Green Shores Level 1 - Introduction to Green Shores
Start any time, Online learning course
This course introduces participants to basic shoreline ecosystem principles and management practices, with emphasis on the purpose and application of the Green Shores rating systems. The content is of interest to shoreline professionals, landowners, conservation organizations, local government staff, elected officials, real estate agents, and others who have a general interest in shoreline protection. Green Shores Level 1 is a prerequisite for Green Shores Level 2 for shoreline practitioners. This is an online learning course. Start any time. You have 3 weeks from the date you register to complete this course.
Making the Switch
March 3, Online
Join Wildsight Invermere on March 3 at 7pm for this free webinar to have all your burning questions answered about EV ownership, charging, range, rebates, and the economics and fun of EVs. Jen Grebeldinger, Communications Lead for the Community Energy Association, will present E-mobility in rural BC – What, Why, How of EVs. Cam Gillies, Wildsight Invermere Board member, will fill us in on Spark, the first fully 100% electric vehicle share program in rural Canada. Aaron Van de Kamp, co-owner of Cleanline Automotive and a certified hybrid and EV technician and will answer all your questions about hybrid motors, hydrogen fuel cells, and EV batteries. Local EV owner, Norm Funnell will also join the webinar to share his personal experience.
CBT Ecosystem Enhancement Program: Online Info Sessions – RSVP today!
March 3 & 9, Online
Columbia Basin Trust’s Ecosystem Enhancement Program is entering year five of its program to support large-scale ecosystem enhancement, restoration, and conservation projects. If you are not familiar with the program or haven’t been involved in awhile, join CBT for one of two upcoming introductory information sessions on March 3 and 9. CBT will provide an overview of the program, highlight key components of potential project ideas, share examples of projects approved to date, review available resources and discuss next steps. To find the RSVP link, select the “What’s Next” section.
March Mix & Mingle
March 4, Online
Hosted by Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network, join educators from across the Columbia basin and beyond in this informal virtual gathering. There will be break outs into smaller groups to give you a chance to chat with fellow educators with some fun conversation starters. And, of course, there will be prizes. This is a free event.
Bridging Silos: advancing climate adaptation and low carbon resilience in small communities and rural regions
March 4-5, Online
Winter Speaker Series – DIY: How to Improve Human and Wildlife Coexistence as we Explore our Great Outdoors
March 10, Online
Dr. Annette Lutterman is a dynamic speaker and leader in Wildsight Golden’s West Bench Study. This talk will review insights from a range of research programs looking at the responses of wildlife to human backcountry recreation through the four seasons. As we head out boating, hiking, skiing, biking, sledding, and off-roading, what can it mean for moose and mountain goats, bears and beavers, wolverines and waterfowl if we boldly go everywhere, anytime, and by any means? Join Dr. Lutterman and Wildsight Golden on March 10 at 6 pm PT/7 pm MT.
Voice of the River – Students Connecting to the Columbia Basin
March 11, Online
Hop on board with videographer and environmental educator Sanne van der Ros and head downstream with the 2019 Wildsight Columbia River Field School students. Discover how this place-based, experiential education river journey influenced the youth’s environmental attitudes and values in relation to the watershed they call home. Includes screening of a 40-minute film and Q&A. Hosted by CBEEN and Wildsight.
Keeping all the parts: A new approach to BC Forestry
March 16, Online
Today’s model of forestry sacrifices values British Columbians care deeply about, from old growth to wildlife to watershed protections. Join Wildsight for a presentation that highlights alternative models of forestry and how British Columbia can shift the paradigm in BC forestry to more ecologically and socially responsible logging. Hear from Conservation Director John Bergenske, Conservation Specialist Eddie Petryshen, and Regional Director and retired forester Jim Smith on the problems today, and the potential for a better approach to forestry for B.C in this free 1.5 hour webinar on Tuesday, March 16 at 11:30 am PT/12:30 pm MT.
Session 5: Entering Ethical Space Online Workshop – Save the Date!
March 17, Online
Y2Y is pleased to be offering additional workshops to explore and celebrate new conservation agreements between First Nations and colonial governments, and hear from more Indigenous experts on the topic of land-based reconciliation. This webinar will run from 10 am to 11:30 am PT / 11am to 12:30 pm MT. Check the link below for details as they become available. This workshop series is designed as a package, building from one session to the next. More information is available in the Entering Ethical Space backgrounder.
