RDCK Local Conservation Fund

2025 projects have been approved by the Regional District of Central Kootenay

Eight conservation projects were recently approved by the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) to receive funding from the RDCK Local Conservation Fund in 2025. Projects led by Okanagan Nation Alliance and Wildlife Conservation Society Canada will support the conservation of our vital local bat populations by assessing habitat quality, enhancing maternity roosting areas, monitoring local bat species, and engaging landowners in conservation efforts. The RDCK LCF will also continue to support local biodiversity by funding year 2 of a Slocan Valley project that enhances breeding and nesting habitats for native bees and other pollinators; and through wetland restoration at Crooked Horn Farm along the Slocan River and a site assessment for wetland restoration in Meadow Creek. Local biodiversity and community resilience are also being supported through the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society’s Kootenay Broom Busters project. Work conducted by Living Lakes Canada will focus on the North Kootenay Lake region, collecting high-quality, long-term data from hydrometric and climate monitoring sites. Two new projects will receive funding this year. The Slocan River Streamkeepers will continue their nature-based riparian restoration along the Slocan River, and Wildsight Creston Valley will organize ‘work bees’ to identify and remove unmaintained and unwanted barbed wire that is hazardous to wildlife. A local government service that creates a dedicated fund for conservation, the RDCK Local Conservation Fund distributes funding to projects in Electoral Areas A, D, E, F and H that are approved by RDCK Directors each year.

Click here for more information on 2025 projects and here for info on all RDCK LCF projects.

Financing Our Future forum in Victoria

KCP Presentation on Local Conservation Funds

KCP's Juliet Craig presented on Local Conservation Funds at the recent 'Financing our Future' forum in Victoria. Organized by the Coastal Douglas-fir Conservation Partnership, this one-day event brought together local governments, First Nations and non-profit organizations to discuss innovative models for funding conservation work. Juliet showcased the two Local Conservation Fund services in the Kootenays, including how they work, their benefits, and how they were established. The workshop report Funding the Future: Conservation Finance for Private Landowners provides a summary of the presentations and conversations throughout the day, including examples of conservation financing tools already in use in BC and internationally, and provides a list of next steps to be delivered by the Action for Adaptation team and attendees at the workshop with the vision to: ‘Development of a Biodiversity and Land Stewardship Fund that is co-governed by First Nations and local government’.

Click here for more information including presentation recordings. 

Golden Conservation Action Forum Check-in Meeting

Summary Report is now available

Earlier in 2025, KCP co-hosted the Golden Conservation Action Forum Check-In Meeting, in partnership with the Shuswap Band and Wildsight Golden. Over 40 representatives from various local stewardship organizations, First Nations, and other agencies came together in Golden to review the progress being made on the priority actions identified during the 2020 Golden Conservation Action Forum. Participants from sixteen organizations provided updates on their conservation and stewardship projects occurring throughout the region. Attendees also learned about upcoming Kootenay Connect projects in the Golden area, and shared diverse perspectives in an engaging discussion on next steps for key actions and potential collaborations. The Summary Report is now available for viewing.

Click here to access the report. 

KCP Conservation Leadership Awards

Open for 2025 nominations

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

Click here to download the nomination form.

Wildsight

Nominations for 2025 Ellen Zimmerman Award – until April 6

Do you know a woman who has made an outstanding contribution to protecting nature or environmental education in the Columbia Headwaters region? Celebrate her commitment to nature by nominating her for the 2025 Ellen Zimmerman Award! The award winner will receive $1,000 to support their ongoing work and a commemorative art piece. Ellen Zimmerman was a key leader for Wildsight and a tenacious champion for nature conservation in the Columbia Valley for more than 40 years, and to honour her contributions and incredible legacy, the Ellen Zimmerman Award was established to shine a light on conservation heroes working in the Columbia Headwaters region (stretching from Canal Flats to the Mica Dam). Past recipients have included biologists, water protection advocates, wildlife champions and strong leaders in the local environmental community. Nominations due by Sunday, April 6^th.

Click here for more information and to make a nomination.

Province of BC

Kootenay Backcountry Access: Your Input on Road Use, Recreation & Wildlife Conservation Matters – until April 27

The BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship is seeking input through an online survey to better understand perspectives on the use of resource roads and trails (often referred to as logging or mining roads) for outdoor activities on public land in the Kootenay region. The survey also gathers feedback on regulated or restricted motorized and non-motorized access to these roads and trails to support wildlife management and conservation efforts. The information collected may inform provincial access management initiatives, including: Wildlife Act access regulation changes, Forest Landscape Plans, land use planning, and road rehabilitation projects. In sensitive or high-value wildlife habitat areas, the Province can use tools such as the Wildlife Act or road rehabilitation to regulate or restrict motorized and, in some cases, non-motorized access to help conserve wildlife, fish, and habitats. Your input will provide valuable insights into the use of roads and trails in the Kootenay region and help shape access-related regulations. We encourage you to participate and share your perspectives. All responses are voluntary and will remain confidential. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes, and the deadline to complete the survey is April 27^th.

Click here to take the survey

Wildsight Golden

Share your Thoughts on Local Landscapes: Participate in a Survey & Win Prizes – until April 30

PhD candidate Gemma Cobb (Griffith University) is seeking participants for an online mapping exercise to delve into landscape values in the area known as Golden. This research aims to build a better understanding of how local overlapping land use decisions may influence the maintenance of a healthy environment for humans, ecosystems, and wildlife. Why Participate? Your valuable input will contribute to a doctoral research project that can support a more holistic understanding of landscape-society dynamics to facilitate well-informed decision making and more sustainable outcomes for the community and surrounding ecosystems. The exercise is anonymous and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Anyone over the age of 16 who lives in the Golden area is welcome to participate. Everyone who participates will receive entry into a prize draw for the chance to win 1 of 10 $50 gift certificates to a local business. The portal will be open until the end of April, so be sure to share your thoughts before then. Should you have any questions or require further information, don’t hesitate to reach out via email to gemma.cobb@griffithuni.edu.au. Thank you for contributing to community research! 

Click here to access the survey. 

Osprey Community Foundation

Suzy Hamilton Award nominations open – until April 30

Osprey’s Suzy Hamilton Legacy Fund honours the volunteer work of a female identified or non-binary environmental activist in the West Kootenay each year through a cash award. The legacy fund was established in 2016 after the death of well-loved and dedicated West Kootenay environmental activist, journalist, founder of the West Kootenay EcoSociety and mentor to many, Suzy Hamilton. The public call for nominations reflects the high number of women doing phenomenal work in the West Kootenay on a wide range of conservation and sustainability issues. The award committee is now accepting nominations for this year’s recipient – all entries should include the name and contact information of the nominee, as well as a short paragraph about the work they do for the environment. Please send nominations through the Osprey Foundation before May 1.

Click here for more information and to make a nomination.

