In 2010, students at KLO Middle School in Kelowna discovered baby Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta) nesting in their long jump sandbox. Although this species is the most widespread turtle in North America, it is considered endangered in parts of British Columbia. These turtles enjoy basking in the sun and burrowing into the muddy bottoms of ponds, wetlands, and marshes. A little-known fact: their ribs grow as part of their shell, which means they must use their stomach muscles to pump air in and out of their lungs.
This discovery kickstarted an environmental movement at the school, led by science teacher Michele Hamilton—Eco Club leader and a past participant of the 2010 Wetlands Institute in Kamloops. Recognizing the importance of protecting and restoring local wetland habitat, Michele and her students began working on a stewardship project to naturalize Fascieux Creek, which had been confined to culverts and paved over for decades.
The school community rallied behind the effort. With support from the Parent Advisory Committee, the Central Okanagan School District (#23), and the district’s environmental committee, the project gained momentum. The former nesting site has now been fenced off, and students created interpretive signage to educate others about the turtles and their habitat. Their efforts earned them the Mayor’s Environmental Award and the title of “Most Environmental School in Kelowna.”
The students were recently featured in The Province for their innovative work to create a schoolyard wetland. During one phase of the restoration, they helped salvage 240 redside shiner (Richardsonius balteatus), 43 suckers (Catostomus spp.), 2 prickly sculpin (Cottus asper), and 3 northern pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus oregonensis) from the culverts before removal began. They also raised and released two young Painted Turtles into the newly restored creek.
Now, Michele and the Eco Club are participating in the BC Green Games to compete for funding that supports student-led environmental projects. To help them secure the resources they need to continue this important work, community members are encouraged to vote for their student-produced video—created by youth aged 11 to 15. (Vote now—competition ends March 31st!) Click here to vote.
This project stands as a powerful example of how student discovery, paired with mentorship and community support, can lead to meaningful environmental action. The BCWF is proud to celebrate these efforts and looks forward to supporting this inspiring work in the future.
BCWF Watershed Team 
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