Echoes of the Forest will include guest speakers and a forest tour
Echoes of the Forest, an event taking place on Sunday, Sept. 28, will present a unique experience weaving citizen science, spiritual reflection, and environmental stewardship.
Sponsored by the Osprey Foundation, Elemental Journeys, and Patagonia, it will honour the fifth anniversary of the BC Old Growth Strategic Review (OGSR) and advocate for the protection of old growth forests.
The event will take place in Russell Creek, Slocan Valley -- a region identified by the OGSR as a priority area and still lacking permanent protection. Participants will be guided on an off-trail hike through at-risk areas, learning how to identify ecological indicators of old growth forests. Using mobile apps, they'll contribute to citizen science efforts by recording key data through photos and measurements -- helping document and defend these threatened ecosystems.
Facilitators will weave in nature therapy and deep ecology, inviting members of the community to build a personal connection with the land and empower them to use storytelling to inspire meaningful action.
Expert guest speakers include: Dr. Rachel Holt, a member of the OGSR Technical Advisory Panel; Terry Nelson from the UBC Big Tree Registry; and Joe Karthein from Save What's Left Conservation Society. Each will speak to the broader efforts and policies needed to safeguard these irreplaceable landscapes.
"Old growth forests are far more than timber; they are sacred, irreplaceable ecosystems needed to fight climate change," says organizer Andrea Fox. "They also support mental health and sustain tourism by providing spaces for healing, reflection, and outdoor recreation. We urge political leaders to act decisively with long-term legislation that protects these invaluable natural treasures before they are lost."
Echoes of the Forest aligns with grassroots efforts across the province, including the ongoing blockade Cougar Camp in the Walbran on the B.C. coast, aiming to amplify public awareness and pressure decision-makers to permanently protect old growth forests.
To register for the event, email Fox at [email protected].