Conservation in the Kootenays
Monthly eNews
| | KCP respectfully acknowledges that our work and lives are situated in the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Ktunaxa, Secwépemc, Sinixt, and Syilx Okanagan peoples who have stewarded this land, water and all living things since time immemorial, and whose values and cultures continue to inspire and guide stewardship of this region. | | |
Highlights from KCP Board Meeting on May 12
• KCP is pleased to welcome two new partner organizations: BC Nature and West Kootenay Watershed Collaborative. Welcome!
• KCP is currently seeking Board members. If you are interested in serving on the KCP Board, please contact Juliet Craig.
• KCP successfully completed the 2025/26 workplan. Highlights from the year can be found in the KCP Annual Report.
• KCP is wrapping up the 7-year Kootenay Connect Priority Places project. See our webpage for the Impact Report and other information from this incredible initiative.
• KCP is currently conducting market research polling to determine regions in the Kootenays where residents are supportive of the Local Conservation Fund, with the hopes of working with local governments to expand this valuable service.
• KCP is considering updating our Stewardship Framework. We are bringing forward ideas to the East and West Kootenay Stewardship Committee meetings to seek input.
• The KCP team is seeing some changes. Marcy Mahr has wrapped up the 7-year Kootenay Connect Priority Places project and moved on from KCP at the end of May. Kendal Benesh is on parental leave. Rikki Christie started in the Program Assistant role in April. Juliet Craig has moved back into the Program Director position.
• KCP has changed fiscal sponsorship organizations to the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA). We extend our deepest appreciation to The Nature Trust of BC for providing this service to KCP for over a decade.
KCP Partner organizations are welcome to participate in a KCP Board meeting. Our next meeting date has not yet been identified. Please contact us if you are interested!
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KCP Conservation Leadership Awards
Open for 2026 nominations - until June 15
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, which will be held on October 15 & 16 in Nelson. Nominations are accepted until June 15.
Click here to download the nomination form.
KCP Board of Directors
Become a KCP Board member - make a difference
Do you want to contribute to a collaborative partnership to cooperatively conserve the biological diversity and naturally functioning ecosystems of the region through land conservation and stewardship, while sharing knowledge and expertise, building financial support, and promoting collaboration, by becoming a KCP Board member? The role of the KCP Board is to balance inclusive decision-making with prioritizing limited resources while responding quickly to changing circumstances and emerging opportunities. As a Director, you will be part of a diverse and strategic Board that serves in a leadership role in the Kootenays. KCP Board members must be part of a KCP partner organization or First Nation and be willing to stand for election at the KCP AGM on October 15 in Nelson. Click here for more information on becoming a Board member. Please contact KCP Program Director Juliet Craig at juliet@kootenayconservation.ca to inquire further.
Click here to learn about the current KCP Board.
The East Kootenay’s Changing Climate: Actions for a Resilient Future
Kootenay Connect Priority Places featured in 'The Trench'
KCP’s Kootenay Connect Priority Places (KCPP) initiative is the topic of an article in the current Spring/Summer issue of The Trench. The article highlights research by Kootenay conservation ecologist Greg Utzig, who has spent four decades analyzing how climate change will impact the Kootenays’ ecological corridors. Also featured is the hydrological research and wetland restoration work supported by KCPP and conducted by Dr. Suzanne Bayley and her team with the Columbia Valley Stewardship Partners. You can find copies of the Spring/Summer issue of The Trench magazine at many locations throughout the East Kootenay/Columbia Valley, as well as in Creston.
Access a digital copy of the article here.
East Kootenay Stewardship Spring Field Tour
Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi'it wetland restoration project
This year's East Kootenay Spring Tour will take place on June 18 at Grasmere, co-hosted with Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi'it Nation. Learn about the wetland restoration project at Shottanana Lake with representatives from Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi'it Nation. Also, find out more about the unique features of this area that had it designated as a 'Key Biodiversity Area' (KBA), from Ian Adams, former KBA Coordinator. The field tour will be from 12:30 to 4 pm MT, and the meeting place before and after the tour is the Baynes Lake Community Centre. Please contact Juliet Craig, KCP’s Program Director, at juliet@kootenayconservation.ca, if you are interested in attending the field tour.
KCP Stewardship Committee Meeting & Spring Tour
West Kootenay event took place in May
We had a great turnout for our West Kootenay Stewardship Committee meeting and field tour on May 21 in Nelson. The morning meeting included updates on inspiring local stewardship projects and collaborative discussions, followed by a short walking tour to Cottonwood Creek Park with guides Paige Thurston (Living Lakes Canada), Paul Thomas (Nelson District Rod & Gun Club), and Raine Freeman (Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society). The field tour was focused on the collaborative Cottonwood Creek Restoration project.
Click here for the photo gallery and full story.
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Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society
Poison Hemlock Patrol in Creston - until June 30
The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) is asking private landowners, farmers, and residents in the Creston area to report poison hemlock wherever it is seen in the Creston area. Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is a highly toxic invasive plant that is deadly to people, livestock, and wildlife when ingested. CKISS can help remove this plant - including guidance, trained volunteer assistance, and financial incentives for treatment. Early reporting is critical to support planning for the spring 2026 treatment season, and even brief location details are helpful. If you have seen poison hemlock on your property or elsewhere in the Creston area, please report it by calling 1-844-352-1160 or emailing info@ckiss.ca. CKISS is also welcoming volunteers interested in learning how to safely treat poison hemlock, with cash rewards for completing approved treatment work by the end of June.
