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Every once in a generation, an organization is fortunate enough to be shaped—quietly, steadfastly, and profoundly—by someone whose commitment extends far beyond the boundaries of any job description. At Hope Mountain Centre, that person has long been Kelly Pearce . With full hearts, we celebrate not only Kelly’s many years of extraordinary service to Hope Mountain Centre and to the broader community, but also the meaningful and well-deserved national recognition he has recently received: the Canada Volunteer Award for “Community Leadership” for British Columbia and the Yukon . This award celebrates individuals who strengthen communities through passion, commitment, and generosity. And for anyone who has worked with Kelly, explored the outdoors with him, or simply watched him quietly uplift others, this honour feels deeply fitting. Inspiring Tens of Thousands Through Nature Kelly’s journey as a community leader began long before Hope Mountain Centre took root. Through his early years as a park interpreter and naturalist , he inspired tens of thousands of people  to discover wonder in the natural world. His programs sparked curiosity, built stewardship, and invited people to see nature not just as a place, but as a relationship. No matter the season, Kelly has always found ways to bring people together outside. And for him, sharing nature isn’t just an activity—it’s an invitation into community. The Outdoors as a Gathering Place Anyone who knows Kelly knows how much joy he finds in moving across a frozen lake with a pair of skates. Every winter, he organizes wild skating outings , guiding groups onto glass-clear ice for unforgettable days of laughter, beauty, and shared adventure. Wild skating is one of his personal passions, and he loves introducing others to the magic of it. But the gatherings don’t stop there. Kelly regularly leads group hikes , snowshoe adventures , and spontaneous outings whenever the weather, seasons, and spirits align. These moments are pure Kelly—welcoming, energizing, and deeply connective. Whether people show up as strangers or friends, they leave feeling part of something bigger. A Builder of Community Traditions Kelly’s leadership isn’t confined to trails and lakes. He has always been one of the great community-builders of Hope. Every Halloween—his favourite holiday—he transforms the season into something magical. Kelly brings the community together for a group pumpkin-carving event  that delights kids of all ages (including the grown-up ones). With laughter, creativity, and glowing jack-o’-lanterns, he creates a space where families feel welcomed and where the simple joy of making something together becomes a cherished memory. A man of varied interests, always rooted in community, place and history, he was active in the Hope Film Club , contributing his energy, enthusiasm, and love for storytelling to help bring people together through films and shared conversations. No matter the occasion, Kelly shows up with kindness, humour, and a readiness to help. If someone needs a hand—setting up, taking down, hauling gear, guiding groups, or simply offering support—Kelly is the first to pitch in. Hope Mountain Centre’s “Mother Tree” Kelly was instrumental in the dreaming and creation of Hope Mountain Centre. Over the years, he has served as an educator, Program Director , and now Trails Director , helping the organization grow, adapt, and flourish. Among staff and volunteers, he is often called our “Mother Tree” —a steady, nurturing presence whose roots run deep, offering stability, guidance, and care to all who join the organization. His mentorship, compassion, and grounded leadership have shaped the culture of Hope Mountain Centre as much as any trail, program, or event. Community Recognition of a Life of Service Kelly’s nomination for the Canada Volunteer Award was lovingly put forward by his brother Rod, and was supported by many community leaders who have seen firsthand the extraordinary reach of Kelly’s service. Their letters echoed what we at Hope Mountain Centre know so well: Kelly doesn’t seek the spotlight—he creates spaces where others can shine. Receiving the Canada Volunteer Award for Community Leadership  is a national acknowledgement of everything Kelly has poured into this region for decades. It honours his service, but also the way he has shaped hearts, landscapes, and community spirit. Thank You, Kelly On behalf of everyone at Hope Mountain Centre—past and present—thank you. Thank you for your tireless work, your limitless generosity, and your profound love for this place and the people who call it home. Thank you for the trails you’ve built and restored, the outings you’ve led, the pumpkins you’ve carved with kids on crisp October nights, the films you’ve shared, and the countless moments of joy, support, and leadership you’ve given this community. Thank you for being our colleague, mentor, educator, adventurer, trail-builder, and friend. We are grateful beyond words—and so proud to see your contributions recognized on a national stage. Congratulations, Kelly. You embody the spirit of community leadership, and we are honoured to walk this path with you.