Community Bat Programs of BC

Help Prevent White-Nose Syndrome in BC

The BC Community Bat Programs, in collaboration with the Province, are asking the public for help in the effort to detect and prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome. There have not been any bats with WNS found to date in BC, but Pseudogymnoascus Destructans (Pd), the fungus that causes the disease, was confirmed in 2022 in the Boundary Region. Recently, the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship released results from 413 samples taken last winter and spring, and they all came back as negative. The little brown myotis and the northern myotis are both listed as endangered in Canada due to WNS. Though there is not yet a proven cure for WNS, several promising treatment options are being developed, and it may be possible to mitigate the effects of this wildlife health crisis. If you find a dead bat or have sightings of winter bat activity before May 31, please report to the BC Community Bat Programs online at www.bcbats.ca, via email at kootenay@bcbats.ca or by calling Kootenay Community Bat Project Coordinator Elodie Kuhnert at 1-855-922-2287 ext. 14. All live bats should be left alone — keep your distance, snap a photo and report it to the BC Community Bat Programs.

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

Columbia Basin Trust

Ecosystem Improvements on the Horizon

Healthy ecosystems are essential for sustaining biodiversity and community well-being. To support this, Columbia Basin Trust is providing over $3.3 million for eight projects that will restore habitats and strengthen ecosystem resilience across the region. Through its Ecosystem Enhancement Program, the Trust is investing over $3.2 million in six large-scale, multi-year projects. These projects include Ɂaq̓am First Nation’s project to restore 281 hectares of dry open forest and grassland ecosystems, reduce wildfire risk, and continue traditional land-based practices of cultural burning on Ɂaq̓am land. Ducks Unlimited Canada will restore natural ecosystem processes to 20 hectares of floodplain wetland habitat at Moberly Marsh. Fernie Rod and Gun Club will enhance 250 hectares of grassland and open forest ecosystems to improve biodiversity and wildlife habitat for critical ungulate species within the Wigwam Flats/Mount Broadwood area. Ktunaxa Nation Council Society’s project will enhance cultural values and ecosystem resilience by reducing forest encroachment on 15 hectares and reintroducing fire to 90 hectares on Lot 48, on the east side of Columbia Lake. Simpcw First Nation’s project will restore 268 hectares of whitebark pine populations in sub-alpine ecosystems within Simpcwúl ̓ ecw in the northern Columbia Basin region, and the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation of Canada’s project will restore 200 hectares of whitebark pine high elevation ecosystems in areas that experienced recent wildfire burns surrounding Arrow Lakes and Slocan Lake. In addition, the Trust is supporting two smaller-scale, shorter-term projects with $97,000. These initiatives also play an important role in taking immediate on-the-ground action to improve local ecosystems. See the backgrounder for more details.

Click here to read the full story.

Province of BC

Recent Testing Program for Chronic Wasting Disease

Since early 2024, six cases of CWD have been identified in the province — all in the immediate region in or around Cranbrook. Surveillance and preventative measures have been ongoing in BC for over 20 years, with targeted efforts in the highest risk areas. The priority now is expanded surveillance and risk mitigation that aims to reduce disease transmission, prevent spread to new areas and limit the negative impacts of CWD as much as possible. The province recently conducted a testing program for urban deer in Cranbrook and Kimberley with the goal of collecting 100 samples in each community. Cranbrook returned one positive test result out of 100, while Kimberley returned all negative results, however, only 26 deer were taken. Beyond CWD testing, the province has also radio-collared 10 urban deer in Cranbrook, with plans to do 10 more, in order to track the movement patterns of those deer within the city to see if and how CWD may spread. Plans are also in the works to radio-collar 20 urban deer in Kimberley for the same purpose as well as five deer in the Ɂaq̓am Community. If you observe an animal exhibiting any of the following symptoms: weight loss, poor coordination, or stumbling and trembling; please report this to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277 or the BC Wildlife Health Program at CWD@gov.bc.ca or 250-751-3219.

Click here for more information on CWD, here for more details on the Provincial surveillance and testing program, and here for the a recent news story on this topic.

Yellowstone to Yukon

International Year of Glaciers' Preservation

Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y) is proud to partner with the Canadian committee and join the global effort to raise awareness of the significance of water in all its frozen forms, during the United Nations' International Year of Glaciers' Preservation. Glaciers store approximately 70% of the world’s fresh water. The 2025 global campaign for the World Day for Glaciers and World Water Day will highlight the various impacts of glacier changes on downstream communities and ecosystems, and the urgent need for developing water-related adaptation strategies in areas affected by shrinking or disappearing glaciers, more transboundary cooperation and community engagement, alongside continued support for ambitious reductions in fossil fuel consumption. The campaign will also engage youth audiences and develop synergies with the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025 - 2034). Resources are available here.

Click here for Canadian information on the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and here for a short film: Losing Blue. 

Groundwater and Agriculture in the Columbia Basin

April 2, Online

Agriculture places significant demand on groundwater in the Columbia Basin and users have had to license their groundwater wells to continue using the water for irrigation, which has given rise to many questions about groundwater resources. In this webinar, co-hosted by Kootenay & Boundary Farm Advisors and Living Lakes Canada, producers will come away with an improved understanding of aquifer dynamics, the link between groundwater and agriculture, groundwater rights, the available data and how to access it, and aquifers concerns related to agricultural use. Open to interested members of the public beyond the agriculture sector. Living Lakes Canada gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Columbia Basin Trust and RBC Tech for Nature. From 9 to 10:30 am PT / 10 to 11:30 am MT. 

Click here for more information and to register.

Ecosystem Enhancement and Restoration Project Ideas Workshop

April 2, Creston

Columbia Basin Trust is seeking eligible restoration and enhancement projects of all sizes in the Columbia Basin. The Trust's Ecosystem Enhancement Program is hosting four in-person workshops around the Basin this spring (in Creston, Kaslo, Golden, and Fernie), where you can learn more about the program and how to submit a project idea. Bring your potential ecosystem enhancement and restoration project ideas to discuss and explore resources and partners that could help further develop project ideas. You are also invited to listen to presentations on existing ecosystem enhancement projects. Finally, you will be able to review next steps to submit your project idea for potential Trust support. If you cannot make the workshop or you have an ecosystem restoration or enhancement project you would like to discuss, contact Krista Watts at kwatts@ourtrust.org. This workshop is from 9 am to 1 pm PT at the Creston and District Community Complex.

Click here for register for the Creston workshop.

