Participants to learn from seasoned naturalists
in the Clearwater River Valley

The Land Conservancy of B.C. (TLC) is pleased to announce that the second session of the Deertrails Naturalist Program will explore the transition of the Clearwater River Valley to Autumn: attend to the uprising of mushrooms, the blushing of leaves, and the cool exhalations of blue forest shadow. An intergenerational, place-based learning opportunity designed to facilitate the transfer of naturalist knowledge, both scientific and traditional, TLC launched the Deertrails Naturalist Program in 2019 with an inaugural session in Clearwater.

From August 30 to September 6, 2021, in the Clearwater River Valley, naturalist participants will explore a range of habitats including following the paths of the deer, pausing awhile in their places of sanctuary and places of power.  Participants will learn about and deepen their connection to the natural world from seasoned naturalists and teachers Briony Penn (author and artist), Lyn Baldwin (ecologist and artist), Maleea Acker (poet and teacher) and Trevor Goward (lichenologist and place-based naturalist), with special guest instructor Nancy Turner (ethnobiologist and botanist). Nancy Flood (ornithologist and ecologist) will make a cameo appearance.  Aspiring naturalists will develop a wide array of skills needed to steward local natural places, educate the public and new naturalists, engage in research and inform conservation efforts. The program fees are $695 per person and include meals and basic accommodations.

“This program sparked a fire within me that I didn’t even know existed. Every second of the time that I got to spend in Wells Grey felt like magic, full of extravagant landscapes, and compelling, passionate souls,” said 2019 Deertrails Naturalist Program participant Zoey. “The safe spaces that were created during our week together allowed for me to learn and grow exponentially. The community that was fostered in such a small amount of time truly showed me the power of knowledge, passion, compassion, and intention.”

Aspiring naturalists can apply online on TLC’s website at www.conservancy.bc.ca.  Deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 3, 2021. Deadline extended to June 4, 2021.

Thanks to an endowment fund with the Victoria Foundation, bursaries are available for participants. For more details regarding the Deertrails Naturalist Program please view the program backgrounder or contact TLC at (250) 479-8053 or admin@conservancy.bc.ca.