Two FREE upcoming courses will teach Kootenay residents to map & protect local wetlands!

Did you know that wetlands, one of the most important life-supporting ecosystems on earth, are rapidly disappearing from our province? In developed areas, such as Nelson and Castlegar, many of BC’s watery “kidneys” and “ecological supermarkets” have already vanished, and this is why we need engaged citizens to take an active role in protecting those that remain.
The BC Wildlife Federation’s Wetlands Education Program is coming to the Kootenays and will hold two environmental stewardship workshops for local residents. These valuable courses are being brought to the Castlegar-Nelson area free of charge:

Wetlandkeepers Course, June 1-3, 2012
Castlegar BC
Get involved in wetland conservation!
In this 2.5 day workshop you will learn about wetland types & functions, gain hands-on experience with inventory and mapping, wetlands soil, vegetation & wildlife surveys, and invasive riparian and aquatic species management. You’ll leave with the tools, resources and support necessary to begin your own stewardship project! This course is brought to Castlegar in partnership with the Castlegar & District Wildlife Association and with the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee.
Click here to register and here for the poster.
For questions, contact Neil Fletcher
toll free:        1-888-881-2293     ext. 232
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Map Our Marshes Workshop, June 9, 2012
Nelson, BC
Identify & conserve small under-appreciated wetlands!
Get connected to the Community Mapping Network!
An introduction to wetland ecosystems, values and stewardship. You will learn how to use basic GPS techniques to protect wetlands and identify conservation needs in your community. This wetland mapping and rapid assessment workshop (Puddle Project) is a 1 day course that will train up to 25 participants on how to evaluate wetlands for stewardship needs. A great project for community volunteers, schools, consultants, planners and anyone passionate about healthy watersheds. This workshop is brought to Nelson in partnership with the Nelson District Rod & Gun Club.
Click here to register and here for the poster.
For questions, contact Neil Fletcher
toll free:        1-888-881-2293     ext. 232
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)