In June, our staff and board travelled to Fairmont Hot Springs in the East Kootenays to learn about local projects and connect with communities in the region. The trip coincided with our quarterly board and grants meetings, and included site visits with grantees and a community outreach event.

After an intensive day of meetings (where our board awarded $1,357,999 in grants), we had the chance to visit with Heather, Kat, Raegan and Ryan from Wildsight and Living Lakes Canada. We took to the waters of Lake Windermere in voyageur canoes to learn about the Columbia Valley Wetlands, one of the longest intact wetlands in North America and part of a critical water supply for the Pacific Northwest.

We also hosted a reception for people to come and learn about the work of the Foundation, and how our grants have made an impact in the Kootenay region. It was a great opportunity not only to connect with government representatives, local organizations and grantees, but for them to meet each other and discover common interests.

The final day of the trip saw our communications and grants teams stay on for a visit with Wildsight Kimberley/Cranbrook, where Jessica and Shannon showed us the community gardens underway in each town.

A big thank you to all who welcomed us to their communities! We look forward to seeing more new faces as we travel to other BC regions this summer.

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See more:

Project Spotlight Series: Wildsight’s Lake Windermere Project [VIDEO]

2012 Land Awards Finalist: Groundswell Community Greenhouse (Invermere) [VIDEO]

2013 Land Awards Finalist: Columbia Valley Conservation Fund [VIDEO]