Columbia Basin Residents Invited to Join Educational River Tours

Residents of the Columbia Basin have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the region’s complex ecosystem through two educational field tours organized by Wildsight. Scheduled for this fall, these unique tours will allow participants to camp, explore, and engage in interactive learning experiences along the Columbia River.

The field tours, titled “Columbia River Conversations,” aim to illuminate the past, present, and future of the Columbia River while fostering dialogue among participants. According to program lead Graeme Lee Rowlands, the initiative is designed to connect individuals who share a passion for the Columbia watershed. Participants can expect to learn about various topics, including dam operations, reservoir levels, ecosystem restoration, and the Columbia River Treaty.

Rowlands emphasized the importance of firsthand experiences, stating, “The Columbia Basin is a vast and complex watershed with an even more complex future. To understand the issues we face, it’s essential to spend time with the actual places that are involved. And it’s equally important to learn from a wide range of perspectives.”

Tour Details and Schedule

The first tour will take place in the Upper Columbia region, near Revelstoke, from September 5 to 7, 2024, with participants camping at Blanket Creek Provincial Park. The second tour will be held in the Lower Columbia area, around Castlegar, from September 27 to 29, 2024, with camping at Syringa Creek Provincial Park.

These events build on Wildsight‘s eight years of experience in providing educational programs focused on the Columbia River. In 2018, the organization launched the Columbia River Field School, a summer course aimed at educating students about watershed issues. In 2021, they expanded their offerings with the “Teach the Columbia” curriculum package, which made the field school topics accessible to classroom educators.

In 2023, the organization invited government and community leaders to gather with alumni of the field school to exchange knowledge about this vital subject.

Open Invitation for Community Members

For the first time, Wildsight is opening these field tours to the general public, aiming to attract a diverse group of participants. The organization hopes to engage local residents, community leaders, artists, writers, natural resource professionals, educators, and others.

The initiative reflects a commitment to creating connections and fostering discussions about the Columbia River and its surrounding environment. By participating in the “Columbia River Conversations,” attendees will not only gain insights into significant ecological issues but also contribute to a broader dialogue about the future of the watershed.

Those interested in participating are encouraged to register early, as spaces may be limited. This initiative represents a vital opportunity to engage with the Columbia Basin’s rich natural heritage and to understand the complexities of its ecological challenges.