KCDCS - August eNews Update

NEWS & UPDATES - August 2024

In This Update

Discovery Centre Hours
CV Rotary - Fundraiser for Jr Naturalist Program
Walking Tours
50 Years of Education - Staff Flashback
Creature Feature - American White Pelican
2024 Supporters to Date

Photo of Robin Fledgling: Jonathan Garsson

Discovery Centre Hours

We are excited to host you at the Centre this summer!

We will be open Monday to Saturday until the end of August and then switch to Tuesday to Saturday for September and October, 9am to 4pm.

Our summer camps continue until the end of August. We currently have a few spots available in the Eager Eagles (ages 10&11) camp. All other camps are full. See below for dates.

Our guided canoe tours went well in the month of July. Unfortunately, the water levels are now too low for us to get out on the canoes. We have switched to walking tours which take place along our Boardwalk Loop out to the 3 story viewing tower. We will be offering the tours daily when open so call (250-402-8661) or email to book!

Thank you as always for your support and interest. We hope to see you in the wetland soon!

CV Rotary Fundraiser - August 24th

Proceeds Support our Summer Camps!

Our 2024 Jr Naturalist Summer Camps have been a great success this year with full camps and lots of adventures! We are running 8 sessions this summer with over 90 participants!

We rely on grants to help us cover the costs of running the programs. The Creston Valley Rotary has graciously made us the beneficiary of the proceeds from their upcoming Beerfest Event! The funds we receive from this event will go towards our 2025 Jr Naturalist summer camps.

So if you have a free weekend and want to enjoy this event and help us out at the same time...

The event takes place on August 24th at Millennium Park. Tickets range from $20-$40 and you can pre purchase tickets or buy at the door.

Purchase Tickets here.

More Information here.

Thank you to Creston Valley Rotary for supporting our programs!

Summer Camp Availability

We only have one camp left this summrt that has availability. If interested, see information below and contact us to register!

Eager Eagles (Ages 10 & 11; Completed Grade 4 or Grade 5)

August 26-30 (Monday to Friday); 9am to 3pm; Cost $120

Walking Tours with a Naturalist

Walk the Boardwalk Loop (~1km) trail with a Naturalist and learn more about the wetland and wildlife that live here.

Tours are one hour. Trail is level with part boardwalk and part gravel trail. There is a three story viewing tower that we will visit on the tour.

Cost: $8 per adult/senior; $5 per child

Family Rate: $20 (2 Adults, 2 Children) and $2 per additional child.

Tour Times: Daily (Monday to Saturday) @ 9:30am, 11am, 1pm, 2:30pm

You can prebook to guarantee a spot by calling us at (250) 402-8661 or email us. Or you can just show up close to tour time.

Celebrating 50 Years of Education

Flashback!

In operation for over 40 years, the old Wildlife Interpretation Centre saw many seasonal staff over the years...at least around 175 individuals actually!

Many of these Naturalist were studying biology, natural sciences and education, gaining some experience in their field of study over the summer months spent here at the Wildlife Area. They delivered school programs, summer camps and canoe tours and hosted visitors from around the world.

We just wanted to acknowledge all of these past Naturalists who made a mark on the people and place here at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area! And we are proud to see them continue to do so as Naturalists with KCDCS!

Here are some of our past (and present) KCDCS seasonal staff!

American White Pelican

Late summer is usually the best time to see the American White Pelicans as they start to move around more, feeding and getting ready for migration.

Pelicans arrive in the Valley in May and stay until October. There can be close to 1000 individuals at one time that hang out here, but actual numbers do vary each year. This past weekend saw over 300 individuals at the south end of Kootenay Lake alone and probably more groups in other areas too!

They are non breeding individuals that are here enjoying the wetland, loafing and feeding, living the good life. Besides Kootenay Lake, they can be seen on Duck Lake, Leach Lake and in the ponds around the Centre too. Anywhere there is good fishing, the pelicans are on it!

Follow our Social Media pages (Facebook and Instagram) for more "Creature Feature" posts!