A grassroots organization that protects biodiversity and encourages sustainable communities in the Columbia and Rocky Mountain regions is calling out for residents to join its interactive learning experience.
This fall, Wildsight will be holding two Columbia River Conversation field tours that provide an opportunity for participants to camp, explore and learn about the past, present and future of the river. The tour will take place in Upper Columbia, upstream and downstream of Revelstoke, from Friday, Sept. 5 to Sunday, Sept. 7, and in Lower Canada, upstream and downstream of Castlegar, from Saturday, Sept. 27 until Monday, Sept. 29.
The unique field visit will include diverse experts, engaging activities and conversation about the watershed and its dam operations, reservoir levels, ecosystem restoration, salmon reintroduction, the Columbia River Treaty and much more.
Camping in Revelstoke will take place at Blanket Creek Provincial Park on the shore of the Upper Arrow Lakes Reservoir while camping in Castlegar will be at Syringa Creek Provincial Park of the Lower Arrow Lakes Reservoir.
“The Columbia Basin is a vast and complex watershed with an even more complex future," program lead Graeme Lee Rowlands said. "To understand the issues we face, it’s essential to spend time with the actual places that are involved, and it’s equally important to learn from a wide range of perspectives.”
In 2018, Wildsight launched the Columbia River Field School, a 15-day summer field course for students, and in 2021, it released the curriculum package Teach the Columbia for classroom educators. Now, Wildsight is opening the opportunity to the public for the first time.
Wildsight is hoping to recruit around 20 to 25 people for each course. The early bird registration fee, before July 6, is $450 while late registration is $550.
To apply or learn more, visit wildsight.ca/events/columbia-river-conversations.
