As August draws to an end, so does the season for the West Kootenay YCCBC team. This has been an eventful and impactful period for the crew, marked by significant learning experiences and contributions to their community. While East Kootenay is still hard at we'd like to reflect on some of these teams many accomplishments.
Wildfire Risk Reduction with Loki Tree
Under the expert guidance of Loki Tree, an aboriculture, urban forestry, and wildfire service, members of the Wildsight Youth Climate Corps gained valuable skills in wildfire risk reduction. Their training included fire detection and reporting, water delivery systems, and fire suppression techniques. Upon completing this education, the crew earned their S100: Basic Fire Suppression and Safety certification. Equipped with this knowledge and accreditation, the crew is now well-prepared for potential employment in wild land firefighting and stands ready to help protect their community from wildfires.
Learning About Food Sustainability at Apple Quill Farm
The East Kootenay YCC crew spent time at Apple Quill Farm, a produce and livestock farm in the Cranbrook and Kimberley area, to deepen their understanding of food and sustainability and agriculture. While assisting with farm work, the team learned sustainable crop protection methods, such as using sawdust to control temperature, moisture, and weeds, and practicing fruit thinning to produce more consistent and healthier crops.
Bighorn Sheep Habitat Enhancement
In Kicking Horse Canyon near Golden, BC, the crew contributed to the maintenance and improvement of the habitat for the region's iconic Bighorn sheep. As part of their work with Wildsight, the team manually removed invasive burdock plants. These plants produce spiky burrs that catch in the sheep's coats, matting their fur and reducing thermal insulation, sometimes leading to infections. The crew's efforts are helping ensure a safer and healthier environment for these important animals.
Lake Monitoring with Living Lakes Canada
In collaboration with Living Lakes Canada, the Wildsight Youth Climate Corps took part in a workshop focused on lake stewardship. The team spent several days at Premier Lake, where they engaged in a comprehensive water monitoring course and received training in various ecosystem protection techniques.
Learn more about the impactful work done with Living Lakes Canada here.
Conservation with Elk Root Conservation Farm Society
The Wildsight Youth Climate Corps made significant contributions to environmental conservation in partnership with Elk Root Conservation. Together, they launched the Pollinator Highway Project, removing invasive plant species to create vital habitats for pollinators along Passmore Lower Road. The crew also supported bat conservation efforts by setting up a Wildlife Acoustics Monitoring System to track bat migration routes and began preparations for installing artificial bat roosts. Additionally, they played a crucial role in constructing a biodiverse catchment pond to serve as a sanctuary for endangered Painted turtles, laying eight tonnes of bentonite clay as the foundation for this eco-friendly habitat.
Climate workshops with the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK)
The YCC Wildsight team worked with RDCK as community ambassadors, to create and present workshops on topics including FireSmart, Water Conservation, Sustainability and Emergency preparedness. In collaboration with the RDCK’s summer camp program, the YCC ran youth workshops to introduce the concept of FireSmart and teach community members how we can be safe living near fire.
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