Kevin Nimmock

kevin@invermerevalleyecho.com

A total of 39 projects have recently been granted a combined total of over $1.3 million from Columbia Basin Trust’s Environment Grants. Want in? More funds are currently available for groups seeking grants of up to $10,000 for their environmental projects.

Successful projects from the last intake include ones that strengthen ecosystems, help communities mitigate and adapt to climate change and support environmental education.

“We appreciate all the work people throughout the basin are doing to help preserve the natural assets of our region and address pressing environmental issues,” Tim Hicks, the trust’s manager of water and environment said.

The Blue Lake Forest Education Society (which runs an outdoor centre near Canal Flats) is one of the groups that has received project funding. The group’s project involves teaching an aquatic environmental science program that will help participants develop skills in scientific methods and procedures.

“The water project is going to benefit basin residents in two primary ways,” Todd Hebert, the project’s executive director said. “First, it will connect participants to the watershed in their areas, educating them on where water comes from and how it is used. The second benefit is that they will have a better understanding of how water quality relates to the flora and fauna around the water.”

Hicks said that applications will be considered as they arrive, so those interested should apply as soon as possible.

“Projects of all sizes can yield significant benefits,” Hicks said. “We encourage groups with requests of up to $10,000 to come forward soon with their project ideas.”