KCP Annual Report 2025/2026

Now ready for reading

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, and is now available to view!

Click here to view the Annual Report.

Kootenay Connect Priority Places wraps up

Impact Report features lasting accomplishments of 7 years

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.

Kootenay Connect Priority Places website updates

Year 7 highlights are now available online

KCP's multi-year Kootenay Connect Priority Places project wrapped up Year 7 at the end of March, and the highlights of all the work accomplished to date are now available on the Kootenay Connect PP website. You'll find reports, videos, and maps from the accumulated seven years of Kootenay Connect PP projects, including a new Climate Change Science page with reports and maps by West Kootenay conservation ecologist Greg Utzig. Year 7 highlights can be found by scrolling down the page to look at each focal area, then by sub-project.

Click here for the Kootenay Connect Year 7 highlights.

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.

Kootenay Connect: repenser les corridors fauniques dans un écosystème en mutation

Kootenay Connect Priority Places featured in “La Source”

The Kootenay Connect initiative and KCP’s Kootenay Connect Priority Places (KCPP) were the topic of an article written in the French-language news magazine "La Source"! Written by West Kootenay resident Marie-Paule Berthiaume, the article describes the origins of Kootenay Connect, and how it evolved into KCPP, a successful seven year program managed by KCP. A friendly challenge between Kootenay biologists Marcy Mahr and Michael Proctor developed into the Kootenay Connect initiative, a conservation framework for a regional network designed to help species move and adapt as ecosystems shift with a changing climate. The vision of connectivity across 12 corridors received support from KCP and many keen partners to help bring it to life and create lasting conservation benefits for the Kootenay region.

Click here to access the article.

KCP Conservation Leadership Awards

Open for 2026 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, which will be held on October 15 & 16 in Nelson. Nominations are accepted until June 15.

Click here to download the nomination form.

Slocan Lake Stewardship Society & Slocan River Streamkeepers

Identification of rare slime mould in Slocan Valley leads to naming of new species

Ecologist Tyson Ehlers enjoys exploring around his home in the Slocan Valley. On one of his walks in an area where he usually picks mushrooms, he paused to examine a rotting log, and discovered a species of slime mould previously unknown to science. This extraordinary find is aptly named Spiromyxa slocanensis, after the valley where it was found. Tyson teamed up with a researcher in Estonia to confirm this was in fact a new species to science, and they published the results in a journal, "Fungal Systematics and Evolution". His discovery in 2021, and later confirmed in 2022, is part of the Slocan Valley Biodiversity Project on iNaturalist. Tyson and his partner in slime Ryan Durand, another Slocan Valley ecologist, are currently working on a book called “Slime Moulds of BC”. Both have been working with the Slocan Lake Stewardship Society and Slocan River Streamkeepers on projects supported through the Kootenay Connect Priority Places initiative for the past 7 years. Tyson was recently interviewed by Chris Walker on CBC radio. 

Click here for the story and the interview recording from CBC Daybreak.

Slocan Lake Stewardship Society & Slocan River Streamkeepers

Guide to Species at Risk in the Slocan Valley & Bonanza Biodiversity Corridor

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.

Kootenay Community Bat Program

Help Prevent White-Nose Syndrome - report sick or dead bats by May 31

The Kootenay Community Bat Program (KCBP), in collaboration with the Province, is asking the public for help in the effort to detect and prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome. White-nose syndrome has killed millions of bats in North America since its detection in New York in 2006 and continues to spread westward. The fungus that causes the disease was confirmed in 2022 in the Boundary Region, and on March 11 it was detected in guano in metro Vancouver. Bats suffering from the disease can have the fungus growing on their muzzle, ears, and wings causing the bats to wake up more frequently during hibernation. Residents are urged to keep an eye out for any daytime bat activity, and to report any sick or dead bats, up until May 31, online at www.bcbats.ca, via email at kootenay@bcbats.ca or by calling KCBP Project Coordinator Elodie Kuhnert at 1-855-9BC-BATS, ext. 14. All live bats should be left alone — keep your distance, snap a photo, and report it to KCBP.