Southern Rockies Mountain Passes Project: public info session

April 2, Online

In the southern Rocky Mountains, between BC and Alberta, 13 significant mountain passes provide gateways through the Continental Divide for humans and wildlife alike. These passes — from West Castle pass southeast of Fernie, to Beehive Pass east of Elkford — are important movement corridors for grizzly bears, elk, mule deer and bighorn sheep. They provide essential connectivity between habitats, allowing these species to undertake seasonal migrations, disperse and survive. But as human activity increases in these areas, particularly through motorized access, it can put extra pressure on already vulnerable species. In order to address these problems, the Province of BC is initiating a process to discuss access to the mountain passes of the southern Rockies. The Southern Rockies Mountain Passes Project will seek to develop an access plan that balances the protection of wildlife habitat with sustainable levels of human activity. Tune in to this initial online public information session for a project overview, to share perspectives, and talk about next steps to involve you in the discussions. From 5:30 to 7:30 pm PT / 6:30 to 8:30 pm MT.

Click here to register.

Ecosystem Enhancement and Restoration Project Ideas Workshop

April 3, Kaslo

Columbia Basin Trust is seeking eligible restoration and enhancement projects of all sizes in the Columbia Basin. The Trust's Ecosystem Enhancement Program is hosting four in-person workshops around the Basin this spring (in Creston, Kaslo, Golden, and Fernie), where you can learn more about the program and how to submit a project idea. Bring your potential ecosystem enhancement and restoration project ideas to discuss and explore resources and partners that could help further develop project ideas. You are also invited to listen to presentations on existing ecosystem enhancement projects. Finally, you will be able to review next steps to submit your project idea for potential Trust support. If you cannot make the workshop or you have an ecosystem restoration or enhancement project you would like to discuss, contact Krista Watts at kwatts@ourtrust.org. This workshop is from 9 am to 1 pm PT at the Kaslo Legion Hall.

Click here for register for the Kaslo workshop.

Students of the Grasslands: Webinar Series

April 3 • 10 • 17 • 24, Online

Join the Grasslands Conservation Council of BC for an exciting webinar series featuring innovative research from the next generation of rangeland professionals! “Students of the Grasslands” showcases emerging research from graduate and undergraduate students across Western Canada, connecting young researchers with practitioners and professionals in rangeland management. This series is co-hosted by the BC Chapter of the Pacific Northwest Section of the Society for Range Management, bringing together academic institutions and conservation organizations to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. Don’t miss these fascinating presentations on topics ranging from invasive species management to wildlife conservation. Webinars will be hosted every Thursday at 12 to 1 pm PT / 1 to 2 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Advancing Women in Conservation Summit

April 4 to 6, Vancouver

The BC Wildlife Federation and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation are excited to announce that the third annual Advancing Women in Conservation Summit (AWIC) will take place in BC. The AWIC initiative aims not only to support the advancement of women into leadership roles in the field of conservation, but to foster culture of respect for women working in these roles, seeking to empower and develop women as leaders within the conservation community. AWIC is a chance for women from all fields in conservation (NGO, government, academia, industry, etc.) from all over Canada to come together to address challenges, discuss solutions, enhance leadership skills, and develop a strong, nurturing community for women working in a field where the roles of women have been traditionally downplayed. This weekend summit will focus on highlighting women’s unique challenges and contributions to conservation, action planning, and skill building while networking with women working and volunteering in the conservation and environmental sectors. This event is open to women and men who currently work/volunteer/attend school within the conservation and environmental sectors, or plan to do so. 

Click here for more information and to register. 

Ktunaxa Introductory Language Course

April 7 • 14 • 21 • 28, May 5 • 12 • 19 • 26, Online

Join Alfred Joseph and Mara Nelson for 8 weeks of Foundational Ktunaxa Language Learning. You will learn the sounds, words and some history of the Ktunaxa Language. The course is designed for you to garner skills that will enable you to carry Ktunaxa Language forward to your communities and on the land, and the course is open to everyone – both Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants who wish to learn the local language to help deepen understanding and knowledge of the land. Alfred Joseph is a highly respected Ktunaxa Elder and past chief of the Akisqnuk Nation, who teaches Ktunaxa Language and is very involved with sharing Ktunaxa Traditional Knowledge. Mara Nelson is ʔaqⱡsmaknik (a Ktunaxa person), whose family is from Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡiʔit. She has a background in education as a Sign Language Transliterator and Education Assistant. This course is offered on Monday evenings, starting at 6 pm PT / 7 pm MT, for 90-minute sessions.

Click here for more information and to register.

Ecosystem Enhancement and Restoration Project Ideas Workshop

April 9, Golden

Columbia Basin Trust is seeking eligible restoration and enhancement projects of all sizes in the Columbia Basin. The Trust's Ecosystem Enhancement Program is hosting four in-person workshops around the Basin this spring (in Creston, Kaslo, Golden, and Fernie), where you can learn more about the program and how to submit a project idea. Bring your potential ecosystem enhancement and restoration project ideas to discuss and explore resources and partners that could help further develop project ideas. You are also invited to listen to presentations on existing ecosystem enhancement projects. Finally, you will be able to review next steps to submit your project idea for potential Trust support. If you cannot make the workshop or you have an ecosystem restoration or enhancement project you would like to discuss, contact Krista Watts at kwatts@ourtrust.org. This workshop is from 9 am to 1 pm MT at the Golden campus of the College of the Rockies.

Click here for register for the Golden workshop.

Protecting BC's Fish & Waterways: What Anglers & Boaters Need to Know About Whirling Disease

April 9, Online

Fish populations are at risk with whirling disease detected in Kootenay Lake. Invasive species can have devastating impacts on BC's freshwater ecosystems, threatening fish populations, altering habitats, and compromising water quality. One of the most concerning emerging threats is whirling disease, a microscopic parasite that affects juvenile salmonid fish, including trout and whitefish. Join this webinar with the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society, Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society, the Province of BC, and BC Wildlife Federation to learn about this threat and what you can do to help protect BC's fish and freshwater ecosystems. At 12 pm PT / 1 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Ecosystem Enhancement and Restoration Project Ideas Workshop

April 10, Fernie

Columbia Basin Trust is seeking eligible restoration and enhancement projects of all sizes in the Columbia Basin. The Trust's Ecosystem Enhancement Program is hosting four in-person workshops around the Basin this spring (in Creston, Kaslo, Golden, and Fernie), where you can learn more about the program and how to submit a project idea. Bring your potential ecosystem enhancement and restoration project ideas to discuss and explore resources and partners that could help further develop project ideas. You are also invited to listen to presentations on existing ecosystem enhancement projects. Finally, you will be able to review next steps to submit your project idea for potential Trust support. If you cannot make the workshop or you have an ecosystem restoration or enhancement project you would like to discuss, contact Krista Watts at kwatts@ourtrust.org. This workshop is from 9 am to 1 pm MT at Park Place Lodge.

Click here for register for the Fernie workshop.

CSISS 2025 Land Manager Meeting

April 16, Salmon Arm or Online

The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) invites all land manager and partners to provide input on the regional Columbia Shuswap invasive species lists from the 2020 – 2025 Columbia Shuswap Operational Plan. This meeting will be held in Salmon Arm, with an option to attend virtually. From 10 am to 12 pm PT.