2021 Fire in the Crown of the Continent Virtual Forum
March 22-26, Online
The Crown Managers Partnership is excited to announce that their 2021 Fire in the Crown of the Continent forum will be held virtually from March 22 to March 26. Each day runs from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm and features a new and exciting fire related topic. Join in learning from a wide variety of fire experts - registration is now open.
Winter Speaker Series – DIY: Swallow Identification and Ways to Support Birds at Home
March 24, Online
Rachel Darvill is a Wildlife Biologist and the Project Manager for the Upper Columbia Swallow Habitat Enhancement Project. Join Rachel and Wildsight Golden on March 24 at 10 am PT/11 am MT to learn about the six species of swallow using habitat in the Columbia Valley, how to tell them apart, and also get tips on how you can create a bird friendly environment right in your own backyard.
Amphibian Inventory & Monitoring Techniques in Creston
April 7 & 14, Online
This introductory course provides students with an opportunity to improve their amphibian species identification and handling skills, learn about survey design and standard inventory and monitoring techniques, and get hands-on experience surveying for amphibians in a variety of settings. Offered through Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology. Adapted for online delivery April 7th & 14th, includes live streamed field session!
Understanding Statistics & Decision-Making for Natural Resource Managers
April 20 & 27, May 4 OR May 25, June 1 & 8, Online
This course is for project managers who have to interpret the results of statistical analyses and make decisions about how much data to collect and which management actions to undertake. The course focuses on the fundamentals of uncertainty, effect sizes, significance, decision theory and the value of information. It does not require a statistical background and doesn’t involve any modeling although different types of results are presented and discussed. This three-day online course is spread out over three weeks. There are two course dates to choose from.
Imaginative Ecological Education
April 20, Online
Join Dr. Gillian Judson of imaginED and the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University as she shares some of her work around engaging students with their natural and cultural contexts, which is a central aim of Imaginative Ecological Education, or IEE. Hosted by the CBEEN Outdoor Learning Store & Partners.
Water Testing Resources & Equipment for Educators
May 4, Online
Join Water Rangers’ Laura Gilbert (Community & Research Coordinator) and Juno Garrah (Environmental Education Coordinator) to learn about their water education resources. These include testing kits, downloadable activity sheets, their brand new teacher’s guide, and more.
Water Rangers builds the tools to help classrooms, citizens and scientists easily record and analyze water data so that they can use the data to learn about problems, share discoveries and engage with their communities. Hosted by the CBEEN Outdoor Learning Store & Partners.
Teaching Kids and Teens about Climate Change
May 6, Online
Teaching climate change to young learners is a balancing act. How can we lead explorations of difficult truths without overwhelming young minds and further exacerbating eco-anxiety?
Join this interactive workshop where we touch on systems thinking, kinesthetic learning, youth empowerment, solutions-oriented collaboration, and facilitating measurable local change. Hosted by the CBEEN Outdoor Learning Store & Partners.
Creston Valley Bird Fest — Save the Date!
May 7-9, Creston
The 2021 Festival will be proceeding with consideration to the ongoing pandemic. Check the festival website for updates closer to the festival dates. Celebrating Creston birds may happen remotely with live-streaming or webinar workshops or, if possible, small educational events. Keynote speaker John Acorn, is considering preparing a virtual presentation.
Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival — Save the Date!
May 10-16, Columbia Valley
The Wings Over the Rockies is planning a 2021 festival with COVID protocols in place. Visit the festival website to sign up for the newsletter and receive festival updates.
The Importance of Indigenous Perspectives in Children’s Environmental Inquiry
May 13, Online
Scaling Up Camera Trap Surveys to Inform Regional Wildlife Conservation
May 18-20, Online
This conference will address key questions in the development and application of camera trap methods. By showcasing established and emerging case studies, the conference will be a forum for sharing lessons on fundamental topics such as sampling design, data management and analysis, and multi-project collaboration. This Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology event has been adapted to an online format — registration has re-opened! It will take place via Zoom over three mornings and will feature an incredible line-up of speakers and poster presentations addressing various aspects of camera trapping, and a panel discussion. An adapted workshop will also take place focused on coordination and standardization of key aspects of camera surveys such as sampling design, camera protocols, and data management and analysis.