Visit the Kootenay Community Bat Project, or click here for more information.

Province of BC

Strengthening protections for wild sheep

B.C.’s Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship has introduced regulatory changes to the Wildlife Act to help safeguard wild sheep from disease transmitted from domestic sheep. The Province has changed how domestic sheep are classified under the Wildlife Act. The change allows wildlife officers to lethally remove escaped or abandoned sheep at large that pose a risk to wild herds. New rules for domestic sheep are consistent with how other farmed animals, such as goats, are already regulated under the Wildlife Act to reduce the transmission of disease between domestic and wild animals. Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovi), a bacteria commonly found in the nasal cavities of domestic sheep and goats, rarely causes illness in domestic animals but can lead to deadly cases of pneumonia in wild sheep. 

Click here for more details.

Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program

25 conservation projects approved in Columbia Region for 2026-2027

The Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP’s) Columbia Region board recently approved more than $6.4 million for fish and wildlife projects in 2026 – 2027. Of that,

approximately $5.3 million is allocated to 25 projects: 5 fish, and 20 wildlife projects. The remaining board-approved funds – more than $1.1 million – are set aside for the region’s First Nations Directed Projects, Community Engagement, Seed, and Land Securement grants. The projects approved for funding this year align with FWCP’s priority actions and obligations to compensate for dam impacts to fish, wildlife, and their habitats. The projects are diverse and support grizzly bears, northern leopard frogs, badgers, caribou, kokanee, and rainbow trout. Funding for habitat restoration projects, as well as fish passage, culturally important plants, and wetland restoration was also approved by FWCP’s board. 

Click here to see the full list of projects in the Columbia Region, and an interactive map.

Okanagan Nation Alliance

Lower Columbia Rare Species Ecosystem Enhancement Project (LCRSEEP)

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. 

Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK)

RDCK asks province to protect two West Kootenay watersheds

The board of the Regional District of Central Kootenay has agreed to support a group of rural water users near Nelway, the Rosebud Community Watershed Protection Group. The group wants two adjacent watersheds preserved as a provincially protected area or as an ecological reserve. The Lomond Creek and Rosebud Creek watersheds provide water for about 25 households in the rural area located just north of the Canada-U.S. border crossing at Nelway. Rosebud Creek drains into the Salmo River and Lomond Creek into the Pend Oreille River. The total area of the two small adjacent watersheds is 2,250 hectares. Rosebud Lake has a fairly significant population of western painted turtles, and there are bighorn sheep in the area, both of which are species at risk. 

Click here for more details. 

Selkirk College

New Data Tool Supports a Climate-Resilient Future in the Basin

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.

Parks Canada

Mountain National Parks Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Strategy

Protecting species at risk and restoring aquatic ecosystems are priorities for Parks Canada. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) pose an increasing threat to freshwater lakes and rivers in the mountain national parks. Parks Canada is advancing the next phase of adaptive management 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 this spring, 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. 

Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society

Support for Creston Landowners & Farmers with Toxic Poison Hemlock

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. CKISS is also hosting a Poison Hemlock Patrol workshop in Creston on May 9.

Click here for more information.

Mapping Water Resources for Wildfire Suppression: Open House

May 4, Parson

Hosted by Living Lakes Canada’s Water Resource Mapping to Support Wildfire Response team, in partnership with Parson Community Hall, this open house invites community members to come and learn more about water resource mapping in your area, ask questions, and get involved! Do you know where key water access points are in your community? As wildfires grow in intensity each year across B.C., rural communities are taking action to strengthen local emergency response strategies. Guided by local knowledge, Living Lakes is working alongside these communities to map features like creeks, standpipes, and access routes. If you're a resident of Parson or surrounding areas, the team wants to hear from you! Your input can help improve wildfire preparedness and protect your community. No registration is required, and pizza will be served. From 5 to 7 pm MT. 

