Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society (FoKLSS) is inviting community members to participate in a series of hands-on events this fall at the Harrop Wetland and to join the upcoming Kootenay Lake Summit. These events offer a chance to learn, connect, and contribute to the long-term ecological health of Kootenay Lake and its wetlands.
This year’s fall programming includes:
- September 27 – Field Day: Volunteers will help fence treatment areas where invasive species have been removed this season. This work protects newly restored sites and supports ongoing wetland recovery.
- October 18 – Fall Planting Day: Participants will be planting native wetland species within treatment areas to help re-establish a healthy ecosystem. Community members who have been propagating native wetland plants at home are encouraged to bring their plants to contribute.
- October 25 – Fall Kootenay Lake Summit (Harrop): This year’s summit returns to Harrop, bringing together residents, stewardship groups, and experts from across the watershed. The event will feature presentations, discussion, and a (tentative) guided tour of the Harrop Wetland to showcase this season’s restoration work. Participants will also be invited to help shape the next five-year workplan for FoKLSS.
FoKLSS Summer Stewardship Program Coordinator, Raine Freeman, shares what makes these events special:
“What has always inspired me about attending stewardship events is how quickly having a shared goal deepens my connection with the people attending, and also with the place that I’m working. I enjoy arriving as strangers, and leaving with new friends. When I contribute to the ecological health of an area it also feels like I’ve befriended the land where I’m working. Now, every time I’m nearby I’ll want to check on how it’s doing. I look forward to building more relationships with the different, but connected, waterways that are a unifying thread through the Kootenays.”
The Kootenay Lake Summit is an annual celebration of the lake and its communities. Over the past 12 years, themes have ranged from the history of Kootenay Lake to the impacts of climate change and land use. Each year, 100–120 participants gather to enjoy a delicious meal, local music, and presentations from Ktunaxa leaders, local experts, and stewardship groups. Hosted at a different location around the watershed each year, the Summit is a cornerstone event for collaboration and learning.
Find more information about the Harrop Wetland events: Facebook page
Register for the Kootenay Lake Summit: Ticket sale page
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