We’re excited to share that Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning  is now registered with Return-It  — making it easier than ever to support our charity while caring for the planet! You can now donate the refund from your empty beverage containers  directly to us through the Return-It Express program. Every can and bottle helps fund our outdoor education, recreation, and conservation programs that connect people of all ages to nature. You can choose to: Donate to our general fund , allowing us to direct your gift where it’s needed most, or Specify a program  you’d like to support. And remember — we automatically issue tax receipts for donations of $25 or more. Getting started is simple: Log in to your account through the Return-It App  (available on Google Play and the iOS App Store). Don’t have an account? Sign up for free here. Donate to Hope Mountain Centre using our link: https://app.return-it.ca/hopemountaincentreforoutdoorlearning Choose between auto-donations  or a one-time donation . Return your empty beverage containers to any Return-It Express  location — every container counts! Together, we can keep bottles out of landfills and keep outdoor education thriving in our community. 🌿

Dear supporters of HMCOL,   We are writing to share some important news regarding our organization. After careful consideration and numerous discussions, the Hope Mountain Black Bear Committee (HMBBC) will be separating from Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning (HMCOL).   After working together for 13 years, the decision to part ways was not made lightly. We are thankful for the significant contributions that HMBBC has made to our organization and to our community. Their work has been invaluable, and we have immense respect for their dedication and the positive impact they've had. During this time of transition one important change to note is that as of February 2025 we will no longer be accepting donations or grant funding on behalf of/for HMBBC work. Our support for their mission remains strong so we continue to encourage supporting their efforts directly. If you would like to financially support their ongoing work or volunteer with them, please contact HMBBC founder Lydia Koot per their Facebook post directly at lydia.koot@icloud.com, lkoot@gmail.com or 604-206-0415 . Note that only donations made to registered charities are tax receiptable.   We are grateful for the time we've spent working alongside HMBBC and for their many achievements including: ·         HMBBC had a significant amount of volunteer hours working with HMCOL, including 2,052 in 2024. ·         Their  volunteer-run committee educated the public on how to reduce human-bear conflicts through education, cooperation and community support. ·         Large reduction in the number of bears killed due to their presence in residential areas. ·         By canvassing in residential areas with bear sightings, they provided education on how to avoid attracting bears into the neighbourhood. ·         The gleaning program drastically reduced the number of bears shot in the Hope area. No bears have been shot in a fruit tree in the 13 years since starting this program. ·         Friends of the Skagit, while discontinued, was successfully operated by HMBBC for many years. ·         HMBBC researched best practices in other communities in the province for garbage bylaws and bins and presented to the District of Hope mayor and council. Through their efforts, bylaws have been put in place to allow fines for garbage and fruit accumulation that would attract bears. ·         Conducted rescues of orphaned cubs under strict guidelines and with permission of area conservation officers.    As we move forward, HMCOL remains committed to our mission to strengthen people’s connection with nature in many different ways. Thank you for your understanding and continued support during this time of change.   Warm regards,   The HMCOL Team

Meet the staff and board members of Hope Mountain Centre. Meet The Team STAFF Kristine Pérez de León Executive Director Kelly Pearce Trails Director Meg Turner Program Director Tunde Murphy Administrative Director Emily Strukoff Outdoor Educator Claire Grantham Outdoor Educator Jerome Guay Trails SEASONAL STAFF Natalie Worrall Special Projects Vacant Trail Crew Leader Walden Darwin Trail Crew Leader Elias Iveitzke Trail Crew Logan Meiser Trail Crew Chris Broswick Trail Crew Rebecca Parson Manning Park Interpreter Robert Cumming Manning Park Interpreter Ali Chiasson Manning Park Interpreter BOARD OF DIRECTORS Robyn Barker Chair Vacant Vice Chair Mike Millar Treasurer Jo Hughes Director Nat Baker Director Matt Turner Director Allan Gossen Director Abhi Satyanarayana Director Adam Keil Director

