Protecting wild places, ecosystems, air and water for future generations is central to our way of life in the Kootenays.
The West Kootenays is home to the globally unique inland temperate rainforest. This ecosystem acts as an important carbon sink that keeps massive amounts of carbon in the ground instead of contributing to climate change. An ecosystems-based management approach will help preserve our pristine wilderness and promote healthy communities.
Campaigns
Conservation News
Rainwater Harvesting Part 2: Our First 2,000 Litres of Rainwater—Captured!
Rainwater harvesting has always been part of our permaculture homestead plan. But we set it aside while we concentrated on establishing the house and…
Why we’re investing in Rainwater Harvesting: Part 1
The drought and wildfires of 2018 really drove it home for us: We were watering our gardens with propane. This was directly opposed to our dream a…
Not another Jumbo!
You may have heard that there’s a proposal for an all-season luxury resort called Zincton in the Goat Mountain range between New Denver and Kaslo.…
Expert Speaker Series
You're invited to EcoSociety's community expert speaker series during the COVID pandemic. Bring your lunch and learn with us. We will be hosting two…
New report calls for immediate action on old growth forests
My name is Rachel Holt, and I’m an ecologist living in Nelson. For the last 20 years, I have worked primarily in British Columbia, bringing science…
Building resilience at Clutch Farm Salmo
Good morning, West Kootenays! I’m not sure what time you’re reading this, but at the time of writing, it’s morning. We’re six weeks into social…
Earth Day Extravaganza
April 22nd marks the 50th anniversary of Earth day. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, let’s celebrate what really matters - healthy and safe…
Find fresh air & activity with our outdoor scavenger hunt!
Getting outside for some fresh air and exercise helps us physically and mentally, especially in these difficult times. Itching to get outside with…
Call for Nominations for Suzy Hamilton Legacy Fund Award
The Suzy Hamilton Legacy Fund honours the work of one woman environmental activist in the West Kootenay each year through a cash award. The fund was…
Jumbo will stay wild!
Commander Glacier seen from near the landing where the Farnham Glacier blockade was in 2008. Photo courtesy of Pat Morrow. Breathe a collective sigh…
Tell government to protect old growth forests
Photo: Colin Payne Photography You have a chance to help protect old growth forests in the Kootenays. The BC government is seeking public input on…
Looking back on 2019
I think 2019 was our busiest year ever at the EcoSociety. Here's a look back at what we accomplished together with our staff, volunteers, members,…
Volunteers made us Trail’s Business of the Year
Okay, we didn’t see that coming! We blogged about being honoured to be nominated for Business of the Year at the Trail Chamber of Commerce Business…
Two paths to protecting our forests
We recently took a group of 25 people on a guided walk of a new trail in an old forest. A few days later, a different group of people gathered in a…
A walk in the woods
On October 24, we had a fun hike in the woods to learn about the inland temperate rainforest and the plants and animals living here. 25 happy…
Be a Voter this October
It's election time and the big election day is October 21! It's that time when you vote for the candidate in your riding to become your Member of…
Experiencing an old growth forest
Living in the middle of the inland temperate rainforest, it’s easy to take giant, ancient trees for granted. We’re around them all the time. It’s…
Jumbo Valley one step closer to being protected
Photo: Steve Shannon The Ktunaxa Nation will receive $16.1 million in federal government support to protect the Qat’muk area, also known as the…
Nature Photographer Colin Payne Supports Old Growth Forest Campaign!
Photographs have the power to evoke emotion and change in their audience. They have the incredible ability to capture a single moment in time and…
Breaking News: Court keeps Jumbo wild… for now
The Jumbo Valley still remains wild thanks to a BC Court of Appeal ruling. In 2015, the Environment Minister at the time, BC Liberal Mary Polak,…