Click here for more information.
BC Wildlife Federation
Rick Hoar honoured with Conservationist of the Year award
Rick Hoar, a member of Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP’s) Board of Directors, and a retired B.C. Conservation Officer who currently supports wildlife habitat projects with the Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun Club, has been recognized with the Ted Barsby Conservationist of the Year award from the BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF). This award recognizes and honours an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to conservation in B.C. Congratulations Rick!
Click here to learn more.
Suzy Hamilton Legacy Award
Two West Kootenay women presented lifetime achievement awards for environmental activism
The Suzy Hamilton Legacy Award is presented annually to a female volunteer environmental activist in the West Kootenay region, who embodies the environmental and social activism for which Suzy was known. This year, two women were selected to receive the award: Jessica Hewitt and Shanoon Bennett. Jessica is being recognized for her dedicated and active work in the ongoing pursuit of protecting the watershed of Falls Creek. Jessica is a founding member of the Falls Creek Watershed Protection Society. The committee is also honouring Shanoon Bennett, who was nominated for her decades of dedication to inspiring, engaging, and motivating students in environmental education. Shanoon provides ecological education programs through the Slocan River Streamkeepers and Wild Voices for Kids. Along with her educational offerings, Shanoon is also very active in the conservation and stewardship of Slocan Valley forests and watersheds. Congratulations Jessica and Shanoon!
Find more details here.
Habitat Conservation Trust Fund
Announcing $7.5 M for Conservation Projects in B.C.
The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) is pleased to announce the 2026-2027 approved project list. 124 projects have been approved for HCTF funding, totalling over $7.5 million in funding for fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation throughout B.C. The list includes 19 projects in the Kootenay region, such as Ducks Unlimited Canada’s wetland restoration projects at Bummers Flats and Moberly Marsh, the Shuswap Band’s habitat restoration project for the Columbia North caribou herd, and the Elk Valley Floodplain Restoration program by the Elk River Watershed Alliance.
Click here for more information and here to access the list of projects in the Kootenays.
Province of BC
Outdoor Recreation Strategy updated
B.C.’s Outdoor Recreation Strategy is guided by five priorities: Inspire Action, Deliver Experiences, Invest in Growth, Support People, and Protect What We Love. Together, these priorities provide a framework for coordinated action across government and the broader recreation sector, enabling effective planning, focused investment, and stronger collaboration. Priorities include aligning conservation efforts with responsible recreation use and growth, expanding on current human-wildlife co-existence programs, including bear-safety practices, to support safe recreation and healthy ecosystems, and collaborating with the BC Parks Foundation, academia and other partner organizations to expand inventory, monitoring, and ecological research.
Find more details here.
West Kootenay Naturalists Society
Hummingbird banding sites needed
Do you have a passion for hummingbirds? Rocky Point Bird Observatory's hummingbird banding program is looking for high-traffic feeding sites in the Nelson, Castlegar, and Trail area. Monitoring your feeder could provide important information about hummingbird migratory, breeding, and behavioral patterns. The data obtained from banding and observing hummingbirds helps with learning about populations as a whole, as well as their health and migratory routes. For more information, call Sharon Lelliott at 250-365-1161, or visit the Rocky Point Bird Observatory website.
Parks Canada
Mountain National Parks Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Strategy
Protecting species at risk and restoring aquatic ecosystems are priorities for Parks Canada. Parks Canada is advancing the next phase of adaptive management for aquatic invasive species (AIS) by implementing a coordinated, regionally consistent Mountain National Parks AIS Prevention Strategy, building on existing measures, lessons learned, and data gathered. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, check which zone applies, and follow park-specific permitting and equipment requirements. The Strategy will be implemented over several years, starting earlier in spring 2026, with further measures being implemented across the mountain national parks in 2027. Note that all waterbodies in Yoho and Kootenay national parks are closed to watercraft and angling until March 31, 2027 to reduce the spread of AIS, including whirling disease. Should you have questions or wish to discuss the strategy, please contact Marie Veillard, AIS project coordinator, at Marie.Veillard@pc.gc.ca.
Click here for more information, and here for new regulations specific to Kootenay and Yoho National Parks.
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Make a Difference Week for Ecological Restoration
May 30 to June 7, everywhere
Make a Difference Week, hosted by the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER), is an annual week of global restoration action where individuals and organizations from around the world host and participate in local volunteer restoration events. Everyone, everywhere has a chance to positively impact their local communities by engaging in hands-on restoration projects. There are two ways to get involved: either by hosting a volunteer restoration event during the week, or by volunteering with a local restoration event near you. Make a Difference Week aligns with World Environment Day on June 5. SER welcomes you to consider registering your MADW2025 event as part of WED as well. To date, 607 restorative events have been hosted as part of Make a Difference Week! If you would like to get more involved, SER is looking for volunteers! Please reach out to Keith MacCallum at madw@ser.org if you have any questions or want to be more involved in this annual event.
Click here for more information, and here to register a restoration event.
Basin-Wide Discussion on Ecosystem Enhancement Project Submissions
June 2, Online
The Columbia Basin Trust invites you to join an online community discussion to review and provide input on the ecosystem enhancement project ideas submitted this year. Your perspective matters and your feedback will help shape which projects move forward to implementation. The Ecosystem Enhancement Program aims to support Basin communities, including Indigenous Peoples, in stewarding and leading ecosystem enhancement and restoration projects across a range of landscapes. This community discussion is an opportunity to help guide the next steps for submitted project ideas from across the Basin. Join the conversation from 9 to 11 am PT / 10 am to 12 pm MT.