Click here to register. 

Turtle Day

April 22, Cranbrook

Come celebrate Earth Day at Elizabeth Lake in Cranbrook and learn more about at-risk western painted turtles! See hatchlings after emerging from their nests. Talk to naturalists and discover how this at-risk species has evolved, and how it survives the winter. Hosted by the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program and the Rocky Mountain Naturalists, this free event is great for families and anyone interested in the many species that make the East Kootenay one of the most biodiverse regions in Canada. The event is from 2:30 to 4:30 pm MT, with an opening welcome provided by Joe Pierre Jr. at 2.30 pm.

Click here for more information. 

Canadian Ecological Connectivity Conference

April 22 to 25, Banff

Join the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) at Canada’s first-ever national conference dedicated to ecological connectivity! Leaders from various sectors—non-profits, governments, businesses, and indigenous groups—will converge to share, learn, and inspire action. Together, our goal is to strengthen connections, foster partnerships, share knowledge, and drive forward strategies that support ecological corridors, foster Indigenous stewardship values, improve habitat connectivity, and advance infrastructure that benefits wildlife and people across Canada. This event will offer the opportunity to learn from the success of Banff’s wildlife crossings, which have reduced animal-vehicle collisions by over 80 per cent. Participants will gain insights into innovative conservation strategies that are helping people and nature thrive. Join Y2Y for a groundbreaking event focused on advancing ecological connectivity and fostering partnerships across Canada.

Click here for more information and to register.

Co-Community Cleanup 2025

April 22 to 26, Kimberley and Cranbrook

Celebrate Earth Week with Wildsight! They are calling on community residents, schools, and organizations to come together and rejuvenate local neighbourhoods, green spaces, and urban engagement areas. This all-ages event is a fantastic opportunity to get outdoors, team up with family and friends, and do your part to give Cranbrook and Kimberley a spring clean. Whether you’re participating individually or as a team, please sign up in advance. Note that one event is for your team to clean up an area of your choosing at a time that works for you during Earth Week, and the other event is on April 26 at 10 am MT: Grab your best pal, kids, or come solo and spend the morning in your community of choice rejuvenating local neighbourhoods, green spaces, and urban areas.

Click here for more information and to register. 

Birding Walks with West Kootenay Naturalists

April 23, Castlegar

Join Ed Beynon of the West Kootenay Naturalists for a birding outing. Ed is an experienced local birder and hike leader. He will lead one birding walk at 8am in the morning and at 1pm in the afternoon, with walk lasting about two hours, in the vicinity of Selkirk College, Castlegar. Please wear sturdy footwear and layered clothing plus bring binoculars and a bird book if you have them. Maximum group size to allow reasonable communication within the group is about 12 participants. Note that this event is weather dependent.

Click here for more information and to register. 

Native Bee Study Group

April 23, Online

The monthly Native Bee Study group is an opportunity for connecting and learning about native bees with others throughout the province. The theme for April is 'Early Spring Bees & First Bees of 2025', which is used as a jumping off point to share knowledge and learn from others. Experts and complete beginners are all welcome! The study group is a show and tell format, 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". The 90-minute session begins at 7 pm PT / 8 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Future of Forestry: Navigating Sustainable Solutions Together

April 24, Nelson

Neighbours United will host a panel discussion on the future of our forests—where jobs, nature, and sustainability come together. Hear from experts in forestry, recreation, and conservation as they share insights, concerns, and solutions. Through open dialogue and collaboration, we will discuss how we can create a better balance for people and nature, here in the West Kootenay and beyond. There will be time at the end of the session for you to engage and ask the speaker questions. From 6 to 8 pm PT at Taghum Hall.

Click here for more information.

Guided Hike to the largest known Ponderosa Pine in BC

April 26, Castlegar

Join local biologist Matt Casselman for a guided hike to see the biodiverse forest at Cai Creek watershed, just a few km’s from Castlegar, and ‘Lieutenant Dan’ – the largest known Ponderosa Pine in BC. This impressive tree is an absolute giant and worth a respectful visit. Matt established the hiking route in Cai Creek and has conducted citizen science including old-growth inventories, tree measurements and wildlife monitoring, and ultimately helping to make this local recreation area known to the public. This hike has a 400 m elevation gain with a steep grade, similar to Pulpit, so know your ability and plan accordingly. The hike is from 10 am to 1 pm PT.

Click here for more information.

Collaborating with Native Plants as Climate Action

April 28, Nelson

Learn how native plants can be powerful allies in the fight against climate change. Presented by Valerie Huff, MSc, and Bren Beckwith, PhD. Valerie is a consulting restoration botanist who specializes in seed-based restoration of grasslands and meadow ecosystems, seed collection and sourcing and producing new native plants. Bren, a professional ethnoecologist, is a landscape-level thinker who loves exploring the interrelationships among plants, people and place. She is a former instructor at Selkirk College and the University of Victoria’s School of Environmental Studies. Intentionally local and passionate about plants, Valerie and Bren make it possible for West Kootenay gardeners, plant enthusiasts, and restoration practitioners to rekindle relations with native plants, from their true source. Table Talk is sponsored by KAIROS, an interfaith organization that works for the environment in Canada and the world. From 5 to 7 pm PT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Southern Michif Introductory Language course

April 28, May 5 • 12 • 26, June 2 • 9

Southern Michif is a traditional language of the Métis people, with origins in the Red River Valley area in Manitoba. This language is now applicable across the southern parts of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, BC, Ontario and the northern parts of North Dakota and Montana. Participants will have the opportunity to delve into the rich Métis heritage and acquire fundamental Michif language skills. Led by traditional Michif speaker Marie Schoenthal, this workshop promises an immersive experience that celebrates and preserves Métis culture. The workshop is also facilitated by Indigenous elder Harriet Oaks St. Pierre, who at 84 years old is determined to keep Michif alive by inspiring others to see the rich history and beauty of Métis culture, and Cranbrook resident Amy Cross, a proud Métis woman who seamlessly weaves her cultural heritage into every aspect of her life. Understanding and honouring Indigenous languages is foundational to connecting with the local land, and taking steps towards Truth and Reconciliation. Join for 6 interactive 90-minute online lessons on Monday evenings starting at 6 pm PT / 7 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to register.

Rooted Resilience: Supporting Forest Health for Community Well-Being

April 30, Online

Join the West Kootenay Climate Hub and their two distinguished guests, Suzanne Simard and Herb Hammond, for this interactive webinar “café”. Suzanne and Herb will share their expertise on forest ecology, conservation, and the role forests play in climate and local resilience. Discover the fascinating communication networks within forests and explore their potential in addressing global challenges. Engage in interactive discussions with the guest speakers and fellow participants to deepen your understanding and explore practical ways to support forest health in our communities. From 6:30 to 8 pm PT / 7:30 to 9 pm MT, on Zoom. 