Finger Weaving: Weaving Through Time Register When: Saturday, March 22, 2025 Time: 12:45pm-2:30pm Where: The Art Machine: 357 Fort Street, Hope, BC Cost: $59 (Y outh under 18 must be accompanied by a guardia n) For more information or questions, please contact Tunde at info@hopemountain.org or 604-869-1274 Sash Finger Weaving - Join Hope Mountain Centre, guest instructor Eloi Homier and guest speaker Lisa Berry for a unique, skill-building workshop. Learn to finger weave, the foundation of one of Canada’s oldest multitools, the sash! Come and weave with us! Guest instructor Eloi Homier will share his knowledge of French Canadian and Metis handicraft finger weaving. This artisan skill has mostly long been replaced by mechanical looms. The sash itself historically served many purposes: worn for fashion, status, warmth, carrying heavy packs, rope to haul canoes, and, more importantly, a symbol of identity for French Canadians and Metis people. After an introduction to Metis history from Lisa Berry, we will learn to weave together and all participants will get to take home what they’ve created. Price Includes: All materials provided included in cost of program Experienced Instruction and take-home project & info Light refreshments Physical Demand: This is a seated handcraft activity with historical discussion. Itinerary: Saturday March 22, 2025 12:45-1:00 PM -Greeting and Metis history from Ms. Lisa Berry 1:00-2:30 PM – Finger weaving workshop, led by Eloi Homie Be aware that times are approximate. Start and end times may vary slightly. What to bring: All materials will be provided Meet Your Guides Eloi Homier Guest Instructor Eloi's path to fingerweaving for sash-making was seemingly inevitable. It connects deeply to his identity and cultural practice. Having spent the last two decades digging into a colourful range of disciplines that connect him with his ancestors – from voyageur canoe guiding to Métis jigging among other things – the “ceinture fléchée” (arrowhead sash) became a big part of his life, in equal parts from its origins in Québec and the coureurs de bois, as from its important symbolism in Métis culture. Most sashes today are made on a mechanical loom, but Eloi had started to get interested in the traditionally made fingerwoven sashes when he met an artisan and asked them if he could commission a sash. Their answer? “You can't afford it.” This was the perfect catalyst to push Eloi to learn the technique so he could make his own. He never looked back, and has since been commissioned to make a number of pieces, and to teach individuals and groups from Vancouver all the way to Saskatchewan. Lisa Berry Guest Speaker Tân'si, Lisa Berry nisihkâson. I spent my childhood growing up on Treaty 8 located in Alberta. Currently, I reside on Stò:lō Territory in Hope, British Columbia, where I am proudly associated with Métis Nation British Columbia. My Métis family names are Flett, Lizzotte, Carifelle and many more. My connection to the Métis Homeland of Red River is through my second great-grandmother, Julia (Mercredi) Lizotte, who received Halfbreed Land Script which was meant to extinguish Métis Indigenous title. I began connecting with my culture through illustration in 2022. I started by creating colouring sheets, then a colouring book, and have since self-published three colouring books. My art predominantly features Indigenous women and Métis florals commonly seen in beadwork. In the same year I opened an Etsy shop. I sell Indigenous stickers, prints, shirts, pins and more. Throughout my art career I have had the privilege of working with clients like Métis Nation British Columbia, Fort McMurray Métis Nation, Manitoba Métis Federation, and Surrey School District. My artistic creations have been used to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Métis people. My artwork has also been utilized to educate young students in Alberta classrooms, promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of the Métis culture. In my life I have faced challenges that have made it difficult for me to embrace and celebrate my Indigenous heritage. Through my art, I am healing myself and leaving a legacy for my family. I hope that by sharing my story and art, I can inspire others to embrace their Indigenous roots. Meg Turner Program Director Program Director, Meg Turner, considers our wild spaces her second home. Raised in the Girl Guiding community and an active outdoor family, she feels comfortable leading others and sharing her passion for the outdoors. With multiple first-aiding certifications, including Remote First Aid, participants can feel safe exploring the trails with her. Having recently completed her BC Adventure Smart training, Meg will surely prepare everyone well for safe outdoor programs. She is stoked to head out into the wilderness with you hiking, snowshoeing, paddling, camping - whatever fun activity we have planned, she’s in her element and excited to create a memorable place-based learning experience with you. Cancellation: Sorry no refunds! You can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know as we need registration information from everyone. A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund of program fees. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants. Hope Mountain Centre reserves the right to change the location of a program for the safety of our participants and staff. No refund is offered when location is changed. Additional information: Liability Waiver Everyone ages 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions. Informed Consent Form Everyone, age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parents or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program.

Skagit Valley Bird Blitz 2025 When: May 9-11, 2025 Time: Friday 1pm - Sunday 12pm Where: Ross Lake Group Campground Cost: per person $75 - Full Weekend Birder $60 - 1 Night Camping Birder (Friday or Saturday) $45 - Day Birder + BBQ $35 - Day Birder (no BBQ) FREE - Young Birder (Children and youth under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian) Register For more information or questions, please contact Tunde at tmurphy@hopemountain.org or 604-869-1274 Join us for a weekend of fun at our annual Skagit Bird Blitz once again! Inaugurated in 2011, the Skagit Valley Bird Blitz was created by Kelly Pearce with help from Denis Knopp, Al and Jude Grass, Scott Denkers and other birding enthusiasts. It was also co-hosted with BC Nature with special help from Bev Ramey. The event seeks to replicate the Manning Park Bird Blitz, a successful event that now spans 41 years of ornithological sightings! Early May is a great time for novice and experienced birders alike to visit the Skagit – the birds are singing and nesting; spring wildflowers are in glorious bloom; and the infamous Skagit mosquitoes have not yet achieved their full blood-sucking majesty! With 199 recorded species, the Skagit offers a beautiful mountain setting and a classic “U-shaped” glaciated valley that is traversed by a widely meandering river. Healthy waterfowl populations are found here, including harlequin ducks and the lush riparian forests are alive with songbirds. There are also dry forests of Ponderosa Pine and open meadows where birds of prey frequently hunt. All in all, a thriving web of diverse ecosystems to attract our birds. As the Skagit Valley spans the Canadian-U.S. border, it forms a natural corridor for north-south migrants, an important corridor to study in the years ahead, as climate change continues to impact the timing of bird breeding and migration. Human migrants enjoy the Skagit Valley lands too, both Americans and Canadians can enjoy birding in this trans-boundary wilderness. The Bird Blitz has provided a multi-year database of Skagit Valley birds that is shared with park staff, biologists, and the general public. Itinerary: Friday, May 9, 2025 01:00 - 7:00pm – Birders arrive and set up camp at Ross Lake Group Campground in Skagit Valley Provincial Park - Download MAP - Check-in at the registration table Participants must arrange their own transportation. 07:00pm – Form birding groups, choose a trail, and receive your birding kits. Late arrivals can register at the Ross Lake Campground until 9:00 pm Friday, or early Saturday morning 8:00pm – Presentation by Denis Knopp on the "Birds of the Skagit Valley" Saturday, May 10, 2024 Morning – Starting at various times through the morning, birding groups will hike different trails in the Skagit to record species and quantities of birds, doing so both by sight and call. Sixteen birding areas* have been identified in the park, and birders are welcome to visit as many of these areas as they wish 09:00am – Beginner's group walk begins 05:00pm – Birders gather at Ross Lake Group Campground for an evening barbecue with buns, salads, condiments, and drinks (bring your own protein!) 07:00pm – After dinner, birders will meet around the campfire for a quick run-through of the day’s wildlife sightings, sharing their thrilling moments and alarming debacles. 8:00pm – Presentation by Abhinandan Satya Sunday, May 11, 2024 Morning – More birding will take place in the areas not covered on Saturday, with participants leaving Sunday afternoon. Be aware that times are approximate! Start and end times may vary slightly depending on speed of the group, weather and road conditions, etc. Price includes: Full Weekend Birder – $75 Fee covers Friday & Saturday camping fees, Saturday barbecue (bring your own protein), guest speakers' Friday and Saturday evening presentation, birding kit and field data information, educational materials, and company of friendly, like-minded birders! 1 Night Camping Birder – $60 Fee covers Saturday night camping fees, Saturday birding, Saturday barbecue (bring your own protein), guest speakers' Friday and Saturday evening presentation, birding kit and field data information, educational materials, and company of friendly, like-minded birders! Day Birder + BBQ – $45 Fee covers Saturday birding with birding kit and field data information, use of educational displays and materials, and company of friendly, like-minded birders! Fee also includes the BBQ on Saturday evening (bring your own protein) and Saturday evening presentation . Day Birder (no BBQ) – $35 Fee covers Saturday OR Sunday birding with birding kit and field data information, use of educational materials, and company of friendly, like-minded birders! Young Birder – $0 FREE for children and youth aged 18 and under, must be accompanied by an adult participating in event. Fee applies to all birders; those camping and those staying at other fixed roof accommodation. For those attending the barbecue, please bring your own protein . We will provide a variety of salads, buns, coffee/tea, fruit juice and various condiments. Bringing your own cutlery and plates to help with our cleanup! Physical demand: Participants should be in reasonably good physical condition, but there will