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Deertrails Naturalist Program

Deertrails Naturalist Program2024-04-05T11:43:09-07:00

The Land Conservancy of B.C. (TLC) is pleased to announce a spring 2024 session of the Deertrails Naturalist Program from May 14 to 19.

Deertrails is an adult workshop that invites deep immersion in the practice of place-based living. The program is designed for students, teachers, artists, naturalists – anybody seeking to build resilience into their lives by connecting with the living world.

About the Workshop

Location

A valley born of ice & fire…

2024 Deertrails is set in the Upper Clearwater Valley, an area renowned for its volcanic history and vibrant ecologies. Throughout the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to explore local flora and wildlife within TLC’s 141 acres of protected wetlands, forests, and wildlife corridors, Edgewood Wild, the TRU Wells Gray Education and Research Centre, and neighbouring Wells Gray Provincial Park.

Deertrails Documentary | Filmmaker: Marina Dodis | Runtime: 20 minutes
This short film gives insight to the mission and purpose of the Deertrails Naturalist program, while highlighting workshop activities, and featuring  stunning imagery from the 2022 Deertrails Program in Clearwater B.C.

Workshop Activities

A day in the life of Deertrails…

By day, Deertrails includes a series of naturalist-led hikes where we’ll learn to follow forest trails in the paths of the elders, attend to waterfalls and precipitous canyons, listen for the early-morning songs of migrating songbirds, and generally immerse ourselves in an ecosystem awakening to spring.

Evenings, we will share a meal, converse indoors, huddle around the campfire, enjoy poetry and readings – allowing our conversations to run far and delve deep. We will also attend to the nighttime conversations of frogs, owls and wolves, and maybe take in some star-gazing.

Activities will include naturalist-led interpretative walks and hands-on activities which explore the studies of ornithology (birds), botany and mycology (plants, fungi, and lichens), forest ecology (forest environments), geology (rocks), volcanology (volcanoes), and astronomy (space, stars, and planets). Participants will be invited to engage in introspective thinking, collaborative discussion, knowledge-sharing, and storytelling, through the practices of field journaling, writing experiments, memory mapping, and evening social campfire gatherings.

Deertrails offers 30+ hours of instruction time. Attendance of activities is always optional. Participants may opt-out of any activities of their choosing. 

Accommodations 

Deertrails’ homebase is at TRU Wells Gray Education and Research Centre, located 25km north of the District of Clearwater. Simple accommodations are included in the workshop’s fees. Participants can choose to sleep in the Research Centre’s indoor dorms, outdoor shelters or camping areas.

Sleeping areas:

  • Indoor Dorms: Up to 4 people per room. Most rooms include a bunk bed (single-size mattress) and a twin bed. Sheets/covers are not provided.
  • Outdoor Shelters: Up to 4 people per shelter. One bunk bed (single-size mattress) and one twin bed per cabin. Sheets/covers are not provided. Cabins do not have electricity, and are heated with small portable propane heater.
  • Camping Areas: Undesignated spaces on top of the lawn behind Research Centre or in front of the Historic Schoolhouse. Tents not provided.

Other amenities:

  • Parking and Level 2 EV charger
  • Potable water
  • Indoor washrooms & hot showers
  • Wifi and Landline Phone (cellphone service is limited near the TRU Centre.

Want somewhere else to stay? Check out local lodges.

Food

Meals are provided for the duration of the workshop. From Tuesday to Saturday, dinner and dessert will be prepared by Susan Ward, owner of the Hungry Hiker Cafe. Vegan and vegetarian options are available for each meal, and special consideration will be made to accommodate food allergies.

2024 Instructors

Trevor Goward

Trevor Goward

Naturalist and Lichenologist

Trevor is a life-long naturalist with a passion for discerning patterns in nature. Since 1990, has pursued the field of lichenology with a special interest in lichen taxonomy, biodiversity and the relation of lichens to old  growth forests. Trevor is a co-creator of the Deertrails Naturalist Program, and the curator of Deertrails’ central classroom, Edgewood Wild. More about Trevor More about Edgewood Wild

Dr. Lyn Baldwin

Dr. Lyn Baldwin

Ecologist & Artist
Professor and Co-Chairperson,  Department of Biological Sciences Thompson Rivers University

Lyn is a co-founder of Deertrails and an interdisciplinary plant conservation biologist who uses science and art (creative writing/illustration) to combat society’s plant blindness and extinction of experience with the natural world. More about Lyn |Lyn’s Publications & Blog

Briony Penn

Briony Penn 

Ecologist & Naturalist 

Briony is a naturalist, writer, educator, and broadcaster well known in BC for her indomitable spirit and tireless devotion to protecting endangered species and sensitive ecosystems in her native British Columbia. Briony is a founding member of The Land Conservancy of BC. More about Briony…

Dr. Cathie Hickson

Dr. Cathie Hickson

Volcanologist
University of British Columbia Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Adjunct Professor 

Cathie is a pioneering volcanologist and a globally-recognized geoscience and geothermal expert with more than 30 years’ experience, she is the author of over 100 scientific papers as well as articles for the public, including two books and is a winner of the 2023 Canadian Professional Geoscientist Award. More about Cathie…