Click here for more information and to register. 

What’s the Future of Grasslands and Rangelands in the East Kootenay?

May 1 to 3, Kimberley

The purpose of this symposium hosted by the Columbia Mountains Institute for Applied Ecology (CMI) is to tell stories, share knowledge, and explore ideas and solutions for improving grassland and rangeland health in the East Kootenay. This event will explore the related implications of changing grasslands in the East Kootenay for wildlife and livestock forage, vulnerable grassland-dependent species, Indigenous and regional food security, wildfire risk reduction, and invasive species. To this end, a multidisciplinary group of scientists, First Nations, natural resource professionals, land managers, and ranchers will gather to discuss current land management challenges, initiatives, knowledge gaps, and the cumulative impacts to ecosystem health. The underlying assumption guiding this event is that if you improve grassland health through restoration, protection, and stewardship, then you improve conditions for wildlife, grassland ecosystems, and communities whose cultures and livelihoods are tied to these spaces. This symposium will include presentations, panel discussions, field tours, and posters that share recent science, the current state of rangelands in the East Kootenay region, and case studies from other regions to help inform potential restoration and rangeland management practices. The preliminary speaker list is now available.

Click here for more information and to register.

The Science of Watersheds for a Changing Climate: New Directions in Hydrology

May 3, Creston

The West Kootenay Watershed Collaborative presents ‘The Science of Watersheds for a Changing Climate: New Directions in Hydrology’ with Dr. Younes Alila, Professor of Hydrology, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia and Isaac Decker, Watershed Stewardship Coordinator at Lower Kootenay Band / Yaqan Nukiy, with RDCK Area A Director Garry Jackman. Tickets are available at the door of the Rotocrest Hall in Creston. Event is at 1:30 pm local time.

The Science of Watersheds for a Changing Climate: New Directions in Hydrology

May 4, Kaslo

The West Kootenay Watershed Collaborative presents 'The Science of Watersheds for a Changing Climate: New Directions in Hydrology with Dr. Younes Alila, Professor of Hydrology, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia and Local Watershed Updates. Tickets are available at the door of the Langham Cultural Center in Kaslo at 1:30 pm PT.

2025 International Symposium on Conservation Impact

May 5 to 7, Vancouver

The 6th Salazar Center for North American Conservation International Symposium on Conservation Impact will take place in Vancouver. The challenge of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework commitment of conserving 30 percent of the world’s biodiversity by 2030 is critical and urgent with only five years left to meet these targets. What are we getting right? How do we scale and adapt these solutions across North America to meet the seriousness of the moment? What gaps must we fill, and what barriers must we overcome? The 2025 Symposium will explore how we can track our progress toward our collective biodiversity goals and how we might evolve the structures and dynamics of our social and economic systems to ensure long-term natural security and socioeconomic stability. We will invite speakers to tackle the difficult questions we must grapple with to build a future that’s fair for everyone on a finite planet.

Click here for more information and to register.

Wings over the Rockies Nature Festival 2025

May 5 to 11, Invermere - ticket sales begin on April 8

The Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival Society is proud to celebrate 28 years of connecting people with the incredible natural wonders of the Upper Columbia Valley! This year’s festival features over 85 incredible events, including field excursions, engaging luncheon and evening presentations, a special film screening, and an exclusive presentation. Highlights include the much-anticipated music event with multi-award-winning Canadian legend Harry Manx, and the traditional Gala Celebration—a sit-down dinner featuring keynote speaker Dr. Rob Butler, renowned ornithologist, author, and artist. In 2025, the events will center around the theme of ‘Our Place in Nature.’ 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. Online ticket sales begin on April 8 at 10 am MT.

Click here for more information.

Creston Valley Bird Festival

May 9 to 12, Creston – registration opens on April 2

The Creston Valley Bird Festival exists to foster awareness of birds and their habitats in the Creston Valley. 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 rub shoulders with bird experts – explore and deepen your appreciation for the great outdoors with presentations, hikes, field trips, and tours by canoe or kayak. The Creston Valley Bird Festival is looking for some bird guides! Be a part of a wonderful event – mileage, meal, and honorarium are included. If interested, please email: info@crestonvalleybirds.ca. Registration opens on April 2 at 9 am local time.

Click here for more information.

Critter Day - Save the Date!

May 10, Beaver Creek Provincial Park, 10 minutes east of Trail

Critter Day is back! Get up close to some local amphibians, snakes, reptiles, aquatic insects, native bees, and more. Come and learn about all the special critters that call the Trail area, and Pend d’Oreille Valley, home. Enjoy the kids’ activities and take in all the cool displays. Build your own birdbox! Bring your curiosity and your questions for our biologists! Critter Day is hosted by the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program, Kootenay Conservation Program, and Trail Wildlife Association, with support from the Province of B.C., Teck Trail Operations, and Silver City Days. From 1 to 5 pm PT. More info coming soon! If you want to volunteer at the event email fwcp@bchydro.com. 

2025 Invasive Species Research Conference - Getting ahead of the Invasion Curve: Bridging the gap between Research and Management

May 13 to 15, Kelowna

The Invasive Species Council of BC is pleased to host the 2025 Invasive Species Research Conference on the theme of ‘Getting ahead of the invasion curve: bridging the gap between research and management’. Invasive species researchers, practitioners, and all those working or interested in invasive species research are encouraged to attend. The conference will be held at the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus in Kelowna.

Click here for more information and to register. 

Make a Difference Week for Ecological Restoration

May 31 to June 8, 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. Through Make a Difference Week, 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 with Make a Difference Week — 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 keith@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. 

Wetland Classification: An Introduction

June 23 to 25, Revelstoke

This course offered by the Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology is designed to introduce students to the basics of wetland identification and classification. Students will be introduced to the foundations of how to recognize, map, classify, and describe wetlands using the Canadian Wetland Classification System and will be provided an overview for identifying common wetland ecosystem sites and plant associations using the Wetlands of British Columbia and other updated Land Management Handbooks. The course will begin with a classroom session introducing how to identify and classify wetlands using the primary indicators of soils, hydrology and vegetation while utilizing resources to describe these indicators. The field component will include 3 to 4 field site visits around the Revelstoke area to local wetlands to practice classification and descriptions using site forms and the Wetlands of BC guidebook. Students taking this course should walk away with the ability to confidently identify and classify wetlands and gain familiarity with commonly used field forms and other resources. From 9 am to 5 pm PT daily.

Click here for more information and to register.

