program helps partners to coordinate and facilitate conservation efforts on private land, and in an effort to support this, KCP has developed a webpage that compiles some of the best conservation and stewardship resources available for our region.

Click here for more information.