Click here for more details.

Wings over the Rockies Nature Festival 2026

May 4 to 10, Invermere

The Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival Society is proud to celebrate 29 years of connecting people with the incredible natural wonders of the Upper Columbia Valley! This year’s festival features more events. Through thought-provoking presentations, immersive field experiences, and inspiring discussions, the keynote speaker, presenters, and field leaders will guide attendees in celebrating the wonders of nature while deepening our understanding of our role within it. Together, we’ll explore perspectives that connect us to our diverse cultures, rich histories, and our shared responsibility for the planet we call home.

Click here for more details and to buy tickets.

Global standards, local ecosystems: identifying ecosystem-based Key Biodiversity Areas in BC

May 6, Online

The Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) Canada team at Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Canada invites you to join an upcoming webinar on the work being undertaken by WCS Canada and the BC government Conservation Data Center to identify ecosystem KBAs in BC, including: what ecosystem KBAs are, and what they are not; why standardized criteria and ecosystem classifications matter; what ecosystem data exists in BC, and why it can be challenging to use across scales; which ecosystem types may meet KBA criteria; progress to date and next steps; and, how this work supports broader conservation planning in BC. This free webinar will be of interest to those working in conservation, land-use planning and ecosystem mapping, as well as anyone interested in how standardized approaches can help identify important ecosystem areas to target for stopping biodiversity loss. From 10 to 11 am PT / 11 am to 12 pm MT. 

Click here for more details and to register.

Creston Valley Bird Fest 

May 8 to 11, Creston 

Get ready to spread your wings for an unforgettable celebration of feathered friends and the vital wetlands they call home during their annual migration north. The Creston Valley Bird Festival is an exciting event that takes place every second weekend in May, where you’ll get the chance to explore and deepen your appreciation for the great outdoors with presentations, hikes, field trips, and tours with our expert bird guides. The 2026 Creston Valley Bird Fest includes guest speaker Dr. Julia Zarankin, who will talk about how birding makes us better people, and a special presentation by local bird enthusiast Gary Davidson about some of the weird and wonderful bird inhabitants of the Galapagos Islands.

Click here to see all events and to register. 

Amphibian Monitoring Workshop

May 9, Harrop near Nelson

Join Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society (FoKLSS) and refresh your skills for FoKLSS 2026 Harrop Wetland monitoring program. This event will provide participants with foundational skills in environmental monitoring, species identification, and data collection. We will also be mapping our areas of invasive treatment using Avenza, for anyone familiar with the program or wanting to learn. We will meet at the entrance to the Harrop Wetlands, and each participant will practice techniques and ideally complete one survey on site. Meet at 10 am PT at the Sunshine Bay Riding Club, 6375 Erindale Road in Harrop. The workshop goes until 12:30 pm PT. 

Click here for more information and to register.

Poison Hemlock Patrol Workshop

May 9, Creston

Creston residents: this is your chance to attend a free workshop on the Poison Hemlock Patrol program of the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS). Using the Crowdsorsa mobile app, Poison Hemlock Patrol participants can earn cash rewards for helping find and remove poison hemlock from both public and private lands in Creston. The program runs until June 30, so now is the time to get involved. The workshop will begin with an indoor presentation at the Creston Library, then hands-on plant identification and removal at Millennium Park along Dodd’s Creek. You’ll also get a live demo of the Crowdsorsa app so you can confidently remove the plant and report sightings. The workshop is from 5 to 7:30 pm, including a break for pizza & refreshments. Spots are limited—register today! 

Click here for more details and to register. 

Grasslands in Focus: Learning for the Future

May 13, Online

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. New information will also be presented on how Canadians value conservation and provide hope for this threatened ecosystem in Canada and the world. From 11 am to 12 pm PT / 12 to 1 pm MT.

Click here for more details and to register.