EcoAction Stream 2: Freshwater Sustainability and Innovation across Canada

Deadline: April 10

The aim of EcoAction Stream 2 is to achieve tangible environmental results, engage communities and organizations to improve freshwater management, and to enable sustainable outcomes and engagement following project completion. EcoAction Stream 2 will fund projects that pilot innovative and/or clean technology solutions to improve freshwater quality and/or freshwater ecosystem health, enable circular economy opportunities, and/or address freshwater data challenges. Note that there is a requirement of 1:1 match funding (a minimum of 50% of the total value of the project must come from other sources. EcoAction Stream 2 can provide a funding contribution of a minimum of $25,000, and a maximum of $200,000. Projects can be single or multi-year in nature but must be completed within the 2-year timeframe ending March 31, 2027. The deadline to apply is April 10 at 12 pm PT / 1 pm MT.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Habitat Acquisition Grants, Habitat Conservation Trust Fund

Deadline: April 15

Each spring, HCTF accepts grant applications from land trust organizations looking to purchase properties to protect important habitat for BC’s fish and wildlife. Proposed acquisitions are evaluated on criteria such as species richness, connectivity, conservation planning priority, habitats, and impending threats to these values. Financial factors such as partnership funding, stability of the proponent organization, cost per hectare and level of community support are also carefully considered. Because Habitat Acquisition grants are funded with licence surcharge money, properties that also include public fishing and hunting opportunities are generally given priority consideration. If you have any questions, please contact Barb von Sacken at bvonsacken@hctf.ca. The deadline to apply is April 15.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Environmental Damages Fund, Environment & Climate Change Canada

Deadline: June 12

The Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) is a Government of Canada program administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The Fund receives money from fines, penalties, court orders, and voluntary payments for environmental violations. This money is used to support projects that will benefit Canada’s natural environment, usually in the area where the violation occurred. The EDF has opened a Letter of Intent (LOI) intake for funding available in the Elk Valley, which is within the Ktunaxa territory of Qukin ʔamakʔis in BC. As of March 20, $16 million of funding is now available to support projects related to the conservation and protection of fish or fish habitat or the restoration of fish habitat in the Elk Valley, within Qukin ʔamakʔis, and the immediate downstream area (within Canada). The infraction that led to the Teck Coal Ltd. penalty occurred in the Elk Valley, within Qukin ʔamakʔis, which is in ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa (Ktunaxa homeland). The approach for allocating funding in Qukin ʔamakʔis has been co-developed with Ktunaxa. LOIs will be jointly reviewed by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Ktunaxa, with consideration for ʔakxamis q̓api qapsin (all living things), interconnectivity, and an ecosystem-based approach. Inquiries related to the Qukin ʔamakʔis Call for Applications may be forwarded to the West and North EDF office at: fdeouestnord-edfwestnorth@ec.gc.ca. The EDF is accepting LOIs until June 12 at 12 pm PT / 1 pm MT for projects taking place in Qukin ʔamakʔis (Elk Valley).

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. 

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

Deadline: Ongoing

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

Click here for more information and to apply. 

Grassland and Rangeland Enhancement Program

Deadline: Ongoing

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

Click here for more information and how to apply.

Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Community Engagement Grants

Deadline: Ongoing

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. 

Masse Environmental

Environmental Management Specialist, Nelson

Masse Environmental is looking for an Environmental Management Specialist (full time) to join their dynamic team and help provide innovative and professional solutions to meet the needs of clients. Responsibilities of the successful candidate will include environmental management of a variety of construction projects, communicating effectively with construction personnel to ensure adherence to environmental requirements, and providing mitigation recommendations as needed, preparing and submitting relevant permit applications, liaising with clients, regulators, and contractors, and conducting environmental assessments. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of eight years of combined experience in environmental management and construction environmental monitoring. Applications are accepted as soon as possible, until the position is filled.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Elk Root Conservation Farm Society

Wildlife Field Technician, Slocan Valley

As a Wildlife Technician at Elk Root Conservation (ERC), you will play a key role working on a variety of habitat restoration projects (from bats to bees), with a primary focus on ERC’s Native Plant Educational Demonstration Gardens & Nursery, and Pollinator Highway Project (PHP). The PHP is an innovative 3-year pilot project that seeks to transform degraded roadside habitats, currently impacted by invasive plant species, into vibrant and sustainable environments for pollinators, with native flowering plants. Your work will involve contributing to second-year site maintenance and monitoring of the PHP, ensuring the successful establishment of native plants and the management of invasive species on-site, and at ERC. You will be responsible for collecting and analyzing data from monitoring efforts, which will inform adaptive management strategies and help develop best practices for future expansion of the Pollinator Highway. You will need plant identification skills, at least two years in a related role, a diploma or degree in an environmental related field, or to be graduating this spring. This position is from mid-April to mid-November. Applications are accepted as soon as possible, and candidates must be under 30 years of age.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Elk Root Conservation Farm Society

Beyond-Organic Farmscape, Pollinator Gardens & Apiary Supervisor, Slocan Valley

As the Beyond-Organic Farmscape, Pollinator Gardens & Apiary Supervisor at Elk Root Conservation, you will play a crucial role working on the upkeep of ERC’s incredible Educational Demonstration Farm, including the Pollinator Gardens, Orchard & Apiary. ERC’s gardens are designed to highlight environmental stewardship, and innovative bee wellness and organic regenerative agriculture practices. In caring for ERC’s gardens, you will also gain experience with the Horticultural Pollinator and Bee Gardens, integrated orchard/gardens food forest, bee forage cropped landscape, and Native Plant Educational Demonstration Garden. The role is a supervisor role at Elk Root Conservation, supporting and leading their Beyond-Organic Farmscape, Pollinator Gardens & Apiary Helpers. At least two years in a supervisory role are required, as well as leadership skills and a passion for environmental stewardship. This position begins in mid-April. Applications are accepted as soon as possible, and candidates must be under 30 years of age.

Click here for more information. 

Columbia Lake Stewardship Society

Education and Sample Collection Assistant, Columbia Valley

The Education and Sample Collection Assistant will work alongside trained scientists and citizen scientists. They will assist in the collection of water quality and quantity samples and measurements, provide educational materials to community members and tourists through community outreach, and promote the initiatives of Columbia Lake Stewardship Society at various community events. This position is for the summer months, working up to 30 hours a week, with some evening and weekend shifts required. Candidates must be under 30 years of age and enrolled in a related post-secondary program. Applications are accepted as soon as possible.

Click here for more information and to apply. 

