The news keeps getting better for the Kingfisher Interpretive Centre.
The centre, east of Enderby, had originally been told that federal funding for the Stream to Sea program could cease. And then two weeks ago, a one-year reprieve was granted and as of Thursday, the centre was told that long-term funding will remain.
“We’re very happy,” said Neil Brookes, Kingfisher director.
“It means we can continue with our program and all of the benefits that come from the program.”
With $30,000 in funding, the Kingfisher Interpretive Centre provides schools with educational support, in-class aquariums and chillers, technical support, fish food, and field experiences for children when they release the salmon fry back into the natural system.
About 3,000 students a year from Cherryville to Revelstoke are involved, with 52 salmon incubators in schools.
“We’re not raising salmon. We’re raising children to be stewards,” said Brookes.
Children are currently visiting the centre and releasing fry into the Shuswap River. One student stands out for Brookes.
“He said he could hardly wait until next year when we collect the eggs,” said Brookes.
