BCWF Watershed Team

Today’s youth play a crucial role in what must be a collective effort to protect, restore, and sustainably manage wetlands across B.C., Canada, and the world. 

On World Wetlands Day 2025, the B.C. Wildlife Federation is embracing the theme Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future, emphasizing the importance of collaborating with young people to value and safeguard wetlands for generations to come. 

BCWF’s Leadership in Wetland Conservation 

Since 1996, the BCWF has been a leader in wetland conservation. For nearly three decades, BCWF has educated and inspired countless individuals and communities to appreciate, protect, and conserve wetlands across British Columbia. As the program’s reach and impact have grown, so too has the size and capacity of BCWF’s dedicated Watershed Team, which includes the Wetlands Education Program. To date, the team has restored over 400 hectares and over 2.7 km of wetland and in-stream habitat. 

From the beginning, a significant portion of the Watershed Team and Wetlands Education Program staff has been made up of young graduates and interns. Many of these conservation leaders discovered their passion for environmental stewardship early in life, highlighting the importance of engaging youth during these formative years. 

“This career was just a natural progression for me,” says Erika Kolli, BCWF’s Wetlands Education Assistant. “I grew up exploring the lakes, rivers, and wetlands of Ontario’s cottage country, which really instilled a love for all things water and wetlands.” 

This early exposure and enthusiasm have inspired many individuals employed by BCWF to pursue professional designations as Registered Professional Biologists, Agrologists, and other environmental experts during their time with the organization. Today, both past and current staff members are making meaningful and lasting impacts on wetland and watershed conservation across the province. 

BCWF’s Education and Volunteer Engagement Department Takes on Wetland Education 

BCWF’s Education and Volunteer Engagement (EVE) Department is committed to connecting young people with nature by getting them outside, teaching them about wetlands, watersheds, fish, wildlife, and outdoor skills, and inspiring them to care about conservation. These experiences not only help to foster a love for the outdoors but also instill an understanding of the importance of protecting these vital ecosystems. 

“Being in natural spaces is so good for all types of learners,” shared Arielle Garsson, BCWF Youth Program Coordinator. “So many youth learn best by doing hands-on activities, and I’ve noticed that youth seem so much more engaged and focused when learning outdoors.”

By engaging youth today, BCWF is investing in the future of wetland restoration, which relies on their passion, energy, and creativity. Through classroom education programs and summer camps including BCWF’s annual Wild Kidz and Go Wild camps, BCWF’s EVE Program provides hands-on outdoor experiences that spark curiosity, build knowledge, and empower young people to become lifelong environmental stewards. These camps offer participants the opportunity to explore and learn about local ecosystems in immersive, engaging ways. Activities such as wetland hikes, wildlife observation, and conservation projects instill a deep respect for nature and a sense of responsibility for its care, preparing the next generation to take on conservation leadership. 

“Many of us who work in the environmental field can trace our choice back to someone who inspired us with the beauty of nature,” shares Chris Lim, BCWF Director of Education and Volunteer Engagement. “We aim to pass that inspiration to the current generation. When they become the decision-makers of the future, we hope they will work to balance protecting the environment with meeting people’s needs.” 

To our team, World Wetlands Day 2025 serves as a reminder that by working together—across ages and communities—we can continue to strengthen conservation networks and ensure a lasting impact on watersheds, wetlands, and the ecosystems that depend on them.

Looking to learn more about wetlands or contribute to spreading the word about wetlands to youth? Sign up through our volunteer portal at www.bcwf.bc.ca/volunteer! Learn more about the work of our Watershed Team at www.bcwfwatershedteam.ca. 

Conservation Education in Action

About World Wetlands Day 

World Wetlands Day, celebrated annually on February 2nd, marks the adoption of the Ramsar Convention in 1971, an international treaty dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. The day aims to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands in biodiversity, climate resilience, and water management. This year’s theme, Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future, highlights the importance of collaborative efforts to safeguard these ecosystems for generations to come. By supporting wetland conservation initiatives, we can ensure these critical habitats continue to thrive and benefit communities and wildlife worldwide. 

Join us on World Wetlands Day 2025!

Join the B.C. Wildlife Federation, Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club, and Little Campbell Watershed Society for a special World Wetlands Day celebration! You’re invited to the 2nd Annual “Room for the River” Open House at the Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club in Surrey on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025, from Noon to 4 pm.

Event Highlights:

– Learn about the Little Campbell River and its vital wetlands
– Discover why wetlands are known as “nature’s nurseries”
– Meet an owl
– Explore the hatchery
– Take a guided nature walk along the river
– Connect with neighbors and local organizations protecting these vital habitats

Find more information at www.littlecampbellriver.org.