Ktunaxa Nation Council

Manager, Aquatic Stewardship

The Manager, Aquatic Stewardship is responsible to the Director and leads a team to ensure that Ktunaxa title, rights and interests, including land stewardship principles, are protected and enhanced in any aquatic and resources-based regulatory decision-making processes according to the team functions and work plan. The position leads a team of professional and technical experts to review land use applications, develop and set mitigation/conditions to reduce impacts to Ktunaxa rights and monitor for compliance. The position ensures Ktunaxa values and land stewardship principles are accounted for in land and resource use decisions within Ktunaxa homelands. The Manager will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of consultation/engagement with government and industry according to processes outlined in various agreements related to applications for land and resources use in ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa. This position participates in the coordination, facilitation and technical support of Ktunaxa Nation initiatives related to stewardship of aquatic ecosystems. The position supports Ktunaxa decision-making providing both technical and strategic advice on projects, policy development, and government and industry engagement related to aquatic resources. Applications are accepted until April 13.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Ktunaxa Nation Council

Manager, Mining Oversight

The Manager, Mining Oversight ensures that the Ktunaxa Nation is meaningfully engaged in environmental planning, protection and stewardship pertaining to mining within its homelands. Working with other governments, mining companies and technical experts, the position has a role in the oversight of mines including application review, setting permit conditions and compliance and enforcement. A major portion of the work is to engage with Teck Coal as set out under the Ktunaxa-Teck Impact Management and Benefit Agreement (IMBA). As KNC’s appointed co-chair to the KNC-Teck Environmental Working Group (EWG), the Manager is responsible for the efficacy of the EWG on behalf of the Ktunaxa Nation Council and works to ensure that it is well-functioning, respectful, and collaborative. The position will work closely with mine representatives, government and Ktunaxa citizens to design and implement processes, to resolve issues and negotiate appropriate mitigation efforts. The position is responsible for pursuing compliance with legally binding conditions with the Ktunaxa Nation government and with permits issued by other government agencies. Applications are accepted until April 13.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network

Wild Voices Community Educator

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

Click here for more information.

Recording: Status of Columbia River Treaty Modernization Information Session

Province of BC

On March 25, the Province of BC hosted a virtual information session to share updates and answer questions about the status of the Columbia River Treaty modernization process in light of new developments from the United States. The session was hosted by Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions and Minister Responsible for the Columbia River Treaty, who provided the update and answered questions. Additional opening remarks were made by MLA Brittny Anderson, Kootenay Central, and MLA Steve Morissette, Kootenay-Monashee. Members of the Canadian Columbia River Treaty negotiation delegation were also on hand to answer questions. More ways to learn about the Columbia River Treaty modernization process, including the Agreement-in-Principle, reached between Canada and the U.S. in July of 2024, are available on the Province of BC Columbia River Treaty website.

Click here to access the recording.

The Erosion of Threatened Southern Mountain Caribou Migration

Lamb, Clayton T., Steenweg, Robin, et. al. (2025, Global Change Biology)

The researchers analyzed 35 years (1987–2022) of telemetry data for southern mountain caribou, a threatened population that typically exhibits two main types of annual migration. The first type is a single horizontal migration between summer and winter ranges, while the second is a twice-per-year vertical migration between high and low elevations. They studied the extent and type of migration, changes through time, and determined if these changes correlated with landscape disturbance or shifts in weather. Results show that caribou reduced their migratory duration, distance, and elevation change. The subpopulations of caribou adapted to extreme snow depths conducted a unique elevational migration twice a year, which is globally distinctive among ungulates. However, this elevational migration is diminishing in distance and elevation. The changes in elevational and horizontal migration correlated with increased human disturbance, especially of low-elevation winter ranges. Declines in migratory behaviour occurred concomitantly with population declines and increases in disturbance, and these processes are likely intertwined. The rapid loss of these unique migrations is a significant conservation concern that could have irreversible consequences for the social transmission of fitness-maximizing behaviors.

Click here to access the full report.

Recording: The BC Bee Atlas - a community science initiative

Native Bee Society of BC

BC is home to around 600 different native bee species - the greatest diversity of native bees in Canada. The Native Bee Society of BC (NBSBC) is developing a Bee Atlas because BC’s native bees are under threat. The reasons for the disappearance of wild bees is not fully understood, but changes in ecosystems due to human activities and climate change are thought to contribute to this situation. A BC Bee Atlas would tell us which native bee species are in BC now and in the future, which flowers the bees use to feed on and raise their young, and would help guide conservation efforts to protect the biodiversity of BC’s native bees. In this webinar, Bonnie Zand discusses NBSBC’s efforts to train local bee experts to map the diversity, distribution, and floral partners of BC's bee populations through the Master Melittologist Program.

Click here to access the recording. 

Road Salt Stress Alters Freshwater Food Webs

Watersheds Canada

Excessive road salt applications have led to the salinization of freshwater ecosystems, including lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and wetlands, worldwide. Although road salt is applied during the cold winter months, evidence suggests that salts are a year-round problem since they are stored in soil and groundwater. This raises the notion that road salt needs to be recognized and studied as a potential direct contributor to various emerging environmental issues regardless of the time of year. For example, road salt contamination in freshwater environments can cause food web alterations, water quality degradation, accelerated surface water eutrophication, and an increased risk of harmful algal blooms. When salt-contaminated runoff enters a freshwater body, increased chloride concentrations alter aquatic communities through direct toxic effects on sensitive freshwater species. Road salt pollution may also indirectly affect freshwater food web structure and interactions, potentially threatening ecosystem services. This impact typically progresses from the bottom of the food web, working its way up by altering the direction and strength of interactions between producers and consumers in freshwater communities.

Click here to read the whole report.

Recording: ‘Pollinators, their importance, and how we can support them’ webinar

Presenter: Jordan Phelps, Bee City Canada Coordinator, Pollinator Partnership Canada

It is difficult to overstate the ecological and economic importance of pollinators. An estimated 87% of flowering plants benefit from or require animal pollinators, including approximately 75% of the major crops that we grow for human consumption. Unfortunately, many of the native pollinator species we depend on are facing challenges as a result of several factors, including habitat loss, climate change, pesticide exposure, and invasive species, among others. Because habitat loss is one of the greatest threats facing our native pollinators, we can all act to support them through habitat creation! Pollinator Partnership Canada offers many programs to support pollinators through habitat creation and education, including Bee City Canada, Pollinator Stewardship Certification Training, Bee Friendly Farming (BFF), and Bee Friendly Gardening (BFG). Presenter Jordan Phelps is the Bee City Program Coordinator for Pollinator Partnership Canada. His passion for pollinators was sparked as an undergraduate at Western University where he studied animal cognition and learned about the incredible feats of learning and memory that bees and other small-brained but mentally mighty pollinators are capable of. He went on to complete an MSc at Western in neuroscience where he studied how exposure to common pesticides impacts the ability of bumblebees to learn about and gather food from flowers. This presentation originally occurred in mid-March.

Click here to access the recording.