Columbia River Conversations field tour

May 16, Kaslo 

This spring, join Wildsight for a one-day field tour on the upper Columbia River. Designed for adults and teens, participants will have a chance to explore the rivers that shape our region. Participants will learn about the Columbia River's history, ecology and the challenges it faces, while experiencing the landscapes of our reservoirs and considering their role in B.C.’s electricity system. These tours are a space to learn, reflect, and connect with this remarkable landscape and others who care about its future. Tour the Duncan Reservoir near Kaslo from 10 am to 4 pm local time. 

Click here for more details and to register. 

High-Elevation Five-Needle White Pines: 2025-2026 Science and Management Webinar Series

May 19, Online

Join the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation (WPEF) for their “High-Elevation, Five-Needle White Pines: Science and Management Webinar Series”, on the third Tuesday of each month. All webinars are free and open to the public. This year we’ll hear from experts sharing the latest scientific findings and management initiatives on whitebark pine and other high-elevation five-needle pine species across Canada and the USA. Webinar recordings are archived on WPEF’s Whitebark Flix channel. From 11 am to 12 pm PT / 12 to 1 pm MT.

Find more details and the registration link here. 

BC Protected Areas Research Forum

May 19 to 21, Kamloops

Since 2006, BCPARF has worked with university and community co-hosts to bring together researchers, advocates, managers, students, and community members who create, share, and use research and knowledge in parks and protected areas across BC and beyond. This year’s forum will be held at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, and streamed online.

Click here for more details and to register.

Ceremonial Salmon Release

May 20, Invermere • May 21, Golden

Shuswap Band would like to invite you to the 2026 Ceremonial Salmon Release. Come and witness this meaningful moment as they release salmon back into their natural habitat. On May 20, at the Althamer Boat Launch in Invermere, the Fish in Schools Release is from 10 am to 1 pm MT, followed by the Ceremonial Salmon Release at 2 pm MT. On May 21 from 10 to 11 am MT, the Fish in Schools Release will happen at Confluence Park in Golden.

Click here to see a poster with more details. 

Magic in the Meadows 

May 23, Castlegar - REGISTRATION IS FULL WITH A WAITLIST

In May, the wildflower meadows of the Skattebo Reach Trail in Castlegar come alive with vibrant blooms and the pollinators that depend on them. Join the Kootenay Native Plant Society for a truly special, small-group experience designed for the science-curious and nature-loving alike. Participants will rotate through guided sessions with esteemed local experts, gaining hands-on insights into meadow ecology, native plants, bees, butterflies, and moths. By experiencing native plants and pollinators in their home environment, participants will gain practical knowledge and inspiration to become stronger environmental stewards, whether through habitat restoration, volunteering, or planting native species at home. Together, we can help protect these vital ecosystems and support the biodiversity that sustains us all. From 9 am to 12 pm PT at Skattebo Reach Trail. 

Click here for more details.

Field Ornithology: Improving Bird ID and Survey Skills through Sound

May 25 to 28, Revelstoke - REGISTRATION IS FULL WITH A WAITLIST

This course is offered through the Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology (CMI) and taught by Registered Professional Biologists and experienced birders Marc-André Beaucher and Rachel Darvill. For many field ornithology surveys, the ability to identify bird species by their calls and songs is an essential skill. It is also one of the hardest aspects of field work to master. However, technological advances in sound capture and visualization are pushing the ornithological frontiers with tools that make it easier than ever to learn field-identification by sound, survey natural soundscapes (and their birds), and provide high-quality acoustical specimens for analysis and independent review. This course will combine field-experience listening to bird calls and songs during three mornings at the height of the breeding season, with hands-on recording practice to generate sound files.

Click here for more information.

Native Bee study group

May 27, 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. The theme for May is "Nesting Bees & Bee Butts". Go out scouting for nests and share what you find! Bonus points for bee butts in nests, or in flowers. 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 for more details and to register.

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. 

?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, 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 8:30 pm PT in the Hume Room. 

Click here for more information and to register.