Dr. Nancy Flood

Dr. Nancy Flood 

Ecologist and Ornithologist
Teaching Professor Emerita, Thompson Rivers University 

Dr. Nancy Flood is an award-winning educator with 30+ years of experience teaching in biological sciences. Her impressive scholarship includes numerous peer-reviewed scientific and pedagogical publications, technical reports, book chapters and species accounts in prestigious works such as The Birds of North America. More about Nancy…

Juliet Pendray

Juliet Pendray 

Naturalist Specializing in Lichens & Fungi

Juliet is a naturalist, educator, professional facilitator, and is known for engaging others with her enthusiasm for and knowledge of fungi and lichen. On Vancouver Island, she is a regular identification expert for local mushroom-related events and symposiums.

Chris Coppin

Chris Coppin

Recreational Astronomer
Retired Clinician-scientist

Chris is a retired clinician-scientist recently arrived in the Wells Gray area for its hiking, natural beauty, and freedom from light pollution.  Interested in astronomy from childhood, Chris will share some of his knowledge of what can be seen in a dark sky.

Workshop Fees 

$750/person

Workshop fees include meals, accomodations, and instruction time. Fees will be collected after applicants are notified of their participation status.

Bursaries 

Up to 50% ($375) workshop fee coverage per participant

Bursaries are available for participants in need of financial aid thanks to the Briony Penn Endowment Fund and Ruffed Grouse Endowment Fund with the Victoria Foundation. To request bursary support, please fill out the “Bursary Request” section of the registration form.

2024 Registration

The registration period for the 2024 Deertrails Naturalist Program is now closed. Applicants will be notified of their registration status by April 15th. 

Registration cancelations or questions should be directed to our workshop contact (see info below).

Workshop Contact

If you have any questions about the 2024 Deertrails Program, please contact:

Emily Francis
Communications Coordinator
Office (Tuesday – Friday): 250-479-8053 or toll-free: 1-877-485-2422
Email: admin@conservancy.bc.ca 

FAQs

Do you provide transport to Deertrails? Or is there a carpool option?2024-02-16T12:13:30-08:00

No, participants must find their own transportation to Deertrails location(s). If you need a ride, please let us know, and we connect you with other Deertrails participants are willing to carpool/carshare.

How difficult/long will we be hiking during activities?2024-02-16T12:12:57-08:00

Most Deertrails activities involve interpretive walks. Hikes occur on moderate-difficulty, uneven forested terrain with some hills and steep sections. Participants should expect to walk up to 5km and be away from washroom/serviced facilities for up to 4 hours at a time. We will be stopping often during hikes to look at local flora & fauna and will take several rest breaks along the way.

Can I bring my RV or camp in my car? 2024-02-16T12:11:16-08:00

Yes, as long as your parked RV/camping vehicle does not obstruct other participant’s or emergency services access to the TRU Centre. Please note that electrical & water hookups are not available and there is no sanitary station for blackwater disposal on site.

Can I bring my dog or other pets to the workshop? 2024-04-25T15:57:29-07:00

To the exception of registered service dogs, no other dogs/pets are permitted at the workshop. Please contact us in advance if you are planning to bring your service dog.

Can my teen participate in Deertrails with me?2024-02-16T11:45:10-08:00

Unfortunately, no. Deertrails is intended for adult (19+) participants only.

Does filling out the registration form guarantee my participation in Deertrails?2024-02-16T11:44:33-08:00

Due to there being more demand for participation than available spaces, no. After the registration period closes, instructors will carefully review applicants’ registration form responses to consider their participation into this year’s workshop. Applicants will be notified of the status of their registration in early April.

When do I need to pay for Deertrails?2024-02-16T11:38:14-08:00

Successful applicants will be asked to pay after they have been notified of the status of their registration. Participants should expect to pay course fees by the end of April. TLC accepts the following forms of payment:

  • Cheques
  • Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard)
  • e-transfers

To arrange payments please contact:

Emily Francis
Communications Coordinator
Office (Tuesday – Friday): 250-479-8053 or toll free: 1-877-485-2422
Email: admin@conservancy.bc.ca

What if I need to cancel?2024-02-16T11:37:27-08:00

If you can no longer attend Deertrails, please let us know as soon as possible. We will fully reimburse program fees for any participants needing to cancel.
For cancellations, please contact:

Emily Francis 
Communications Coordinator
Office (Tuesday – Friday): 250-479-8053 or Toll Free: 1-877-8053 
Email: admin@conservancy.bc.ca 

Are there any discounts for this workshop?2024-02-16T11:36:57-08:00

While there are no discounts for this workshop, there is a Bursary Fund which applicants in need of financial aid can access. The Bursary Fund covers up to 50% of workshop fee costs (up to $375) per applicant. Applicants wishing to request a bursary must fill out the “bursary” section in the registration form.

