On September 16, the Nature Conservancy of Canada treated its local funding partners to a hike to the top of Marion Creek Benchlands to celebrate the conservation of this 504-acre (204-hectare) mixed forest, grassland and wetland property. Perched over the west side of Columbia Lake, Marion Creek Benchlands connects existing conservation lands to create a protected wilderness corridor that spans over 30 square kilometres. Support for this project came from Columbia Basin Trust, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Regional District of East Kootenay, Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program, East Kootenay Wildlife Association the Government of Canada and many individuals.

Photo credit: Wayne Stetski, East Kootenay Conservation Program

Nature Conservancy of Canada supporters Jim Galloway and Wayne Stetski (East Kootenay Conservation Program) walk on Marion Creek Benchlands during a celebratory hike and bbq on September 16. They are followed by Hillary Page (Nature Conservancy of Canada), Joe Newhouse, John Krebs (Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program), Gerry Wilkie (Regional District of East Kootenay)

Photo credit: Cam Gillies

Young guests examine a badger pelt at Marion Creek Benchlands during the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s celebratory hike and bbq on September 16. Marion Creek Benchlands is home to a number of badger burrows, which is a federally listed species at risk. The property is the conservation groups latest acquisition in the East Kootenay.

Photo credit: Cam Gillies

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