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.

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 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.

Field Soil Description & Classification Course

June 10 to 12, Revelstoke - REGISTRATION IS FULL WITH A WAITLIST

Offered through the Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology (CMI), this course covers procedures for observing, measuring, and describing soils in the field. The goal is to produce consistent data for soil inventory, mapping and classification using techniques that improve the consistency of determining soil properties in the field. Students gain experience with describing and classifying forest and wetland soils in the Revelstoke area using soil horizons and properties measured in the field. Students discuss how soil data collected in the field can inform soil management practices relating to conservation, agriculture, forestry, mining, and oil & gas activities.

Click here for more information.

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.

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. 

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 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.

International Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society

November 3 to 6, Kelowna - proposal abstracts due by May 22

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 May 22.

Click here for more information.

Salmon Resiliency Grant Program, Indigenous Stewardship Fund (ISF) in partnership with the First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC)

Deadline: May 27

The Salmon Resiliency Grant Program provides one-year and multi-year funding (up to 2 years) to support First Nations in BC in leading initiatives that protect and restore wild Pacific salmon, strengthen watershed and habitat health, while building long-term community stewardship capacity. Successful applicants receive $50,000 per selected project per year. Applications are accepted until May 27.

Click here for more details 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. 

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. 

Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre

Executive Director, Creston

The Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre is hiring an Executive Director to lead programs, build community partnerships, and drive fundraising efforts. If you would like to lead a respected community organization focused on environmental education, have a meaningful impact on children, youth, and families, and work in a unique and inspiring wetland environment, consider applying. Applications are accepted until May 22. 

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.

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.

Recording: 'Whirling Disease in southeastern BC' online training

Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology (CMI) and partners

Originally presented on April 23 & 24, 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. 

Recording: Indigenous-led Grasslands Conservation Initiatives

Canadian Grassland Coalition

This webinar showcases the kihci okāwīmāw askiy Knowledge Centre’s partnerships in grasslands conservation. The Centre works with like minded organizations, offering Indigenous perspectives that honour Mother Earth. Our goal is to ensure Indigenous voices are meaningfully and respectfully represented in grassland conservation efforts.

Click here to access the recording. 

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.

Recording: Working Landscapes– Ranching and Grassland Stewardship

Canadian Wildlife Federation

Grasslands are working landscapes that support wildlife, store carbon, and sustain rural communities – and ranchers play a key role in stewarding them. This webinar explores how grassland-based livestock operations can contribute to ecosystem resilience, drawing on real-world experience from producers managing for the long-term health of the land. Gain a clearer picture of how responsible grazing can generate environmental and societal benefits, while also learning about some of the complexities involved in managing these vital ecosystems.

Click here to access the video. 

Recording: Applying the Bird‑friendliness Index to Address Systemic Drivers of Grassland Bird Declines

Canadian Wildlife Federation

The birds that rely on the agricultural landscape of the Canadian Prairies, especially grassland birds, are in steep decline. Birds Canada's work on the Canadian Prairies is focused on finding solutions to the systemic issues that are the root cause for bird population declines. This presentation last month focused on the Bird-friendliness Index, and the role it can play in enabling an agricultural system that conserves birds while sustaining the livelihoods of the people on the land.

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.

Keeping Nature Connected 

Thompson-Nicola Conservation Collaborative & Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Program 

The new ‘Keeping Nature Connected’ website is live! Coordinated by Thompson-Nicola Conservation Collaborative (TNCC) with the Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Program (OCCP) and partners across the Thompson-Okanagan, this website is about tmixʷ / tmícw / all living things. It’s designed to make ecological connectivity easier to understand and act on, with clear info on why connected habitats matter, what’s happening in the Thompson–Okanagan landscape, and simple ways to get involved. TNCC is grateful to everyone who contributed ideas, feedback, and support to help bring this resource to life. Let them know your feedback, by emailing info@tnccollaborative.org. 

Click here to see the website. 

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.