Celebrate. Learn. Act. Together.

Do you dream of a future in the Columbia Valley that is truly sustainable — environmentally, socially, and economically? Have you been wanting to make shifts in your life and your community but don’t know where to start? There’s so much information out there and it can be easy to get overwhelmed and take the leap! This Earth Day, join Wildsight Invermere and Imagine the Valley you want to see in 50 years from now. The Earth Day Fair & Clean-up will be a fun-filled, action-packed day dedicated to building a more sustainable Columbia Valley community! 

Embark on the adventure! (What to Expect…) 

Community clean-up
Get the day started with a community clean up. Arrive at the CV Centre at 9am, roll up your sleeves and help make our shared spaces cleaner, greener, and more beautiful. All supplies will be provided. Please register through the website.

Mini workshops
Get hands-on with practical tips for home energy savings from local experts, listen to the panel discussion on the future of energy in the Columbia Valley, join a workshop on waste reduction —small changes that make a big impact!

On-site repair zone
Textiles, Bikes & Electronics! Have use of a communal sewing machine or gain advice from local experts, have your broken electronics diagnosed, join Doug from Bike it Forward to learn how to fix that flat & even become the proud owner of a repurposed upcycled bike, available by donation.

Meet local environmental superheroes
Connect with inspiring local organizations and changemakers doing incredible work to protect and sustain our Columbia Valley community.

Kids’ activities, coffee & rescued refreshments from Nourish, live music & more...

We’ll be celebrating and sharing the work of local superheroes who will be there in-person, offering a wide range of learning and action opportunities that will meet you where you’re at on your personal sustainability journey.

Wildsight Invermere gathered with members, volunteers, and community supporters for its Annual General Meeting last week, celebrating another impactful year of environmental action in the Columbia Valley.

The evening highlighted the organization’s ongoing work in conservation, climate action, waste reduction, and environmental education. Staff and board members shared program updates, successes, and stories from the past year, emphasizing the power of community collaboration in driving local change.

Attendees also looked ahead to the coming year, with a renewed focus on expanding programs, deepening partnerships, and continuing to support a more sustainable future for the region. The meeting concluded with gratitude for the dedicated volunteers and monthly donors whose ongoing support makes this work possible.

Wildsight Invermere invites community members to stay involved and be part of the positive change happening across the valley. If you’re interested in being a part of our board, please click here to get in touch. We have a range of upcoming volunteer opportunities and are excited to welcome more volunteers and members in 2026.

Are you interested in learning more about Bank Swallows and their fascinating nesting habits? Do you have a pair of binoculars and a bit of time this spring and summer?

We are launching a new project this summer — the Columbia Valley Bank Swallow Habitat Conservation Project — and we are looking for volunteers to help monitor Bank Swallow nesting colonies between June and July.

Volunteers will visit selected nesting sites 2–3 times during the season to count nests and observe colony activity. Some sites can be monitored from land, while kayaks can be especially helpful for reaching a few more remote locations along lakeshores and riverbanks.

Training will be provided in the spring, along with survey instructions and ongoing support throughout the season.

This project is coordinated by program biologist Rachel Darvill and naturalist assistant Verena Shaw of Goldeneye Ecological Services.

If you are interested in participating or would like to learn more, please contact: Verena at swallows@wildsight.ca

We're joining Columbia Valley Cycling Society at the Gear Swap on April 11th. All non-motorized summer gear is welcome; E-bikes too! So whether you're a hiker, biker, a fisher, or a glider, if it happens in the summer you might find it at the sale. This is a great chance to not only sell gear you no longer use but to grab some new gear at fantastic prices. As the Columbia Valley Cycling Society's largest fundraiser, we encourage you to come down, if you have items to sell, or you're in the market for some pre-loved summer activities.

• 9am–11am: Gear drop off
• 11:30–1:30: The big sale
• 1:30–2:30: Cash & unsold gear collection

The Columbia Valley is a special place — from its wild landscapes and clean waters to the strong, connected community that calls it home. Protecting it takes ongoing care, so we want to take this opportunity to thank our monthly donors. You provide the steady, reliable support that makes our work possible all year long.

Thanks to monthly donors, we are able to:

• Run hands-on environmental education programs
• Host repair cafés, workshops, and events that reduce waste and build skills
• Support local climate solutions and sustainability initiatives
• Lead community clean-ups that keep our valley beautiful

Monthly giving is one of the most powerful ways to make a lasting impact. It allows us to plan ahead, respond to emerging needs, and grow programs that truly make a difference for our community.

Heads up! Our long-standing Wild & Scenic Film Festival (WSFF) is returning for its 13th year on November 21st and we already have news to pass on to you.

Long-time supporters Meredith Hamstead and Paul Denchuk, owners of thinkBright Homes, have stepped forward as our 2026 Presenting Sponsor. Here’s what they have to say: 

Why does a construction company sponsor an environmental film festival? The WSFF brings together a large, engaged audience of leaders and change makers for a community-focused event that is professionally organized and always fun. 

In addition to thinkBright Homes, the good folks at Energy Economics have now also committed to ongoing support and have even increased their sponsorship amount.

Our WILD thanks to both companies — and to everyone who continues to support us through the WSFF, our annual fundraiser. Over 13 years, the event has grown far beyond what we first imagined. What began as a cinematic avenue for community conversation and inspiration has become a vital engine sustaining our on-the-ground conservation and community work. It takes hundreds of volunteer hours, along with real commitment, to bring this event to life each year. The collective effort is what makes its impact so gratifying.

Here’s more good news! Our first Silent Auction item arrived unsolicited — always a promising sign. When Board Chair, Tracy Flynn, presented Wildsight’s work to the Invermere Rotary Club, Don Whiteford stepped forward with an offer of a one-week stay at the beautiful Sooke Harbour Marina Resort on Vancouver Island; now that's community generosity in action!

Interested in getting involved as a Summit, Headwaters or Wetlands sponsor, or a Silent Auction supporter or a committee volunteer?
Contact: invermere@wildsight.ca