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2025 Wetlands Institute Workshop - South Okanagan Region

When : Sunday, September 21 - Saturday, September 27, 2025. Days typically run 8:00am-5:00pm. Days may begin/end earlier/later depending on the learning outcomes.

Where: Cawston, Penticton, and Surrounding Communities, BC

Cost: NO CHARGE for applicants with wetland or watershed projects that benefit British Columbia, $1000 for those with out-of-province projects. 
Accommodation fees are responsibility of participants. Optional group accommodation fees may be available. (Contact for details)

DRAFT Schedule: TBA 

The BC Wildlife Federation's Wetlands Insitute, a 7-day environmental stewardship workshop, is coming to Cawston, Penticton, and surrounding communities. With great pleasure and excitement, we bring this valuable course to these areas free of charge for those with a wetland or watershed-related project that benefits British Columbia (worth over $1000 per participant!). This special offer is available thanks to the generous contributions from our funders (this does not include food and lodging). Included in your participation is a copy of Tom Biebighauser's Wetland Restoration and Creation: A Technical Guide ($60 value).

This workshop is suitable for consultants, planners, environmental/conservation groups, government representatives, First Nations, and engaged community members and landowners. Participants are expected to come to the course with a wetland project or program that they wish to implement in their community or have a high propensity to initiate a project/program in the future. Apply soon, as this course has been known to fill quickly. We will be accepting a maximum of 25 participants on a rolling basis. We will contact you to confirm acceptance after we have reviewed your application. 

Please note: Partial attendance may be considered for those with strong applications. Please note in your application, or email us at wep@bcwf.bc.ca if you are interested in partial attendance. 

2025 presentations and activities will be announced soon. Previous year's agenda can be viewed here for an idea of what the week will look like. Some topics that have been covered in previous Wetlands Institutes include: 

• Wetland types and functions
• Hands-on experience planning, constructing and restoring wetlands using groundwater and liner techniques
• Invasive species identification and management
• Amphibian identification
• How to write a successful grant
• Landowner contact techniques
• Incorporating Indigenous Knowlege into your projects
• History of Wetland Drainage in North America
• Wetland invertebrate sampling
• Wetland regulations

This experience will also provide you access to a network of individuals who will help you successfully complete your local conservation project(s). You will leave with the skills, support, and confidence you need to make a difference in the world of wetland conservation. The BC Wildlife Federation offers follow-up support and resources to participants who complete the workshop, for up to 3 years post-workshop . Full-time participants are eligible to receive a certificate after successfully completing the workshop. 

For more information, you may contact:
Alana Higginson, Wetlands Education Program Coordinator
604-882-9988 ext 304
wep@bcwf.bc.ca

The growing list of partners for the 2025 Wetlands Institute includes:

The workshop was undertaken with the financial support of: / Ce projet a été réalisé avec l'appui financier de: