As World Wetlands Day approaches, the B.C. Wildlife Federation’s Watershed Team is reflecting on our work and dedication to wetlands throughout 2023. This World Wetlands Day, we invite you to celebrate with us—honour these incredible ecosystems and the communities working to protect them!
Our Team in Action:
In 2023, the BCWF Watershed Team focused on the maintenance, monitoring, and restoration of multiple wetland sites across British Columbia. A key priority was advancing critical conservation tools, including the Wetland Ecosystem Services Protocol (WESP) and the Canadian National Wetland Inventory (CNWI), through extensive field data collection and collaboration.
A major highlight of the year was the expansion of beaver-based restoration, with assessments carried out at various sites under the ambitious 10,000 Wetlands project. This initiative aims to construct 100 Beaver Dam Analogues (BDAs) and create or enhance up to 10,000 wetlands across the province by the end of 2025.
The team also restored and enhanced over 240 hectares of wetland and riparian habitat through invasive species management, native planting, and shoreline restoration strategies.
Public education and outreach remained central to our work. Through workshops, camps, and community events, we engaged over 3,500 individuals, building awareness of wetland and fish habitat conservation. These efforts foster a lasting culture of stewardship, empowering individuals and communities to protect and care for their local ecosystems.
In total, the Watershed Team collaborated with more than 30 First Nations and numerous conservation partners across the province. This collective impact would not have been possible without the support of our collaborators.
Thank you to all our partners for making this work possible.
Join Us: Lunch in the Wetlands Webinar Series
The B.C. Wildlife Federation presents Lunch in the Wetlands Lunch N’ Learn Webinar Series! Join BCWF staff in engaging presentations about wetland related topics from species ID to restoration techniques.
Date & Time: Friday, February 2 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Location: Zoom [Register at the link below]
Join Us: World Wetlands Day Event
Date & Time: Saturday, February 3 from 1 pm to 4 pm
Location: Fernridge Hall, 2389 200th St, Langley
Organized by the Little Campbell Watershed Society, this event offers a chance to engage in meaningful discussions about wetland conservation with experts over snacks and coffee.
Join Us: BCWF Conservation
There are multiple ways you can contribute to the B.C. Wildlife Federation’s conservation programs and initiatives throughout the province. Together we can conserve and protect BC’s fish, wildlife, and habitat for present and future generations.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Become a Member: Join the B.C. Wildlife Federation and engage in stewardship, research, and advocacy. Enjoy member-exclusive benefits, discounts, and insurance.
- Donate: Support our mission, programs, and initiatives by donating to the BCWF. Your contributions make a significant difference.
- Volunteer: Sign up to volunteer and help preserve British Columbia’s natural wonders. Whether it’s outreach, education, fundraising, or administration, every effort counts.
“This year’s World Wetland’s Day celebrates the relationship that people have had with wetlands throughout time. Our interdependence is both beautiful and fragile. And the 2024 campaign spotlights the urgency with which we need to act in order to preserve and restore these richly biodiverse ecosystems that underpin human wellbeing.” – World Wetlands Day
BCWF Watershed Team 
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