Columbia Residents Invited to Explore Columbia River Through Field Tours

Residents of the Columbia Basin are invited to participate in two educational field tours this fall, organized by the environmental organization Wildsight. These tours, titled “Columbia River Conversations,” aim to enhance understanding of the Columbia River’s past, present, and future through interactive learning experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to camp, explore, and engage in discussions along the Columbia River.

Scheduled for September, the tours will take place in two different locations: the Upper Columbia region near Revelstoke from September 5 to 7, 2024, and the Lower Columbia area near Castlegar from September 27 to 29, 2024. Each field visit is designed to facilitate connections among individuals who are passionate about the Columbia watershed while exploring critical topics including dam operations, reservoir levels, ecosystem restoration, and the Columbia River Treaty.

Engaging with the Columbia River

According to program lead Graeme Lee Rowlands, the Columbia Basin is a vast and multifaceted watershed with a complex future. He emphasizes the importance of firsthand experiences in understanding the challenges the region faces. “To understand the issues we face, it’s essential to spend time with the actual places that are involved,” Rowlands stated. “And it’s equally important to learn from a wide range of perspectives.”

“Columbia River Conversations” builds on over eight years of experience from Wildsight in providing educational initiatives about the Columbia River. In 2018, Wildsight launched the Columbia River Field School, a 15-day summer course aimed at educating students about watershed issues. The organization also created a curriculum package titled Teach the Columbia in 2021, making field school topics more accessible to classroom educators.

This year, for the first time, Wildsight is extending this learning experience to the general public. The organization aims to attract a diverse group of participants, including local residents, community leaders, artists, writers, and natural resource professionals.

A Unique Opportunity for Community Engagement

Wildsight’s initiative reflects a broader commitment to fostering community engagement and education concerning environmental stewardship in the Columbia Basin. By participating in these field tours, attendees will not only gain valuable insights but also have the chance to engage in meaningful conversations with experts and fellow participants.

Individuals interested in joining the “Columbia River Conversations” field tours are encouraged to register early, as spots may be limited. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for residents to deepen their connection with the Columbia River and contribute to discussions that will shape the future of this vital watershed.