Click here to register.
Halt and Reverse Nature Loss Webinar
June 2, Online
Join Nature Canada as they host former Canadian Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault. He has been a crucial voice for nature in federal politics, and will be speaking to a panel of Nature Network groups. Everyone is welcome to join this free webinar to hear directly from Steven Guilbeault. From 3:30 to 5:30 pm PT / 4:30 to 6:30 pm MT.
Click here to register.
Nature for Neighbourhoods Webinar
June 2, Online
Join the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) in this free webinar, as they explain how their ‘Nature for Neighbourhoods’ program works. Learn how you can help protect local ecosystems while earning cash rewards for removing invasive plants from your property. This webinar will cover Invasive Species 101, including what invasive species are, their impacts, and how they spread. Participants will also learn how to identify and manage spotted knapweed, common tansy, and Scotch broom, get an overview of the ‘Nature for Neighbourhoods’ program, and receive step-by-step guidance on signing up and using the Crowdsorsa app to participate. From 7 to 8 pm PT / 8 to 9 pm MT.
Click here for more details and to register.
New Forest Act Presentation
June 2, Golden • June 4, Trail
A public presentation on the future of forest management in B.C. is coming to Trail as part of a province-wide tour introducing the New Forest Act. Jennifer Houghton, Campaign Director of the New Forest Act initiative, will present a practical, citizen-developed proposal designed to replace B.C.’s current forestry framework. The presentation focuses on a clear, structured approach to forest management that: protects critical watersheds and primary forests; restores degraded areas; maintains a working forest within ecological limits; and supports more stable, long-term regional economies. Across B.C., communities are facing increasing wildfire risk, water concerns, and ongoing uncertainty in the forest sector. This presentation will lay out a concrete path forward based on ecological limits and long-term stability. From 5:30 to 7 pm MT at College of the Rockies in Golden. From 7 to 8:30 pm PT at Colombo Lodge in Trail.
Click here for more info on the Golden event, or here for more info on the event in Trail.
?aq’am Community Weed Pull
June 3, Cranbrook
Join the East Kootenay Invasive Species Society (EKISC) and ʔaq̓am for an evening of stewardship, learning, and community connection. Help remove invasive species and restore the land we all share, then stay for a BBQ. Meet at the ?aqam Community Centre from 5 to 8 pm MT. Contact EKISC at info@ekisc.com for more information.
New Approach to B.C. Forests
June 3, Nelson
A public presentation on the future of forest management in B.C. is coming to Nelson as part of a province-wide tour introducing the New Forest Act. Jennifer Houghton, Campaign Director of the New Forest Act initiative, joined by Herb Hammond, author and forest ecologist, will present a practical, citizen-developed proposal designed to replace B.C.’s current forestry framework. The presentation focuses on a clear, structured approach to forest management that: protects critical watersheds and primary forests; restores degraded areas; maintains a working forest within ecological limits; and supports more stable, long-term regional economies. Across B.C., communities are facing increasing wildfire risk, water concerns, and ongoing uncertainty in the forest sector. This presentation will lay out a concrete path forward based on ecological limits and long-term stability. Doors at 6:30, and the presentation is from 7 to 9 pm PT in the Hume Room.
Click here for more information and to register.
BC Annual Bat Count
June 3, Golden
Do you love seeing the bats come out at night and want to contribute to citizen science? Come help count bats emerge from select buildings with the Kootenay Community Bat Project: Golden chapter. Some of these buildings have been monitored for years which helps scientists track changes to populations. First count is on Wednesday, June 3 from 8:45 to 10:30 pm MT at 1239 Campbell Road. First time counters are encouraged to attend a short presentation before the counting begins. After this there will be more opportunities to count in June and July; email for dates and to sign up for one or more bat count nights.
Click here for more information and to sign up.
BC Trails Day Community Weed Pull
June 6, Cranbrook
Celebrate BC Trails Day and Play, Clean, Go Week on the beautiful NorthStar Rails-to-Trails, a 26-km paved pathway connecting Cranbrook and Kimberley along a historic railway line. Stop by the East Kootenay Invasive Species Society (EKISC)’s booth for information on invasive species prevention. Then get moving, walk, run, bike, or roll, and help remove invasive plants along the trail! From 10 am to 2 pm MT. Contact EKISC at info@ekisc.com for more information.
When the Forest Breathes: A conversation with Suzanne Simard
June 8, Online
With her bestselling book ‘Finding the Mother Tree’, acclaimed forest ecologist and author Dr. Suzanne Simard changed how people view trees and their interconnectedness in the forest. Now, with her new book ‘When the Forest Breathes’, she uncovers the ways that nature’s deep-rooted cycles of renewal can ensure the longevity of threatened ecosystems. Join the Sierra Club of BC’s Flossie Baker for a conversation with Suzanne about what nature has to teach us about adaptability, resilience, and community. At 6 pm PT / 7 pm MT.
Click here to register for this free event.
Beaver Co-Existence Workshop
June 9, Kimberley
Interested in learning how people and beavers can coexist while supporting healthy wetlands and wildlife habitat? Join the BC Wildlife Federation Wetlands Team in Kimberley for this free hands-on workshop focused on beaver coexistence, wetland restoration, and Northern Leopard Frog habitat. Participants will help install a pond leveler, a practical, non-lethal tool that helps manage water levels while allowing beavers and wetlands to thrive. The workshop will also cover beaver ecology, wetland function, conflict mitigation, and amphibian habitat considerations. From 9 am to 4 pm MT.
