Category: Wetlands Workforce

Who is The B.C. Wildlife Federation’s Watershed Team?

The Watershed Team is the B.C. Wildlife Federation’s most impactful boots-on-the-ground conservation initiative. The B.C. Wildlife Federation’s Watershed Team began with a simple but powerful idea: Education leads to action. In 1996, the BCWF launched the Wetlands Education Program (WEP) in response to the rapid loss of wetlands in British Columbia. The goal was to…
Final Report 2023

The B.C. Wildlife Federation is committed to protecting and restoring wetlands and watersheds across the province. Through collaboration, education, and on-the-ground action, the Watershed Team continues to support healthy ecosystems and resilient communities. We’re proud to share this final report highlighting our collective efforts in 2023.
An Educational Companion to We Are of Water

In recognition of National Indigenous History Month, we are excited to share “An Educational Companion to We Are of Water” The graphic novel We Are of Water, illustrated by Chenoa Gao provides visuals connected to voices and knowledge shared by Indigenous Elders, youth and community members, throughout British Columbia, and highlights the significance of watersheds and water.…
2023 — A Year of Impact with the BCWF Watershed Team

In 2023, the B.C. Wildlife Federation’s Watershed Team rolled up their sleeves and made big moves for conservation across British Columbia. From restoring wetlands to building meaningful partnerships, it was a year of impact. Read on for some of the standout moments from our team’s work this year. Maintenance and Monitoring Wetland maintenance and monitoring…
Final Report 2022

We’re proud to share this final report from the B.C. Wildlife Federation’s Wetlands Workforce project, showcasing the accomplishments of our dedicated crews and the meaningful partnerships formed and strengthened throughout 2022.
Why Wetlands?

Protecting water is central to the B.C. Wildlife Federation’s mission to preserve, restore, and enhance the region’s fish, wildlife, and habitats. Wetlands, a key part of British Columbia’s ecosystem, offer numerous advantages, including water purification, flood control, climate change mitigation, and providing vital wildlife habitats. However, these crucial ecosystems are rapidly diminishing. In the last…
The Wetlands Workforce Project (2021)

The Inception of the Wetlands Workforce The Wetlands Workforce project was launched in 2021 as a collaboration between the B.C. Wildlife Federation conservation organizations, and First Nations across British Columbia, following a one-year, $5-million grant from the Healthy Watersheds Initiative. The $27-million project, supported by the Province of British Columbia, aimed to stimulate B.C.’s economic…
Ginty’s Pond Restoration Supports Community & Wildlife

After many years of planning, work is finally underway to restore Ginty’s Pond to an open-water ecosystem. An essential wetland habitat in the B.C. Interior, restoration efforts at this site will help protect several federally listed species at risk, including the yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens), western screech-owl (Megascops kennicottii), Great Basin gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer deserticola),…
Quadra Island community comes together to install 500 native plants at new B.C. wetland

When COVID-19 hit, elementary school teacher Sheldon Etheridge shifted to outdoor learning, guiding his students to a nearby forested area for immersive education. But as the weather turned wet, he noticed that a muddy, unused section of the sports field was trying to return to its former life as a functioning wetland. He decided to…
Quadra Island Schoolyard Given New Life with Wetland Build

A schoolyard on Quadra Island is being given new life as the B.C. Wildlife Federation, Quadra Island Elementary School, and School District 72 restore a historic wetland to provide habitat for native plants and animals, while also creating an outdoor classroom for students. At first glance, the school’s large sports field surrounded by towering trees…