Toad People, the wildlife documentary film, will be screened in Chilliwack April 27 at GWG.
This new doc is about more than just toads. It asks the burning conservation question: what does it take to save a species at risk?
Toad People, by filmmakers Isabelle Groc and Michael McKinley of Wilderness Committee, tackles that very question.
Groc offered one answer last fall:
“It takes people like Steve Clegg and his family and neighbours in Ryder Lake who are very passionate about the struggle to help species at risk in their backyards,” Groc told The Progress. “It takes a tremendous amount of care — and legislation.”
Steve Clegg got involved with the toads, growing up with them in his backyard, and especially once he became aware of their conservation challenges.
He started volunteering on the Ryder Lake Amphibian project of Fraser Valley Conservancy in 2008, conducting nighttime migration inventories of the Western toad and other amphibians.
The filmmakers’ lens was focused in tightly on some Chilliwack protectors of tiny toads and screeching barn owls, like the Clegg family, and more. Local families have been a steady part of the effort locally to decrease the number of toad mortalities, which saw the crowning glory of an amphibian tunnel built by FVC and partners under a Ryder Lake road two years ago.
There are 1900 endangered species in B.C. The province is known for its astounding wildlife: killer whales, grizzlies, barn owls and badgers but few may realize that there is no standalone endangered species legislation in place.
The film is an attempt to change that.
Toad People is a call for B.C. to adopt a standalone species at risk law, given its status as the province with the most biodiversity in the country.
Fraser Valley Conservancy (FVC) and Wilderness Committee are hosting the April 27 screening of Toad People. This event will be held on unceded Sto:lo territory. Thursday, April 27, 7 – 9 pm, GW Graham Theatre, 45955 Thomas Road, Chilliwack.