Click here for more information and to register.
Lois Creek Community Weed Pull
June 10, Kimberley
Join the East Kootenay Invasive Species Society (EKISC), Wildsight, the Kimberley Trail Society, and Friends of Lois Creek to tackle invasive species along the new Power Down Trail, starting at the Elko Street entrance and working toward the Gully. More details coming soon! Bring your energy, your friends, and your enthusiasm, from 4 to 8 pm MT. Contact EKISC at info@ekisc.com for more information.
The Lake Speaks: Wildlife & Ecosystem Health
June 10, Kokanee Creek Park near Nelson
Join the Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society (FoKLSS) for an evening exploring the species that help tell the story of Kootenay Lake’s health. From Kokanee Salmon that support much of the lake’s food web, to recovering osprey populations, to grizzlies roaming our surrounding forests, these animals can reveal important clues about the condition of our ecosystems and the habitats they depend on. This engaging community workshop will look at what makes a species a “health indicator,” what these species can teach us about biodiversity and ecosystem change, and how conservation efforts across the region are helping protect critical habitat. From 6 to 7:30 pm PT at Kokanee Creek Nature Centre.
Click here for more details.
Martell Beach Broom Bash
June 13, East Shore of Kootenay Lake
Join the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) and Wildsight for a fun and impactful Broom Bash at Martell Beach. Spend a few hours outdoors removing invasive Scotch broom from this beautiful recreation spot on the East Shore. With guidance from CKISS staff you will be using loppers to cut Scotch broom. It’s hands-on, satisfying work, and every plant you remove helps restore the area for native species and recreation use. Your efforts make a visible and vital difference. From 10 am to 12 pm PT on the East Shore of Kootenay Lake at Martell Beach on Lakeside Road, 35 km north of Creston, 1.5 km south of the Glass House.
Click here for more information and to sign up.
KCP Spring Field Tour of Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi'it Wetland Restoration Project
June 18, Grasmere
This year's East Kootenay Spring Tour will take place on June 18 at Grasmere, co-hosted by Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) with Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi'it Nation. Learn about the wetland restoration project at Shottanana Lake with representatives from Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi'it Nation. Also, find out more about the unique features of this area that had it designated as a 'Key Biodiversity Area' (KBA), from Ian Adams, former KBA Coordinator. The field tour will be from 12:30 to 4 pm MT, and the meeting place before and after the tour is the Baynes Lake Community Centre. Please contact Juliet Craig, KCP’s Program Director, at juliet@kootenayconservation.ca, if you are interested in attending the field tour.
Click here to see highlights from past spring tours.
Waldie Island Trail Communities Pulling Together
June 23, Castlegar
Join the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) and the Castlegar Parks and Trails Society for a rewarding day of community action to help restore native habitat along the Waldie Island Trail close to Castlegar. Volunteers will work together to remove invasive plants, helping protect native plants, improve wildlife habitat, and keep local trails healthy and beautiful. From 10 am to 12 pm PT.
Click here for more info and to sign up.
Native Bee Study Group
June 24, Online
This monthly discussion hosted by the Native Bee Society of BC is an opportunity for connecting and learning about native bees with others throughout the province. There is a different theme each month. Share knowledge and learn from others—experts and 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". From 7 to 8:30 pm PT / 8 to 9:30 pm MT.
Click here to register.
Secwepemctsín (Shuswap) Introductory Language Course
July 7 to August 25, Online
The language of the Secwépemc (Shuswap) people is known as Secwepemctsín. Secwepemctsín comes from the land and is a reflection of Secwépemc identity. It serves as a translation key to everything relating to the Secwépemc. This is a beginner course designed to teach the basics of Secwepemctsín and is open to everyone – Indigenous and non-Indigenous adults who wish to support language revitalization. The course will be held on Tuesdays at 4 pm PT / 5 pm MT.
Click here for more information and to register.
Whitebark & Limber Pine Survey Methods & Health
July 8 & 9, Golden
Advance your field skills with Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation of Canada (WPEFC)’s accredited, hands-on training in whitebark and limber pine restoration. This two-day field workshop covers species identification, restoration practices, blister rust and mountain pine beetle assessment, plus-tree selection, and best practices for collecting high-quality field data. Learn directly from leading experts while gaining practical field experience, gaining professional credit requirements, earning a recognized WPEFC certificate, and building skills you can apply immediately in the field.
Click here to register.
Dove Hill Discovery Walk
July 9, Castlegar
Join the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) and the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) for a guided walk through Dove Hill that brings together ecology, culture, and stewardship in action. This interactive field experience will highlight the Dove Hill Enhancement Project and its ongoing work to restore and protect this important landscape. ONA will share knowledge about native plant ID cultural values, and the broader ecosystem, while CKISS will guide participants in identifying invasive species, how to manage them and understanding how to prevent their spread. Whether you're a land manager, trail builder, community member, or nature enthusiast, this walk offers a chance to deepen your understanding of the land and your role in caring for it. From 9 to 11 am PT.
Click here for more details and to register for this free event.
Plant Families from an Alpine Wildflower Perspective
July 27 & 28, Revelstoke
An essential first step in learning to identify any plant, including alpine plants, is becoming familiar with the diagnostic features that distinguish plant families. This course introduces participants to the key morphological characteristics of plant families, with a particular focus on alpine plant families, including the structures of flowers, fruits, and leaves, and the terminology used to describe them. This course combines classroom instruction with hands-on field and lab work.
