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Partners of Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) came together last month for the East Kootenay Stewardship Committee meeting and field tour. Representatives from a diverse range of non-profit societies, local and provincial governments, and First Nations, met in Baynes Lake on June 18 to tour unique grasslands and a wetland restoration project in the area.

The field tour was co-hosted with Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it Nation and visited a vital wetland restoration project at Shottanana Lake, which provides habitat for ungulate species and the at-risk western painted turtle.

This site was followed by a visit to a stunning and unique grassland site that has been designated as a ‘Key Biodiversity Area’ (KBA), and included a peak at the endangered Spalding’s campion (Silene spaldingii) plant.

Field tour leaders Avery Gravelle and Emily de Freitas with Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it Nation, and Ian Adams, the former BC KBA Coordinator with Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, shared their knowledge and expertise.

“It was a beautiful day and I learned so much from these inspiring projects,” said Juliet Craig, KCP Program Director. “We are so grateful to Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it Nation who hosted the field tour.”

KCP is a diverse partnership that seeks to cooperatively conserve the biological diversity and naturally functioning ecosystems of the region through land conservation and stewardship while sharing knowledge and expertise, building financial support, and promoting collaboration.

This type of event wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of KCP’s funders including Columbia Basin Trust, Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program, Nature Conservancy of Canada, and The Nature Trust of BC.

Find more information on KCP.

Lead image: Tour of Shottanana Lake wetland restoration project during KCP’s 2026 East Kootenay Field Tour co-hosted with Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it Nation. KCP Photo

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