Safeguarding the future of Canada’s environment

Dr. Ciara Raudsepp-Hearne (2025, Canadian Geographic)

Dr. Ciara Raudsepp-Hearne leads the Canadian Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) Coalition on behalf of the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada with the goal of identifying and mapping KBAs in Canada. She has written this piece to illustrate how a strategic approach to expanding Canada’s protected areas system, guided in part by knowledge gained through the KBA program, can improve the ability of these areas to stop and reverse biodiversity loss. The KBA program draws together multiple partners, from conservation organizations and governments to Indigenous Nations and local community members, in a collaborative process to identify biological gems. A collaborative approach to identifying biodiversity-rich areas is essential because when KBAs are used as a sort of measuring stick for how well our existing protected areas protect biodiversity, we can see that recent additions to Canada’s protected area network are not capturing the most important places for avoiding biodiversity loss. Less than four per cent of the land that was added to Canada’s protected area network between 2010 and 2020 was land within a KBA. Key Biodiversity Areas can shift our focus to quality by mapping out biodiversity-rich areas.

Click here to read the whole story.

Recording: ‘Old Growth is Awesome’ webinar

Sierra Club of BC with Saya Masso and Ross Reid

In late March, this webinar outlined how incredible old-growth forests are in terms of biodiversity, a livable climate, Indigenous stewardship, tourism, recreation and much more. The presenters also provided an update on provincial old growth policies and discussed the importance of supporting Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and other Indigenous-led solutions for old-growth in B.C. Presenter Saya Masso, a member of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation in Clayoqout Sound, spoke about IPCAs and the recent success of protecting old-growth forests in his territory. Presenter Ross Reid is an environmental educator and outdoor filmmaker who is using his successful social media account “Nerdy About Nature” to provide fun and accessible education about the natural world, and presenter Jens Wieting, Sierra Club BC’s Senior Policy and Science Advisor talked about the most promising paths towards conservation this year.

Click here to access the recording. 

Genetic connectivity of wolverines in western North America

Day, Casey C., et. al. (2024, Scientific Reports)

Wolverine distribution contracted along the southern periphery of its range in North America during the 19th and 20th centuries due primarily to human influences. This history, along with low densities, sensitivity to climate change, and concerns about connectivity among fragmented habitats spurred the recent US federal listing of threatened status and special concern status in Canada. To help inform large scale landscape connectivity, we collected 882 genetic samples genotyped at 19 microsatellite loci. We employed multiple statistical models to assess the landscape factors (terrain complexity, human disturbance, forest configuration, and climate) associated with wolverine genetic connectivity across 2.2 million square km of southwestern Canada and the northwestern contiguous United States. Genetic similarity (positive spatial autocorrelation) of wolverines was detected up to 555 km and a high-to-low gradient of genetic diversity occurred from north-to-south. Landscape genetics analyses confirmed that wolverine genetic connectivity has been negatively influenced by human disturbance at broad scales and positively influenced by forest cover and snow persistence at fine- and broad–scales, respectively. This information applied across large landscapes can be used to guide management actions with the goal of maintaining or restoring population connectivity.

Click here to read the report.

Braiding Indigenous rights and endangered species law

Lamb, Clayton, et. al. (2023, Science)

Endangered species laws effectively prevent species extinction but fall short in restoring abundance for culturally important species. Legal agreements between Indigenous peoples and countries recognize the importance of abundant, culturally important species that disproportionately contribute to peoples’ food, material, spirituality, and sense of place. Despite this, recovery targets under endangered species laws do not account for such abundance, instead targeting minimum viable population (MVP) sizes that leave many species in a state of reduced abundance compared with their historical baselines. Using three keystone species in North America—caribou, bison, and salmon—the authors explore the implications of the gap between culturally meaningful abundance and MVPs and argue for the need to establish recovery targets and processes that restore abundance beyond MVPs. In each case, the decline of these species impeded Indigenous peoples from carrying out cultural practices and exercising food sovereignty. Each of these three culturally important species has since shown some level of recovery, and we highlight how these recoveries—often considered conservation victories—remain distant from culturally meaningful levels of recovery. Braiding endangered species law and Indigenous rights will help countries uphold the rights of Indigenous peoples, prevent species extinction, and ultimately provide benefits to society at large.

Click here to access the report. 

A focus on females can improve science and conservation

Wu, Joanna X., Harbison, Martha A., Beilke, Stephanie, Saha, Purbita, Bateman, Brooke L. (2025, Journal of Avian Science)

As a field, ecology has historically misunderstood or overlooked female organisms, or assumed that they are ‘similar enough’ to males. The typical unit of study for ecology research stops at the species level, but that can be too coarse and can obscure important intraspecific differences. Projecting the results of studies based on only half of the population (i.e. males) onto females can be misleading, if not dangerous, as female birds differ from males in key aspects of their biology. Birds are widespread and can be sexed more often than most other taxa; yet although it uses them as model organisms, current ornithological research is disproportionately based on male birds. The researchers review some fields pertinent to ecology and conservation and highlight biases and key research gaps. They find that, counter to ‘traditional’ assumptions, reproductive roles are balanced between sexes across many, but not all, species. In addition, female birds sing, tend to be more dispersive than males, have lower survival, often use different habitats – which has implications for conservation – and may be affected by climate change differently. The researchers call for ornithologists to study sexes separately because the lack of attention to these differences has real-world conservation implications. Potential solutions include training observers to recognize female traits, using more field methods that increase the detection of female birds (e.g. catching birds during the migration season, using DNA to determine sex), broadening geographical regions of study and recruiting a diverse group of scientists to help equalize the field of ornithological research.

Click here to read the report.

Community-based Water Quality Monitoring Program CABIN Report

Elk River Alliance (2023)

The Elk River Alliance’s (ERA) Community-based Monitoring program (CBWM) was established in 2012 as a response to rising community concern over the health of the Elk River Watershed. The primary purpose of the program is to fill in gaps in currently available watershed data, and to make these data accessible to the wider community. In 2020, ERA’s CBWM program transitioned into a fully CABIN (Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network) based program, adopting these nationally recognized protocols to assess 10 sites across 5 tributaries of the Elk River, all affected by different types of land-use and development. Mining, timber extraction, and a growing population with expanding urban centers and linear development such as road, rail, power, and natural gas all have impacts on the Elk River and its tributaries. As government and industry water monitoring programs focus on the effects of mining operations, the Elk River Alliance’s CABIN program focuses on streams impacted by other land uses, which are not directly affected by current mining operations.

Click here to access the full report.

Recording: Bat conservation as White-Nose Syndrome approaches

Presented by Cori Lausen, Director of Bat Conservation, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada

This webinar is brought to you by the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program and presented by Dr. Cori Lausen, Director of Bat Conservation with Wildlife Conservation Society Canada (WCSC). Bats in BC face unprecedented threats from white-nose syndrome, which can wipe out entire colonies if introduced. To prepare bats in FWCP’s Coastal Region, a multi-year project led by WCSC is using probiotics to reduce bat mortality. Learn how these probiotics and other disease management tools can conserve bat populations. First Nations engagement is pivotal in bat conservation within their local habitats; hear how a project in the Bridge-Seton Watershed is building capacity for Indigenous-led monitoring.

Click here to access the recording.

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.