Join us for a Potluck Celebration on Sunday September 15. 6-8pm.
Bring something to share, as well as a plate and utensils. We’ll provide the cake and beverages! Everyone is welcome. More info: invermere@wildsight.ca
What’s there to celebrate?
When the Invermere Branch of the East Kootenay Environmental Society took root in 1989, its first Board of Directors was made up of Bob Campsall, Albert Cooper, Jim Galloway, Kat Hartwig, Marilyn Kraayvanger, Jacqui Pinsonneault, and Gerry Wilkie. Guide outfitter Albert Cooper died in 2012 at the age of 88. Everyone else is still very much engaged in our community. After a 2005 name change, Wildsight Invermere remains part of the vital network of five community branches and one regional office (in Kimberley). We are a diverse group of people connected through a range of projects, issues and common goals.
Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve accomplished over the years.
• late 1980s, established a recycling depot in Invermere
• 1997, organized a cleanup in the Wilmer wetlands that removed over 300 abandoned vehicles; in 2010, we also removed over 200 tires.
• 2005, started the Lake Windermere Project that ran for 5 years as a water stewardship program. It’s now run by the Lake Windermere Ambassadors
•2009, played a key role in forming the Pesticide Free Columbia Basin network that received the Circle of Distinction Awardfrom the Canadian Cancer Society.
• 2012, organized Finding Balance, a community forum that discussed the links between conservation, economics and well-being
• 2012, initiated the Columbia Valley Recreation Advisory Council in an effort to bring all backcountry user groups together; in 2019, we are still part of the group, now supported by our local and provincial government, that is working towards the creation of a Columbia Valley Recreation Access Management Plan
• 2012-2016, Lake Enid Restoration Project- trail rehabilitation, grassland restoration, construction of a boardwalk over sensitive habitat, nature walks and installation of interpretive signs
• 2014-2019, our Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festivalbrings our community together through film, food, drink, conversation and a silent auction
•2019, bought an electric car and started SPARK, our electric car share program
• Other past and ongoing community events: Annual Ursus & Us Bear Awareness Day, Wild Ideas Cafes, Wild Nature Tours
And of course, our local Wildsight community has been the grit and sinew for more than 25 years in the struggle to keep the Jumbo Valley wild. For that, we are so proud and grateful.