NEWS & UPDATES - April 2023
Make Your Voice Heard for Environmental Education in Our Region...
The Columbia Basin Trust is hosting a series of community engagements as part of their new strategic plan development. Online public input starts April 3rd. There will also be Zoom meetings and in-person community meetings...check here for dates and locations.

This past year, we learned that environmental education was no longer considered a strategic priority for the Trust, and support for environmental education across the Basin was being cancelled. We have been a grateful recipient of funding from the Trust for the last five years, allowing us to deliver programs to over 6,600 school students, host 326 summer camp participants, paddle over 3,700 people on guided canoe tours and host over 18,500 visitors through our Discovery Centre doors.

Lack of funding for environmental education doesn't just affect us, but our partners at Wildsight, Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) and many more. Please speak up via CBT's online portal or upcoming community meetings in your area and help get funding restored for environmental education initiatives!
Wetland Restoration - Short Video
From Norman Allard
Community Planner
Lower Kootenay Band

In 2017 Lower Kootenay Band began planning the restoration of a number of wetland impoundments created in the late 1960's to mid 1980's.

Due to the amount of information surrounding the project, a way to introduce the restoration work and cover the basics of why became harder to convey. This short film was created to help cover the main aspects of why this type of work is needed and to show the importance of involving indigenous people along with the knowledge and skills they have.

It's hoped that this film can also be a primer to spark discussion on many topics from beginning to learn life cycles to more in depth goals and details learned throughout the project so far.

The Lower Kootenay Band's Yaqan Nukiy Wetlands Restoration project and The Wetlands documentary was supported through the Healthy Watersheds Initiative (HWI).

The HWI is a $27-million program, supported by the Province of BC, to stimulate British Columbia’s economic recovery through investments in watershed conservation and restoration. The Real Estate Foundation of BC administered funding for this program and worked with Watersheds BC to support the successful implementation of more than 60 watershed security projects in communities across the province.
Wetland Naturalist Job Posting Extended
We are still seeking one more Wetland Naturalist to join our team this summer! Please share with anyone you think would be interested. Send us a resume as soon as possible as the posting will remain open until filled.

Thank You to 2023 Grantors
We have been busy applying for grants for 2023. 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.

We are still in need of funding to make sure 2023 is successful, so if you are interested in making a donation, we are grateful to receive it! Donate Now!

To date, thank you to the following confirmed grantors for 2023:
Creston Valley Bird Festival
May 12-14, 2023
The 11th Annual Creston Valley Bird Festival will take place May 12-14, 2023

Online Registration Opens April 4th, 2023.

The Creston Valley Bird Fest celebrates this incredible diversity in an environmentally sensitive manner, inviting residents and visitors to expand their interest in the world of birds. The festival offers a variety of birdwatching activities guided by field experts, as well as photography and art displays and bird-oriented workshops. Promotional tours to local businesses, and art studios have been incorporated into the festival providing economic stimulus in a low impact way. 

Some of the highlight include:
  • Guided birding tours for all levels (beginner to expert)
  • Guided canoe tours (with KCDCS)
  • Various valley events and tours
  • Presentations by Birds Canada, Sachi Snively, and Norman Allard

Keep an eye open for the Saturday events (May 13th) that take place with KCDCS:

  • 10:00am to 3pm - Bird Kite Building Workshop, Family Bird-a-thon and Bird BINGO
  • 10:30am to 3:30pm - One hour long Guided Canoe Tours (leaving every hour starting at 10:30am)

For a list of events, info on tour leaders, registration information and more, visit their website.
Jr Naturalist Camp - Registration Open
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!
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

Spring School Programs - Book Now!
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.

For information on high school stewardship program options, please get in touch!
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

To Book: Please fill out our online form or email us.
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!
Join us on social media for fun and interesting information on the wetland, wildlife, programs and progress at KCDCS!