be plenty of opportunities to rest and enjoy the birds and surroundings–you’ll be on your own schedule! It’s also your choice of birding trails, from flat and easy to steep and strenuous. Please be prepared for all weather conditions. May conditions can be cold or hot, or anything in between! Temperatures at camp typically range from -3C to +20C. Snow may be encountered at higher elevations. What to bring: Whenever you are hiking, you should always carry The Essentials Recommended items: Backpack to carry all your belongings Sturdy boots and gaiters Water (at least 1 litre) High-energy food Warm clothes and rain gear Binoculars/spotting scope, camera Bird ID guidebooks and/or apps downloaded for offline use on phone Headlamp First aid kit Firestarter Emergency shelter/blanket Map and compass (and/or GPS navigation + spare batteries/powerbank and cord) Multitool Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, Chapstick Be prepared to camp in shoulder season conditions (potential for cold and wet) and provide your own food–an exception is the Saturday night barbecue, when you can just arrive with protein for the grill. Come prepared to hike in a variety of weather, with temperatures ranging between +25 Celsius during the day and +5 at night. Gortex Gaiters are helpful to keep mud and snow out of your boots. Accommodation: Event Camping Group Camping will be available at Ross Lake Group Campground with plenty of room for our group. Come prepared for tenting or RV camping. There are no electrical or sewage hookups. Facilities include pit toilets, drinking water, a covered cook shelter with wood stove, and a group campfire ring. Bring your own table and chairs, if possible, as picnic tables and seating are limited. Amenities: There are no fixed-roof accommodations in the Skagit, so birders must come prepared for tent or RV camping. The nearest accommodation is in Hope, which is an hours’ drive from Ross Lake. Program Partners: We are grateful for the financial support provided by the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission and the Province of British Columbia. Birding Data: All data gathered during the weekend will contribute to a multi-year database on the Skagit’s bird population. Similar to the Manning Park Bird Blitz, data will be compiled and shared with the public as well as many ornithological researchers. Hope Mountain Centre and BC Nature will share the Bird Blitz data via their respective websites. Meet Your Guides Denis Knopp Guest Speaker Kelly Pearce Group Le ader Scott Denkers Group Le ader Scott's interest in birds and natural history began early in life. His post-secondary education led to degrees in biology and physical geography. Following university, he worked at various natural resource organizations over a couple of decades in the U.S. In 2006, Scott moved to Canada with his wife, Connie, and soon after began working with the nascent Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning. After helping grow Hope Mountain Centre for 13 years with an outstanding group of people, Scott retired from his job as Administrative Director in 2021. He is a passionate birder and although retired, he remains involved with Hope Mountain Centre's bird blitzes and other events. His deep interest in birds and nature in general also keeps him active with Nature Chilliwack, an affiliate club of BC Nature, and BC Field Ornithologists. Scott also loves to spend time with gardening, nature photography, family and the most amazing grandkids. Kelly has enjoyed working as an outdoor educator in the North Cascades for 31 years. He helped to establish the Skagit Valley Bird Blitz in 2011, working in collaboration with Jude and Al Grass, Denis Knopp, and Scott Denkers. While it has been frustrating to see the Skagit Blitz sidelined in recent years by pandemics, fires, and floods, Kelly is excited to see the event make a dramatic comeback in 2024! Before Denis Knopp retired, he used to be the principal of B.C.'s Wild Heritage Environmental Consultants. He has over thirty years of experience focusing on biological resource inventories of rare flora and fauna, site environmental assessments, and environmental monitoring in B.C. Denis is a well-known naturalist with skills that cover a broad range of vegetation and wildlife species although he is best known for his work with rare plants, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies and dragonflies. Dennis played a key role in helping to create the Skagit Valley Bird Blitz back in 2010, helping Hope Mountain Centre staff to create a detailed bird checklist for Skagit Valley Provincial Park, and to designate the 16 distinct birding areas found within the park. Cancellation: Sorry no refunds! You can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know, as we need registration information from everyone. A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund of program fees. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants. Additional information: Liability Waiver Everyone ages 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions. Informed Consent Form Everyone, age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parents or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program.