Click here for more information.
Willow Identification, an Introduction
July 29 & 30, Revelstoke
Species in the genus Salix (willows) are widespread across a broad range of elevations, from sea level to alpine environments.This two-day course combines classroom instruction with hands-on field and laboratory work. Participants will examine both fresh and pressed specimens and learn to recognize the key features used in willow taxonomy. By the end of the workshop, participants will be familiar with the specialized terminology used in willow identification, understand the diagnostic features of female catkins and leaf morphology, and be comfortable using identification guides to distinguish willow species with greater confidence.
Click here for more information.
Toadfest
August 11 & 12, Summit Lake near Nakusp
Save the Date for Toadfest 2026! Hosted by the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP), with support from many partner organizations, Toadfest is held at Summit Lake Provincial Park. Learn more about western toads and other species that call the region home at this free family-friendly event. On Tuesday August 11 from 4 to 7 pm PT, and Wednesday August 12 from 9 am to 12 pm PT. More details to come. Here is a summary, photos, and a video from last year’s Toadfest.
Whitebark & Limber Pine Canadian Conference
October 14 & 15, Radium Hot Springs
Join the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation of Canada (WPEFC) this fall! This event will bring together researchers, restoration practitioners, Indigenous knowledge holders, students, and community members who share a commitment to conserving these remarkable high-elevation species. The theme is Collaboration for Recovery: Active Management in a Changing Climate, and active restoration, innovative research, and collaborative approaches to conserve these keystone species in a changing climate, will all be explored. Day one will feature presentations, workshops, and discussions on the latest research and restoration efforts. Day two will head into the field for hands-on learning and exploration of active whitebark and limber pine restoration projects. Early bird registration is now open. Stay tuned for speaker announcements, field session details, and the upcoming call for presentations. Email WPEFC at info@whitebarkpine.ca to help plan or organize the conference.
Click here for more information and to register.
2026 KCP Fall Gathering
October 15 & 16, Nelson
Save the Date for KCP’s 2026 Fall Gathering, which will be held in Nelson! The theme this year is “Passing the Torch: Lessons for the Next Chapter of Restoration and Stewardship.” The event will include lunch and KCP’s AGM on Thursday, continuing through the afternoon with presentations, the Conservation Café, and the Conservation Leadership Awards ceremony (note that the order of agenda items may change). We will meet at the Prestige Lakeside Resort in Nelson. The Friday field tour will be a full day outing to see local restoration and conservation work, with lunch provided. This event will be another great opportunity to connect with KCP partners. More details to come in future newsletters!
Click here to see highlights from past Fall Gatherings.
4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning Course
Fall 2026 to Spring 2027 – early bird registration until June 30
Beginning in the fall and running until the spring each year, 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. You can register for Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 of the course modules and presentations, or join for the seven Indigenous learning presentations only. These seven sessions are offered by an incredible group of Indigenous Leaders, Elders and Educators from across Turtle Island (North America). For 2026/2027, presenters include veteran broadcast-journalist Shelagh Rogers, who is member of the Métis Nation, with family roots in Red River, Manitoba, and Faro Burgoyn, who sits on council for the ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation, part of the Ktunaxa Nation. KCP Partner organizations receive an additional 25% discount (on top of the early bird registration rates); please email megan@kootenayconservation.ca for the discount code.
Click here for more information and to register.
International Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society
November 3 to 6, Kelowna - proposal abstracts due by June 5
With the annual North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) conference coming to Canada this year, the BC Lake Stewardship Society encourages everyone to consider attending the NALMS International Symposium in Kelowna this fall, the most water-scarce region of Canada. The theme is ‘Swimming Upstream: Tackling Environmental Challenges through Partnership, Innovation, & Science’ and proposals for presentations and/or posters on any aspect of lake and reservoir management are being accepted until June 5.
Click here for more information and to register.
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Transforming Systems Grants by the Vancouver Foundation
Deadline: July 6
Transforming Systems Grants (TSG) support organizations addressing the root causes of inequality and allow those most affected by systems that create unfair conditions to shape their own futures. The grant’s funding supports efforts that influence one or more of the six conditions of systems change: policies, practices, resource flows, relationships, power dynamics, and mental models. The TSG program will award around $9.5 million for the 2026 cycle, in two funding streams. ‘Explore’: those organizations beginning to explore root causes, and ‘Influence’: those organizations ready to test, deepen, or expand their influence. Stage 1 applications are open until July 6 at 5 pm PT / 6 pm MT.
Click here for more information and to apply.
Environment and Climate Change Canada: Environmental Science Opportunity
Deadline: July 7
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is launching a new call for applications for a funding opportunity to engage experts in environmental science and advance projects that address critical environmental issues, such as climate change and nature. Applicants can apply to one of three funding streams for projects that will start in the current fiscal year. Nature Research is one funding stream, including nature-based climate solutions such as restoring biodiversity in converted or degraded ecosystems, or projects focused on species‑at‑risk research such as migratory birds, other migratory species, and species that span multiple Canadian jurisdictions. Applications are accepted until July 7 at 12 pm PT / 1 pm MT.
Click here for more information and to apply.
