NEWS & UPDATES - February 2022 |
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Beavers build their lodges (place where they live/overwinter) in the middle of shallow ponds and in riverbanks, far enough from the shore and away from predators. Beaver dams and lodges are amazingly strong, yet minimalistic. They are built with nothing but sticks, mud, and grass.
Beavers seeks warmth at the first sign of snow. They will spend the entire winter inside the lodge, protected from the cold and predators (like wolves and foxes). So what do they do to pass the time? They eat and they mate. Not a bad way to pass the time...
Not only are their lodges nice and dry, but they are warm! While the outside temperature plummets into the negatives, studies have shown that the inside of the lodge can hover around 32°C. Sometimes, you can see steam rising out of the top of the lodges, evidence of the coziness and warmth trapped inside.
Beavers occasionally share their homes with free-loaders like muskrats. This is probably because the muskrats also help to keep the lodge warm. From the muskrat’s perspective, it’s worth being a third wheel in order to have a warm home during the winter.
The entrance to the beaver lodge is located under water. To eat, they swim out of their lodge and under the ice to gather food. What to beavers eat in the dead of winter? Twigs. Specifically, they eat the bark off of their favourite trees (which include willow, alder, birch, and poplar). They stash their favourite twigs near their lodges during the warmer months.
Beavers don’t hibernate in the winter. They have thick, waterproof coats well adapted to winter temperatures. They secrete waterproofing oils that they comb through their fur with their paws. They also have those iconic, magical tails that help to store fat and regulate their body temperatures in the winter.
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Happy World Wetlands Day
February 2nd
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Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General, Convention on Wetlands
January 27, 2023
Wherever land meets water, life abounds. Wetlands exist in every corner of this beautiful planet and are the arteries and veins of the landscape. Majestic and mighty, wetlands are a sight to behold.
World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year on 2nd of February. The commemoration raises awareness and increases people’s understanding of the critical importance of wetlands. Wetlands support critical ecosystems and biodiversity. 40 percent of all plant and animal species live or breed in wetlands.
Wetlands are rich in nature and vital to human life. They are crucial to agriculture and fisheries. They act as water sources, purifiers and protect our shores. Wetlands are the planet’s greatest natural carbon stores.
To date, nearly 90 percent of the world’s wetlands have been degraded or lost. We are losing wetlands three times faster than forests. There is an urgency to raise global awareness on wetlands to arrest and reverse their rapid loss and encourage actions to restore and conserve these vital ecosystems.
The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands invites you to join the World Wetlands Day celebrations on 2nd February 2023; it is now recognized by the UN as an “International Day”. The theme for the day is ‘It’s ‘Time for Wetland Restoration’. With only seven years left until 2030 for us to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, time is of the essence for sure.
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is a great opportunity for all of us to rethink and change how humans impact the environment - and a chance to restore vital ecosystems like wetlands. Through activating all the relevant players from the general public to key stakeholders, we’re mobilizing an entire generation for wetland restoration.
For World Wetlands Day 2023, we’re calling on you to take action in three specific ways:
- Conscious choices to minimize our own impact on wetlands
- Persuasive voices to educate and activate others to get involved in wetland restoration
- Bold actions and taking part in wetland restoration efforts locally
Governments and other stakeholders are critical actors towards ensuring wetland restoration actions are being implemented on the ground. Three actions that can spearhead these restoration efforts include:
- Creating a national inventory of wetlands
- Setting specific targets for wetland restoration
- Promoting wise use and good management practices
Be a part of the solution by influencing change and sharing your stories of conservation and restoration efforts with us from your countries and communities.
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Thank you for Your Support! |
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A huge thank you to everyone who offered their financial support to KCDCS over our 2023 Annual Ask Campaign.
When a donation is made, it can be earmarked for the delivery of educational programs, the development of a new Centre or where needed most (general). We have received some very generous support for our 2023 season!
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If you would like to donate to KCDCS, please go here.
We are busy applying for grants for 2023 as well. We wrapped up two long term funding agreements in 2022, so we are aiming to diversify our funding streams by applying to a variety of foundations, corporations and granting agencies.
To date, thank you to the following confirmed granters for 2023:
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Jr Naturalist Camp - Registration Open |
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Our 2023 Jr Naturalist Summer Camp dates have been set and registration is open!
Many of our camps will book up fast, so while we know it's early to decide on summer plans, we want to make sure you know the dates so that you can plan.
Please email us with your child's name, age and camp date choices and we will send you the links to fill out our waiver form and to make payment.
Thank you! We are looking forward to another fun summer!
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Frolicking Frogs (Ages 4 & 5; Preschool)
July 24-28 (Monday to Friday); 9am to 12pm; Cost $85
Curious Caterpillars (Ages 6 & 7; Completed Kindergarten or Grade 1)
July 3-7 and August 7-11 (Monday to Friday); 9am to 3pm; Cost $120
Boisterous Beavers (Ages 8 & 9; Completed Grade 2 or Grade 3)
July 10-14 and August 14-18 (Monday to Friday); 9am to 3pm; Cost $120
Eager Eagles (Ages 10 & 11; Completed Grade 4 or Grade 5)
July 17-21 and August 21-25 (Monday to Friday); 9am to 3pm; Cost $120
Wandering Wolves (Ages 12 & 13; Completed Grade 6 or Grade 7)
July 31-August 4 (Monday to Friday); 9am to 3pm; Cost $120
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We are hiring! Join our team!
Do you have a love of nature and science? Are you passionate about inspiring people about the natural world?
As a Wetland Naturalist, you will motivate, inspire, and connect children and adults to the wonderful world of wetlands by providing quality environmental education programs and front country excursions at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area.
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Application deadline is March 15th. For more details and how to apply, click here.
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Spring School Programs - Book Now! |
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We have some great programs lined up for 2023!
The following programs are ONSITE at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area and will include exploration and educational activities and games related to the following themes:
Wetland Excursions
(Grades K-7)
K-1: Nature Explorers, Using our Senses
Grade 2-3: Water, Water, Everywhere!
Grade 4-5: Adaptations to Life in a Wetland
Grade 6-7: All About Birds
Programs will be 2 hours long.
Cost is $4 per student
($60 minimum charge to run a program)
Canoe Tours
(Grades 4 and Up)
These are one hour long and cost $5 per student. We provide the life jackets and paddles. Add this onto our other program for a fun filled day or do as a stand alone.
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Last year we were fully booked, so please book now to ensure a spot!
Programs and Canoe Tours run May 15 to June 28, 2023
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Fun Resources for Teachers and Parents |
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Research for our Winter School Programs led us to some wonderful winter books for young kids.
Here are two of our favourites...
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Evergreen Canada has a searchable database of lesson plans, how-to guides and research on topics such as climate, conservation and outdoor learning & play.
You can easily search by subject and resource type.
A great resource for teachers and parents.
For over 30 years, Evergreen has been facilitating change in communities through connection, innovation and sustainable actions. They work with community builders across sectors to solve some of the most pressing issues cities face: climate change, housing affordability, and access to nature and public spaces.
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Get Your FREE Membership now to show support for our programs! |
To increase support and awareness for KCDCS' mission, we are offering free Memberships! Join the over 1,200 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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Join us on social media for fun and interesting information on the wetland, wildlife, programs and progress at KCDCS! |
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