NEWS & UPDATES - November 2021 |
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Thank you for a wonderful season at the Discovery Centre!
We hosted over 3,200 people through the Centre this summer and offered a variety of programs from guided canoe tours to walking tours and summer camps for kids. We had 72 kids ages 4-11 participate in the camps this summer!
We put together some self guided and virtual options for trail explorers to facilitate learning about this amazing wetland. We also hosted two Escape Room style events that sent adventurers on a puzzle solving journey through the wetland. Adventure backpacks, scavenger hunts, wildlife and bird checklists and Kids Adventure Booklets were some of the additional activities we offered.
We look forward to continuing to offer you online resources via our website over the winter and are already planning for 2022!
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The fall migration of birds has been impressive so far this year.
In the ponds around the Discovery Centre, some of the sightings of migratory birds have included: Greater White-fronted Goose (up to 300 at time), American Wigeon, Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Long billed Dowitcher and American White Pelicans. Some other fun sightings include: Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Harrier and huge flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds, American Goldfinches and Cedar Waxwings.
At Duck Lake, larger numbers of waterfowl use the ponds to rest and feed. You might see species such as: Coots, Common Goldeneye, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Gadwall, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, Tundra and Trumpeter Swans and much more. Some of these birds can be seen in flocks of hundreds to thousands of individuals.
Check out eBird for up-to-date sightings in locations throughout the Creston Valley.
Happy Birding!!
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The KOOTENAY-COLUMBIA DISCOVERY CENTRE SOCIETY has 4 vacancies on its Board of Directors. Are you interested in helping us design, raise funds and build a new wetland interpretive centre, a.k.a. “The Discovery Centre”?
This is an exciting project that will showcase the Valley’s biological and cultural diversity while providing an accessible, uniquely designed and technologically up-to-date environmental education centre.
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WE NEED PEOPLE WHO:
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Support our Mission and Vision (found at www.discovery-centre.ca/about/overview)
- Are from diverse educational, cultural and employment backgrounds
- Share our enthusiasm for a hands-on learning approach to environmental education
- See this project as an opportunity to enhance the local and regional economy
- Can devote a few hours a month to business meetings and activities
Please support this wonderful project for the benefit of everyone, especially our children and grandchildren. You may apply online or by phone: (250) 402-6905.
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Fun Resources From Other Places |
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Kokanee Creek Nature Centre, just outside of Nelson, BC, has set up trail cameras to catch the excitement in the forest. Check out this one featuring a family of bears...
The Smithsonian Institute created an activity guide called “Winter at Home” that uses the vast collections and expertise of the Smithsonian to spark learners’ creativity and imaginations as they explore their homes and neighbourhoods this winter. The guide is filled with hands-on activities, puzzles and games that students can engage with to explore topics in STEM, history, culture and the arts. The guide features bilingual Spanish/English language content.
“Winter at Home” invites learners to look at their homes and neighbourhoods in new ways. Learners are encouraged to have fun at home, with activities such as inviting a bird to breakfast at your windowsill, decoding a message in your bathroom mirror and recreating artworks using clothing from your closet as a palette.
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Cornell Lab of Ornithology has some engaging science lessons brought to you by your local birds!
There are free downloadable lessons, perfect for elementary educators, for each month of the year that engages children in the pleasures of feeding and watching birds. The easy-to-use and fun activities will help you teach science content year-round through your local birds.
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From the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society
The American Bullfrog Action Team (ABAT) conducted an immense amount of surveillance effort to maintain coverage of pretty much the entire Creston Valley south of the Highway 3 bridge from May to September 2021.
Their hard work has paid off, the detection and capture numbers this year suggest a reduced bullfrog population north of the Canada/US border in the Creston Valley. This is good news for native frogs, especially the endangered Northern Leopard frog who call that area home.
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Join us on social media for Mondays "Pretty Wild" Posts where we will feature interesting flora and fauna of the Creston Valley!
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Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area |
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To access advisories and up to date information related to the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area and to purchase hunting or fishing permits, please visit the CVWMA website or Facebook page.
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Memberships to KCDCS are FREE!
To increase support and awareness for KCDCS' mission, we are offering free Memberships! Join the 1,000 Members and show support for environmental education in our region! This helps us to obtain grants and sponsorships to move us forward!
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If you are interested in supporting KCDCS' mission to deliver environmental education and awareness programs, please click the link above. You can earmark your donation for ongoing program delivery or the development of a new Discovery Centre. KCDCS is a registered federal charity and can issue you a tax receipt.
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Thank you for subscribing to our eNewsletter updates!
Our aim is to keep you informed on the happenings of the Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre - from program delivery to the development of a new Centre and everything in between.
We appreciate your support and interest!
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