Golden residents will have a chance to step inside one of British Columbia’s most rare and fragile ecosystems this month. Safe Haven: The Rainbow-Jordan Wilderness is a 30-minute documentary that takes viewers deep into the Inland Temperate Rainforest near Revelstoke, an ancient forest system under growing threat.
The film will be shown at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, at Kicking Horse Movies, 802 10th Ave S, Golden. Following the screening, Valhalla Wilderness Society biologist Amber Peters, RPBio, will share insights from more than 25 years of research in the region.
Why It Matters to Golden
While Golden is often thought of for its rugged mountains and alpine terrain, it also sits on the edge of the Inland Temperate Rainforest. This globally unique ecosystem stretches in patches from the Cariboo Mountains down through the Selkirks and into the Columbia Mountains surrounding Revelstoke and Golden.
It’s one of the only temperate inland rainforests in the world. Old-growth cedar and hemlock thrive here because of the steady moisture from Pacific weather systems that get trapped in the mountains. These forests shelter mountain caribou, grizzlies, and countless bird species, forming a living link between Golden’s backyard and the broader Columbia headwaters region.
For local residents, the fate of these forests is more than an abstract conservation issue. Tourism in Golden is built around pristine wilderness and intact ecosystems, from wildlife viewing to hiking and mountain biking. The health of the rainforest also ties directly into clean water, carbon storage, and resilience to climate change.
A Local Chance to Learn More
The film highlights both the beauty and the vulnerability of this ancient forest, while exploring what’s at stake if logging and industrial pressures continue. By hosting the screening in Golden, organizers hope to bring the conversation closer to home, encouraging residents to see the Inland Temperate Rainforest as part of their own landscape.
For more information, contact Amber Peters at Amber@vws.org
