Environmental education and awareness programs will resume in the Creston Valley this spring under the oversight of a local, non-profit organization. The Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre Society (KCDCS) is taking over the delivery of education programs which were previously operated by the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority (CVWMA) until October 2017.
KCDCS was established in 2015 to consider options for the continuation of environmental education programs in a new facility at the CVWMA. Thanks to financial contributions from the Columbia Basin Trust, the CVWMA, the Province of B.C. and many others, the long-established and popular educational programs and activities will continue into the future while KCDCS continues developing plans for a new, vibrant ecotourism “Discovery Centre” that will promote environmental and cultural awareness in the Kootenay-Columbia region. “The CBT, the CVWMA, and the Province have stepped forward with significant funding to help with transition costs and to run programs and events,” says James Posynick, the Chair of KCDCS. “Both public and private fundraising initiatives are ongoing” Posynick added.
Engineering studies of the Wildlife Interpretation Centre found that its life-span was rapidly deteriorating and the cost of repair was prohibitive. For the next few years, KCDCS will operate a temporary facility onsite in the Wildlife Interpretation Centre parking lot while the development of a new “Discovery Centre” is underway. “KCDCS is very excited about our role in environmental education and in developing a modern facility that will showcase the wetlands, be a gateway to the Kootenay-Columbia’s natural resources and enhance economic opportunities throughout the region,” Posynick says.
The temporary facility will house a small indoor display gallery, an interactive kids zone and information on trails and ongoing programs and events for the general public. Naturalist staff will be onsite to deliver programming, host school groups and welcome the public when they visit the wetland. Amenities such as toilets, a small gift shop, and picnic tables will be available for visitors to use. “Our confidence in the continuing success of programs is hugely bolstered by the retention of Carla Ahern as our Senior Manager. Carla brings over 10 years of communications and educational program delivery experience with her from the CVWMA. We could not be more pleased than to work with and learn from Carla as we move forward!” Posynick added.
To stay tuned into programs and KCDCS’ progress, generally, you can visit www.discovery-centre.ca. the website is being updated and improved daily, so check back regularly for information. Be on the look-out for membership campaigns and opportunities for how you can become involved!
