Lake Windermere

Ensuring the ecological integrity of Lake Windermere through science and community stewardship.

Water stewardship that really works

A 2005 survey says it all:

If we are to sustain our communities, stewardship of Lake Windermere must be our highest priority.

Lake Windermere is the most heavily-used body of water in the entire Columbia Valley of southeast British Columbia, Canada. This shallow widening of the Columbia River is a water recreation “playground” AND a source of drinking water.

But the lake’s ecology has suffered setbacks in recent decades:

• Its population of burbot fish has collapsed;
• More than half of its shoreline has been degraded;
• And pollution — including gas, sewage and invasive plants — is on the rise.

But there’s still hope

Wildsight started The Lake Windermere Project in 2005 to create a water stewardship program that would last. Thanks to several partners, volunteers and donors, we’ve succeeded.

The Lake Windermere Project ends in May 2010, so this is a really great time to get involved.

And don’t worry: Wildsight is not going to abandon its leadership in stewarding this beautiful lake. In fact, Wildsight will always protect the Columbia Valley’s most cherished natural wonders.

And you can always help us.

Find out how

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Columbia Headwaters Legacy - caring for an incredible river and its headwaters forever

Columbia Wetlands - so much to learn, so much to love

Pesticide Free Columbia Valley - small changes make a huge difference

Columbia Wetlands Invasive Plant Species - help stop invasive plants in the wetlands

Education in the Wild - you and your children can learn together

Stewardship: good work that’s fun to do

Streamkeepers
Get your hands wet and work with other stewards while learning about — and conducting — scientific water quality monitoring. You’re in for a fascinating look at aquatic critters and will be collecting very important data to help keep watch on Lake Windermere and its tributaries.

Monitoring
The nitty-gritty, out in the boats, taking samples, learning how it works. Monitoring measures everything from temperature to nitrogen to chlorophyll and more. Excellent excuse to get out on the water!

Ambassadors
Not a lot of extra time, but still want to help keep our volunteers active? You can become a Lake Windermere Ambassador. 

High-school students earn credits
Volunteering with us is a great way to earn your “Community Connections” credits! Try Streamkeepers in 2009. You will learn how to monitor the health of streams using scientific equipment.

To find out how to get involved, call us at 250.341.6898, or email us.