What should I pack for this workshop?2024-02-16T11:35:07-08:00

Participants will be given a full packing list and other workshop details in their Participant Information Package, which will be distributed to successful participants in early April. Some basics you will be expected to pack include:

  • Toiletries, shower supplies
  • Personal medications
  • Camping Equipment (if you are camping)
  • Sleeping bag or sheet set, pillow
  • Sturdy, closed toe footwear
  • Clothing for rain or shine
Are there any bears, cougars or other potentially dangerous animals that we may encounter during Deertrails? 2024-02-16T11:33:41-08:00

The Upper Clearwater Valley is home to resident black & grizzly bear, cougar, ungulates (moose, deer, elk, caribou) and smaller animals (coyote, fox, etc.). Wildlife safety will be discussed during an introductory orientation on Day 1 of the workshop. Some activities may involve walking on public trails, where participants may encounter other people’s dogs or other pets.

What is TLC doing to protect participants from COVID-19 during this workshop?2024-02-16T11:32:59-08:00

TLC seeks to provide an inclusive environment for immunocompromised individuals attending Deertrails. Participants will be asked to perform a COVID-19 test on the day of their arrival. TLC will provide the following equipment to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Face masks
  • COVID-19 testing kits
  • Hand sanitizer
Are there any other local hotels to stay?2024-02-16T11:30:29-08:00

Yes. Please note when booking accommodations that the Deertrail’s program homebase, the TRU Wells Gray Education and Research Centre, is located 25km (~ 30-minute drive) outside of Clearwater’s town centre. Please note, the Deertrails workshop fee will remain at $750/person for participants choosing alternate accommodations.

Map of local accommodations 
District of Clearwater Business Directory

Can I bring my own food for the workshop?2024-02-16T11:49:01-08:00

Yes, however there is extremely limited space for participant food in the fridge/freezer/kitchen at the TRU Centre. We would suggest bringing your own cooler & other food storage containers if you are considering bringing your own food for the workshop.

There is a Buy Low Foods and other small grocery chains/restaurants/pharmacies etc. in Clearwater’s town centre. Please note that all shopping centres are 25km  (~ 30-minute drive) south of our homebase at the TRU Wells Gray Education & Research Centre.

Please let us know if you are opting-out of any provided meals.

Will there be a 2024 Cortes Island Deertrails workshop?2024-02-16T12:16:36-08:00

Unfortunately, no. Due to new, and large ongoing projects, TLC does not have the capacity to host a Cortes Island Deertrails program in 2024.

Past Deertrails Naturalist Programs

From April 25 to 30, 2023, participants explored Cortes Island – the meeting place of tidal waters, biogeoclimatic zones, and cultural territories – through a series of naturalist-led walks and talks. Highlighting TLC’s 1,033 acres of protected areas on the island, students walked shorelines, swam in bracingly cold waters, explored a tapestry of sensitive ecosystems, and searched for northern goshawk plucking posts.  Students learned about and deepened their connection to the natural world from seasoned naturalists and artists Briony Penn, Ann Mortifee, Rex Weyler, Sabina Leader Mense, Kristen Scholfield-Sweet, and a cast of Cortesians covering a full spectrum of disciplines.

From April 18 to 23, 2023, in the Clearwater River Valley, naturalist students explored a range of habitats from following deer trails to experiencing spring bird migration.  Students explored TLC’s 141 acres of protected wetlands, forests, and wildlife corridors in the Valley and neighbouring Wells Gray Provincial Park with experts Nancy Turner, Maleea Acker, Briony Penn, Lyn Baldwin, Nancy Flood, and Trevor Goward.  Aspiring naturalists developed a wide array of skills needed to steward local natural places, educate the public and new naturalists, engage in research and inform conservation efforts.

From April 26 to May 2, 2022, in the Clearwater River Valley, naturalist students explored a range of habitats including following the paths of the deer, pausing awhile in their places of sanctuary and places of power.  Students learned about and deepened their connection to the natural world from seasoned naturalists and teachers Lyn Baldwin (ecologist and artist), Maleea Acker (poet and teacher), Nancy Flood (ornithologist and ecologist), Briony Penn (artist and author), and Trevor Goward (lichenologist and place-based naturalist), with special guest instructor Nancy Turner (ethnobiologist and botanist).

While the 2021 in-person Deertrails Naturalist Program sessions were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, TLC’s naturalist instructors including Briony Penn (author and artist), Lyn Baldwin (ecologist and artist), Maleea Acker (poet and teacher), Trevor Goward (lichenologist and place-based naturalist), Nancy Turner (ethnobiologist and botanist), and Nancy Flood (ornithologist and ecologist) volunteered to host virtual sessions open to all. The recordings from those thought-provoking lectures and discussions can be found below and on TLC’s YouTube channel.

From the volcanic and glacial formations which shape the landscape of Wells Gray Provincial Park to the hair lichen required to sustain mountain caribou, 13 participants of TLC’s Deertrails Naturalist Program spent a week learning about biological diversity from six renowned experts in their respective fields. Lichenologist Trevor Goward, TLC founder and naturalist Briony Penn, ecologists Lyn Baldwin and Nancy Flood of Thompson Rivers University (TRU), volcanologist Cathie Hickson and forest ecologist Andy MacKinnon shared their expertise hoping to inspire the next generation of naturalists.

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