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(Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area – continued) Kootenays or even BC, but it is designated a wetland of international significance (Ramsar site) and recognized internationally as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and nationally as an Important Reptile and Amphibian Area (IMPARA).

Twenty five percent of the worlds wetlands are located right here in Canada – approximately 14 percent of Canada is covered by wetlands! Estimates suggest that over 70 percent of these have already been lost in many settled areas of the country. Wetlands are some of the most biologically productive ecosystems on earth and have many beneficial functions to humans including flood control, water filtering and purification, and acting as carbon sinks, helping to control global warming. It is important to keep Canada’s remaining wetlands alive and healthy.

The plants and animals are not the only ones who can enjoy the peace and beauty of the wetland…you can too. To explore the area, all you have to do is decide how. With over 32 kilometers of flat top dyke trails to discover, one could spend hours or days hiking or mountain biking in the area. In the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are a popular way to explore. There are amazing wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities wherever you go.

A great place to start your adventure is from the Wildlife Centre located in the heart of the wetland, approximately 11 kilometers west of Creston off Hwy 3. From here, there is easy access to boardwalk trails and 2 viewing towers. At the Centre, open May till October, discover our educational displays, hands-on science lab, nature movies, live images from our Osprey web cam and spotting scopes to view the wetland. From May till August, join a naturalist on our popular guided canoe or walking tours. We offer a variety of programs and events such as Jr. Naturalist summer camps, full moon paddles and themed walks. Please contact the Centre at 402-6908, visit our website or email us (see below) for more information on trails, programs, or events. We also do a mail out of our yearly program guide, so check your mailboxes in April.

The CVWMA is a non-profit organization and with charitable status and we rely on donations and grants received from individuals, corporations and organizations. If you would like to help, please call us at 402 6900, log onto our website at www.crestonwildlife.ca or email us at askus@crestonwildlife.ca. Find out how you can help keep this legacy alive for the next 40 years.

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