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant
Deadline: July 15
The TD Friends of the Environment Foundation supports a wide range of environmental initiatives, with a primary focus on environmental education and green space programs. Eligible projects include schoolyard greening, park revitalization, community gardens, park programming and citizen science initiatives. Organizations eligible to receive funding include registered Canadian charities, educational institutions, municipalities, and Indigenous groups/communities.
Click here for more information and to apply.
Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC Beneficial Management Practices
Deadline: Ongoing until funding is committed
The Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) of the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC provides funding for projects and plans to improve a farm's environmental and sustainability goals. Through targeted investments, the BMP program supports producers by helping them reduce costs, improve operational efficiency and enhance long-term farm and ranch viability. Specific categories of BMP funding include biodiversity, riparian and grazing, and more. Applications will open for some categories on March 4 and are accepted until funding is fully subscribed.
Click here for more details and to apply.
Small-scale Ecosystem Grants
Deadline: Ongoing until funding is committed
Do you have a small-scale project, that can be completed in two years or less, that helps improve ecological health and native biodiversity in the Basin? Small-scale Ecosystem grants are available to enhance a terrestrial and/or aquatic ecosystem, such as wetlands, fish habitat, forests or grasslands. Eligible applicants include registered non-profits, local governments and First Nations in the Columbia Basin Trust region. Applications are accepted on a first-received, first-served basis and are assessed as they come in and continue until all funding for the program has been committed. Contact the Trust to enquire about your project, email Melissa Johnson at ecosystems@ourtrust.org.
Click here for more information and to apply.
Climate Change Grants, Peter Gilgan Foundation
Deadline: Ongoing
The Peter Gilgan Foundation's Climate Change Grants support nature-based solutions, low-emission and renewable technologies, green building and living, and community resilience. Understanding that greenhouse gas emissions are the driver of climate change, they prioritize projects with the potential to enable large-scale emission reductions in Canada. For the nature-based solutions category, the Foundation support initiatives that protect and restore priority ecosystems, support Indigenous lands and protected areas, enhance natural infrastructure in our built environment, and/or decarbonize Canada’s agriculture and forestry sectors. The Foundation accepts applications for 3 types of grants: project grants, capacity-building grants, or general operating grants. Climate change grants typically range between $50,000 and $150,000 per year. There are no deadlines for the climate change program; expressions of Interest are accepted on a rolling basis.
Click here for more information and to apply.
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.
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. The Grassland and Rangeland Enhancement Program (GREP) aims to promote the stewardship of grassland resources, maintain and enhance biodiversity and long-term fish and wildlife productivity in public grassland ecosystems, and improve compatibility between livestock management and recreation use.
Click here for more information and how to apply.
Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Community Engagement Grants
Deadline: Ongoing
Got an idea for a project to support fish and wildlife in the Columbia region? 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.
Land Securement Grants from Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program
Deadline: Ongoing
Securing critical ecosystems and habitats for conservation is an important way to help conserve and enhance fish and wildlife in watersheds impacted by BC Hydro dams. The Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) funds land securement projects and supports a partnership approach in their Coastal, Columbia, and Peace regions. Due to the time-sensitive nature of real-estate transactions, grant applications for land securement purchases can be discussed with the region managers at any time of year. Please contact Columbia Region Manager Jen Walker-Larsen at Jennifer.Walker-Larsen@bchydro.com with your questions.
Click here for more information.
Columbia Basin Trust - Non-Trust Granting Directory
Resource for download
The Columbia Basin Trust recognizes that many projects require collaboration, additional partners and substantial funding. To assist with this, they’ve created a database of granting agencies and government grant programs that you can refer to, and made it available for download on their website.
Click here for more information and click here to download the directory.
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West Kootenay Watershed Collaborative
Summer Student: Watershed Research and Communications, Nelson
The West Kootenay Watershed Collaborative is seeking a committed, creative student between the ages of 20 and 30 to work for 8 weeks supporting communications and outreach for an active non-profit organization. Seeing a current post-secondary student with a year or two of specialization in Communication, Graphic Arts, Advertising, IT, Environmental Sciences or Forestry. The position is based from a home office, with work being on-site for events, reliable transportation is needed. You will be responsible for conducting watershed and forest research to create outreach materials, adding to a dynamic web and social media presence, attending summer fairs and events, with some data entry and grant research. You will work under the direction of a project coordinator and administrative coordinator, with support from designated mentors. Please contact ramona@westkootenaywater.ca for more information or to apply. The application deadline has been extended to June 15.
Click here to see a poster with more information.
Lake Windermere Ambassadors
Summer Water Stewardship Assistant, Windermere
The Lake Windermere Ambassadors (LWA) are looking for a passionate water steward and community leader. 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 will be an outgoing, adventurous youth (15 to 30) who is passionate about the environment and is looking forward to a summer spent working outdoors. Their main roles are to provide support to LWA’s water quality and quantity monitoring program and offer public stewardship education about Lake Windermere and the Columbia River Basin. Applications are accepted as soon as possible.
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, Wild Voices for Kids, a program of the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network, would like to connect with you! 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. For more information, see link below, or email the Wild Voices program manager at education@cbeen.org.
Click here for more information.
Elk River Alliance
Volunteers wanted: Restoration, Monitoring & Outreach, Elk Valley
Elk River Alliance (ERA) relies on passionate and dedicated community members to help them make a difference. This year ERA needs you more than ever to help with fundraising, outreach, and restoration efforts in the field. Contribute to building a more science-conscious Elk Valley community by helping with education and outreach. ERA’s Cottonwood Restoration Program aims to plant native species on shorelines to stabilize the river bank and restore fish and wildlife habitat. Volunteers are needed to transplant plants and restore the ecosystem, as well as to conduct high-quality assessments of streams within the watershed.
Click here for more information.
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For a comprehensive list of up-to-date job postings, check the CBEEN Job & Volunteer Board, an excellent resource for Kootenay conservation career and volunteer opportunities.
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KCP Annual Report 2025/2026
Kootenay Conservation Program
From managing and delivering the final year 7 of “Kootenay Connect Priority Places” projects in seven priority areas in the Kootenays, to co-hosting a 5-part winter webinar series with the Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology on the theme of ‘Lessons for the next chapter of Restoration & Stewardship in the Columbia Basin’, and administration and delivery of the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund and the RDCK Local Conservation Fund, the 2025/2026 year was another highly productive year for Kootenay Conservation Program. Our Annual Report contains more highlights and a summary of our various activities over the year.
Click here to view the Annual Report.
Kootenay Connect Priority Places Impact Report
Kootenay Conservation Program
Kootenay Connect Priority Places has been addressing the dual crises of decreasing biodiversity and intensified climate disruption in the Kootenay region, for seven years, across seven landscapes. Applying leading-edge practices, the initiative has supported a team of over 40 local partners and specialists with habitat-based projects in priority ecological corridors across the Kootenays. Species recovery depends on habitat recovery: these efforts have improved the overall capacity of wetlands, riparian areas, grasslands, and forests to withstand, recover and bounce back from stressors and major disturbances. This report shares the impact of Kootenay Connect Priority Places. It celebrates the remarkable work of local champions and partners—working together for the place we all call home, now and for the future.
Click here to view the Impact Report.
Guide to Species at Risk in the Slocan Valley & Bonanza Biodiversity Corridor
Slocan Lake Stewardship Society & Slocan River Streamkeepers
Ecologists Ryan Durand and Tyson Ehlers, working with the Slocan Lake Stewardship Society & Slocan River Streamkeepers through the Kootenay Connect Priority Places Initiative, created a Guide to Species at Risk in the Slocan Valley & Bonanza Biodiversity Corridor. The 137-page report introduces most of the species at risk (SAR) known to occur in the Slocan Watershed, focusing on the more obscure and understudied species. It is based on the collective knowledge of local biologists who have studied the watershed for decades, and a concentrated effort over the last 7 years of this Kootenay Connect Priority Places project to collect and summarize all known SAR records. This initial guide is intended to be a living document to build upon, share and provide guidance to all communities, residents, tenure holders and stewardship groups.
Click here to view the guide.
Recording: Grasslands in Focus - Learning for the Future
Canadian Wildlife Federation
Grasslands are globally threatened. In this 2026 Native Grassland webinar series about Canada’s most endangered ecosystem, the Canadian Wildlife Federation and partners have been highlighting the natural and cultural significance of natural grasslands in Canada. This webinar will revisit some of the knowledge that has been shared during the series, to show how conservation is working to steward our vital grassland ecosystems. New information will also be presented on how Canadians value conservation and provide hope for this threatened ecosystem in Canada and the world.
Click here to access the recording.
Video: Room to Roam: Y2Y Wildlife Movements
Yellowstone to Yukon
Researchers across the Yellowstone to Yukon region combine high-resolution animal tracking with NASA satellite imagery to map the movements of wildlife across western North America. The species tell the story: barren-ground caribou and mule deer following seasonal pulses of vegetation, elk and gray wolves moving through mountain corridors to give birth and feed, golden eagles and short-eared owls crossing vast open landscapes, and birds traveling flyways that span the continent. Some single animals tell their own stories, including a grizzly bear’s 46 attempts to cross a Montana highway as he tried to expand his range.
Click here for more details and to access the video.
Lower Columbia Rare Species Ecosystem Enhancement Project (LCRSEEP)
Okanagan Nation Alliance
The Lower Columbia Rare Species Ecosystem Enhancement Project (LCRSEEP) is a five-year, multi-site initiative—funded by the Columbia Basin Trust and led by the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) in partnership with the Trail Wildlife Association and the BC Ministry of Forests. It brings together a diverse network of collaborators and supporting funders to conserve the Lower Columbia Basin’s most vulnerable ecosystems. The project focuses on protecting and enhancing riparian, dry forest, and brushland habitats while supporting rare and threatened wildlife species. Grounded in Syilx Traditional Ecological Knowledge, it promotes ecological resilience alongside community outreach, education, and cultural awareness. The LCRSEEP summary from 2025 is now available on the ONA website.
Click here to view the LCRSEEP 2025 summary.
New Data Tool Supports a Climate-Resilient Future in the Basin
Selkirk College
A new tool on the Columbia Basin Climate Source website is helping Basin organizations make smarter decisions in the face of climate change. The Risk Analysis Calculator translates complex climate projections into practical information for people designing infrastructure, buildings, and climate-sensitive programs. By estimating the likelihood that future climate conditions will exceed key thresholds, the tool helps users understand the risks their projects may face over time and plan accordingly. The calculator is a “Made-in-the-Basin” solution originally created by Climatic Resources Consulting, a West Kootenay-based climate data company, and later adapted for Columbia Basin Climate Source by researchers at Selkirk College. It is the first of its kind in Canada, with no other publicly available source offering similar calculations.
Explore the Risk Analysis Calculator and other data tools on the Columbia Basin Climate Source.
