Wildsight Golden reflects on another successful year of environmental protection, community engagement and climate action focused on conserving the high ecological values of the Columbia headwaters region, which continues to be one of the richest and most biologically diverse regions in the world. In 2024, significant strides were made in our mission to maintain biodiversity and healthy human communities in and around our region.
A cornerstone of Wildsight Golden’s work in 2024 has been our continued efforts in habitat restoration and conservation across the valley. Notable progress was made on projects aimed at preserving critical ecosystems, ensuring that wildlife corridors remain intact, and protecting biodiversity for future generations. Two such projects are our Upper Columbia Swallow Habitat Enhancement Project (UCSHEP) and Community Invasive Plant Program (CIPP), managed by biologist Rachel Darvill.
The UCSHEP is working to halt and reverse the alarming decline of at-risk bird species like Bank and Barn Swallows, which have seen population declines of up to 98% and 76%, respectively, in Canada over a recent 40 year period. The UCSHEP has enhanced critical habitats for these vital insect-eating birds in the Columbia Valley through initiatives such as erecting artificial nesting structures, restoring slopes, and using Motus Wildlife Tracking to study migration patterns. The project also engages the community through citizen-science opportunities, landowner education, and collaboration with local organizations. Achievements in 2024 include the completion of two enhancement projects for Bank Swallows in the Golden area. In the Donald area at Moberly Marsh, a unique artificial structure combining a concrete slab wall with perforated holes and breeding substrate was built, marking the first such project in Western Canada. Additionally, UCSHEP reshaped sandpiles at Washout Creek to create more vertical and ideal nesting conditions. Thanks to volunteers working alongside Rachel in this five-year project, a colony of Bank Swallows now thrives, a testament to the power of collaboration and community-driven conservation.
2024 was the 15th season for the CIPP. Our fantastic Program Coordinator Ashley Lang removed invasive plants throughout the Town of Golden using non-toxic methods, spread awareness about invasive plants through community outreach, supported community members in removing invasive plants on their private property, and hosted community volunteer weed-pulls. 106 bags of invasive plants were removed this season, totalling 2708 bags for the CIPP to date!
One of our priorities is protecting old growth, particularly the Interior Temperate Rainforest. In an effort to contribute locally to a Fall Mycoblitz and the BC BigTree Registry, Wildsight Golden headed into the endangered, ancient and intact ecosystem along the Kinbasket Reservoir. The forest, a vital habitat for Mountain Caribou and home to massive trees and significant carbon stores, boasts immense biodiversity. Numerous mushroom species were documented and sent for DNA sequencing to better understand fungal diversity in the region. Wildsight Golden is advocating for the long-term protection of these unique, critical rainforests, which are currently only temporarily protected from logging.
Our Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep project entered its next stage of data analysis. Imagery from remote sensing cameras along the Kicking Horse Canyon highway is being used to study the efficacy of wildlife escape structures (exit jump-outs and gates). The goal is to reduce highway mortality by providing scientific evidence to justify alterations and changes in area A and throughout the province. Furthermore, earlier this year, Golden and area residents shared their perspectives on wildlife and landscape impacts through a research project led by PhD candidate Gemma Cobb. There were 150 total responses and while the analysis is still ongoing, some preliminary results are available on our website. Preserving biodiversity and ecosystems was identified as the top priority with results highlighting the community’s strong understanding and engagement with current and future environmental issues and management strategies.
2024 was a big year of transition for Wildsight Golden with the retirement of the wonderful Leslie Adams who steered this ship with a steady hand for five years. As Leslie embarked on her next adventure in September we welcomed Monica Taylor as our new Branch Manager. With climate champion Calvin Beauchesne also moving on to new chapters, Monica is additionally assuming the role of Wildsight Golden’s Air Quality Coordinator. This past year, as part of the Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program, funded by the BC Lung Foundation, Calvin helped folks access rebates and replace their old smoky wood stoves with more energy efficient and less polluting stoves and heat pumps. He tabled at farmers markets and connected with the community going door-to-door, raising awareness about clean burning practices and more efficient home heating options. Wildsight Golden also took over the EV Car Share Program in August which has seen a substantial swell of popularity, proving to be a great asset to our community.
Wildsight Golden’s success is grounded in its robust connection with the local community, and 2024 was no exception. Throughout the year, we hosted a variety of educational programs aimed at increasing environmental awareness and fostering stewardship among all ages. This summer marked our 10th year of delivering the Get Wild! Camp. Hugely popular once again with an overwhelming registration, every camp was full. Our two camp counselors Steph and Reid did an amazing job navigating the challenges of smoke and heat, and the kids had a lot of fun playing outdoors, doing arts and crafts, visiting local spots such as the Rocky Mountain Buffalo Ranch and the Golden Skybridge, bird watching, scavenger hunting and learning about invasive species, splashing around at the swimming pool and even going rafting, to name just a few of the incredible activities! Our goal is to connect youth with nature, enabling them to make friends and develop social skills, discover new interests and hobbies, all the while nurturing an understanding and passion for the natural world around them.
Other educational events included a Creeky Cedars garden tour, hosting an International Migratory Bird Day, our annual Birding Breakfast and guided walk at Reflection Lake. This is widely recognized as one of the best places in the Columbia Valley for viewing migratory birds. Wildsight Golden is currently upgrading the Reflection Lake wildlife viewing gazebo with the help of the Town of Golden. One of the most well-attended events of the year was our 2nd Annual Bear Festival which celebrated keeping bears wild. This family-friendly event, funded by the Town of Golden and CSRD, featured interpretive presentations by local bear experts and indigenous knowledge keepers, educating the community on living and recreating responsibly in bear country, whilst fostering an admiration for our wild neighbours. Later on in the fall, together with the Golden Library, Wildsight Golden hosted naturalist Brian Kelly-McArthur as he gave us a glimpse into the fascinating world of Fungi through the lens of Macrophotography. We also held another successful online auction fundraiser, for which we are so very grateful to our local businesses for their immense support. Our most recent event to close the year was a clothing swap in the name of sustainability and waste reduction.
None of these successes would be possible without the tireless efforts of Wildsight Golden’s volunteers. Whether helping with worker bee projects, assisting with educational events, or lending their time and skills in the office, these volunteers have been integral to our work. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been involved in 2024.
Wildsight Golden envisions a resilient and vibrant Columbia Headwaters: healthy creeks, streams, rivers, and wetlands; teeming aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity; productive and diverse forests that support wildlife connectivity, recreation, and sustainable forestry; and clean air for all to breathe and share. We envision a Golden community where people are engaged on important ecological issues and value wilderness conservation. Join us today by signing up for a lifetime membership for only $20. Visit our website for more information https://wildsight.ca/branches/golden/ or get in touch at golden@wildsight.ca.
Submitted by Wildsight Golden
