NEWS & UPDATES - February 2024
In This Update
  • Happy World Wetland Day!
  • Jr Naturalist Summer Camp - Registration Open
  • Hiring Seasonal Staff
  • Spring School Program Opportunities
  • Celebrating 50 years of Environmental Education
  • Wildsight Creston Happenings
  • Thank You Donors and Grantors 2024
Happy World Wetlands Day
February 2nd
Wetlands and human wellbeing is the theme for World Wetlands Day 2024. This year’s campaign spotlights how interconnected wetlands and human life are with people drawing sustenance, inspiration and resilience from these productive ecosystems. Importantly, the theme for 2024 underscores how all aspects of human wellbeing are tied to the health of the world’s wetlands. It calls on each of us to value and steward our wetlands. Every wetland matters. Every effort counts.
Photos By: Jonathan Garsson (wetland scene and great blue heron above)
Jr Naturalist Camp - Registration Open
Our 2024 Jr Naturalist Summer Camp dates have been set and registration is open!

Many of our camps will book up fast, so while we know it's early to decide on summer plans, we want to make sure you know the dates so that you can plan.

Please email us with your child's name, age and camp date choices and we will send you the links to fill out our waiver form and to make payment.

Thank you! We are looking forward to another fun summer!
Frolicking Frogs (Ages 4 & 5; Preschool)
July 29-August 2 (Monday to Friday); 9am to 12pm; Cost $85

Curious Caterpillars (Ages 6 & 7; Completed Kindergarten or Grade 1)
July 8-12 and August 12-16 (Monday to Friday); 9am to 3pm; Cost $120

Boisterous Beavers (Ages 8 & 9; Completed Grade 2 or Grade 3)
July 15-19 and August 19-23 (Monday to Friday); 9am to 3pm; Cost $120

Eager Eagles (Ages 10 & 11; Completed Grade 4 or Grade 5)
July 22-26 and August 26-30 (Monday to Friday); 9am to 3pm; Cost $120

Wandering Wolves (Ages 12 & 13; Completed Grade 6 or Grade 7)
August 5-9 (Monday to Friday); 9am to 3pm; Cost $120

Hiring Seasonal Staff
We are hiring! Join our team!

Do you have a love of nature and science? Are you passionate about inspiring people about the natural world?

As a Wetland Naturalist, you will motivate, inspire, and connect children and adults to the wonderful world of wetlands by providing quality environmental education programs and front country excursions at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area.
Application deadline is February 23rd. For more details and how to apply, click here.

Spring School Programs - Book Now!
We have some great programs lined up for 2024!

The following programs are ONSITE at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area and will include exploration and educational activities and games related to the following themes:

Wetland Excursions
(Grades K-7)
K-1: Nature Explorers, Using our Senses
Grade 2-3: Water Everywhere!
Grade 4-5: Adaptations to Life in a Wetland
Grade 6-7: All About Birds

Programs will be 2 hours long.
Cost is $4 per student
($60 minimum charge to run a program)

Canoe Tours
(Grades 4 and Up)
These are one hour long and cost $5 per student. We provide the life jackets and paddles. Add this onto our other program for a fun filled day or do as a stand alone.
We book up early and quickly, so please book now to ensure a spot!

Programs and Canoe Tours run May 13 to June 26, 2024

To Book: Please fill out our online form or email us.
Celebrating 50 Years of Education
2024 marks the 50th year of environmental education programming at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area (CVWMA)!

In 1974, an Interpretation Centre was built by the federal government in the wetland of the CVWMA. Over the next decades, the Centre would go through different funding and operational structures, remaining open to the public until 2017.

As KCDCS enters its 7th year of operating the current Discovery Centre (built in 2018) and related programs, we will be celebrating the history of wetland education at the CVWMA. Watch out for events and articles throughout the year.
Wildsight Creston Happenings
The Creston Valley Bird Festival is set for May 10-12, 2024. The schedule of events is better than ever!

For a look at the tentative schedule, go here.

Registration will open in early April and many events book up fast, so mark your calendars!

The Creston Valley is an amazing birdwatching site. The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and staging area for migratory birds. The Creston Valley has over 300 species of birds recorded.
The Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) is coming to Creston!

Wildsight Creston is thrilled to showcase a wonderful mix of films and fabulous door prizes from local businesses. The VIMFF celebrates and embraces mountain film and culture, outdoor sports and environmental initiatives. 

The proceeds from the event will help Wildsight run their conservation, public outreach and water programs throughout the year.

When: Saturday, February 24th at 7pm

Where: Kootenay River Secondary School

Tickets: Click here

Thank you for Your Support!
Thank you to everyone who offered their financial support in our annual ask campaign for the 2024 season. We can't do this without you!

We are still busy applying for grants for 2024 and are hopeful we will secure the funding we need to offer a full program levels for 2024. Every bit helps so please feel free to donate!

To date, thank you to the following confirmed grantors for 2024:
FREE Memberships
Get Your FREE Membership now to show support for our programs!
To increase support and awareness for KCDCS' mission, we are offering free Memberships! Join the over 1,200 Members and show support for environmental education in our region! This helps us to obtain grants and sponsorships to move us forward!
Join us on social media for fun and interesting information on the wetland, wildlife, programs and progress at KCDCS!