Recording: 'Whirling Disease in southeastern BC' online training
Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology (CMI) and partners
Originally presented on April 2026, this online training is designed to equip those working in and around freshwater systems with the knowledge and practical tools needed to understand whirling disease and reduce the risk of its spread. Through a combination of expert presentations, real-world case studies, and applied guidance, participants will gain a clear understanding of the biology of whirling disease, how it spreads, and the risks it poses to fish populations. The course also covers current regulatory requirements, lessons learned from Alberta’s response to the 2016 outbreak, and the current status of whirling disease in B.C., with a strong focus on prevention and risk mitigation.
Access the recording from Day 1, and the recording from Day 2.
Report: Nature-based Climate Solutions
Indigenous Climate Action
In Indigenous Climate Action’s newest report, Nature-based Climate Solutions (NbCS), the growing NbCS movement is explored, including how it presents both risks and potential opportunities for Indigenous Peoples in Canada and globally. As outlined in Indigenous Climate Action’s sneak peek report on NbCS, mainstream settler-led NbCS approaches fail to respect Indigenous rights while reinforcing colonial control and the commodification of land for profit. This report highlights how Indigenous-led NbCS offer both opportunities and lessons for building effective solutions to the climate crisis that consider all of our relations, as well as posing real risks and barriers for Indigenous Peoples, such as funding inequities, tokenism, and reliance by Indigenous communities on extractive economic systems.
Click here for the report.
Report: Whose Authority Drives the Narrative? Framing the Spread of Mountain Pine Beetle in Canadian News Media
Jenna Hutchen, Valerie Berseth and Vivian Nguyen
Climate change is facilitating the expansion of bio-risks (invasive species, viruses, diseases) into new environments. While news media are a key site where expert authorities communicate about risks in the public sphere, little is understood about how media narratives change as bio-risks spread into new areas. The authors use the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) as a case study to examine how narratives in media coverage evolved as outbreaks intensified and spread eastward. Medical narratives were more common in B.C., where the beetle is endemic, and war narratives were more common in Alberta, where the beetle spread and is considered a “native invasive” species. These findings demonstrate that affective narrative frames are widespread in environmental crisis communication and that crisis framing changes dynamically based on geographic context.
Click here to access the full report.
Podcast: Exploring Ecological Intensification
Organic Federation of Canada & Organic BC
This episode of the Organic BC podcast explores research from Dr. Juli Carillo, associate professor in the faculty of Land & Food Systems at UBC Vancouver, and her UBC colleague Dr. Claire Kremen. Juli’s Organic Science Cluster 4 research is exploring how on-farm habitat can be amended to intensify beneficial ecological interactions. Translation: how can we increase and support biodiversity on the farm that in turn supports farm production goals?
Click here to listen to the podcast.
Stewarding Agricultural Watercourses
Province of BC
The Stewarding Agricultural Watercourses (SAW) project, aims to identify key challenges and opportunities for agricultural producers undertaking watercourse stewardship on private land and enable the province to build on current programs, guidelines and tools to further advance and support this important work. Building on the work undertaken by the Province and the farming community over the past several decades, the SAW project aims to increase the adoption of beneficial riparian management practices and increase participation in programs that support riparian stewardship. Resources include a SAW Discussion Paper, SAW Action Plan, and Infographics for both.
Click here to access all of SAW resources.
Recording: The Threat of Zebra & Quagga Mussels in B.C.
BC Wildlife Federation
While invasive zebra and quagga mussels - which have devastated freshwater fisheries across eastern Canada for decades - continue to spread west, a new, more aggressive species, the “golden mussel” threatens lakes, rivers, and even salt-water ports like Vancouver and Victoria. In this presentation, you will learn the latest information on all three species of invasive mussel, what’s being done to prevent their introduction to BC, and what it might mean for you.
Click here to access the recording.
Draft Riparian and Flood-Zone Restoration Knowledge-sharing Document Elk River Alliance
In April 2025, the Elk River Alliance, with support from Kootenay Conservation Program, hosted a workshop in Fernie on overcoming the technical challenges of riparian restoration in the East Kootenays. The workshop provided participants an opportunity to share their ecosystem restoration experience, and created a collaborative space for restoration specialists to share knowledge, ideas, success stories, and lessons learned in the field. The goal was to examine first-hand observations in 'planting plants and keeping them alive in challenging conditions' to improve the efficiency and success rates of future projects and develop a resource for future riparian and flood zone restoration projects. A Draft Knowledge Sharing Document is now available, and the Elk River Alliance welcomes feedback or suggested additions. For more information, please reach out to the Elk River Alliance at info@elkriveralliance.ca.
Creston Valley Conservation Action Forum Check-in Summary Report
Kootenay Conservation Program
KCP teamed up with Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area in February to co-host a Conservation Action Forum Check-in Meeting for the Creston Valley. Over 35 people from 19 local organizations participated in this dynamic event, coming together to review the progress being made on the five priority actions identified during the 2020 Creston Valley Conservation Action Forum. Attendees also shared information on local research and restoration projects benefiting fish and wildlife, connectivity, biodiversity, grizzly bears, and fire restoration, to name a few. The afternoon was spent in breakout groups discussing next steps for key actions and potential collaborations. The summary report is available for viewing.
Click here to access the report.
KCP Stewardship Solutions Toolkit
Resource updated with growing number of stewardship listings
Since 2019, KCP's Stewardship Solutions Toolkit, an easy-to-access stewardship resource for landowners and land managers in the Kootenays, has been 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.
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