Looking to the Future: New Leadership, Shoreline Surveys and Empowering the Next Generation
Fall is a time of transition and coincidentally we’re taking that theme to the next level this year: we recently announced that we’re hiring a new executive director! This will only be our second ED ever. Kat Hartwig, our founder, filled that role magnificently for the last 25 years.
Kat is now ready to switch her focus to strategic partnerships and ongoing critical fundraising work. Her new key strategic adviser role will ensure a smooth handover and a stable transition for new leadership. Learn more about the announcement here. And if you’re keen to join our energetic and ambitious team, have a look at the job posting — the deadline to apply is October 21.
First half of Okanagan Lake shoreline survey completed
We completed the first half of a massive shoreline survey in September and early October. The Okanagan Lake survey, which is conducted within the Foreshore Integrated Management Planning program, will take place over two years.
We’re grateful that the Okanagan Indian Band and Westbank First Nation have joined us as co-leads for the first half of this important project.
A preliminary report will be delivered next year. You can find out more about why we did the survey in late September (not our usual circumstances!) and what portions of the lake we covered during the first year from our news release.
Brand new Watershed Bulletin explores elevation impacts on water supplies
Our watershed monitoring in the Columbia Basin this year reveals the importance of a detailed approach that places many different hydrometric stations within one region.
Creek flows in the East and West Kootenays revealed very different patterns through the winter, spring and summer — vital information for downstream communities and ecosystems dealing with water scarcity and security.
Check out our latest Watershed Bulletin to find out more.
Boosting biodiversity careers and water literacy in the next generation
We’re serious about helping the next generation of students and professionals contribute meaningfully to protecting watersheds and biodiversity.
Our efforts range from reaching out to youngsters in Grades 5 and 6 with a Pen Pals for Water program — which builds local water literacy before fostering letter exchanges — to our pilot project Biodiversity Field School, a hands-on training experience designed for emerging environmental professionals and university students ready to gain field experience and apply their knowledge in real-world conditions. Last week, the field school completed its third and final workshop scheduled for this year.
Our Current Reads
Eby promises ‘some of the toughest rules in North America’ on AI data centres and watershed protection – Omineca Express
Sovereignty starts upstream: nine in ten British Columbians say fresh water is a matter of national security – The BC Watershed Security Coalition
Taking the pulse of Okanagan Lake’s 290-kilometre shoreline – Penticton Herald
Advocates urge next B.C. government to address water scarcity as El Niño forecast adds to drought concerns – My Creston Now
Water worries: October water restrictions usually reserved for hot summer months – CTV News
B.C. local governments press province for watershed boards, funding – Coast Reporter
Life alongside the impacts of Alberta’s fracking boom – the Narwhal (Water consumption is at almost 30 billion litres of freshwater per year.)
