Backcountry Navigation and Orienteering When: Saturday, April 13, 2024 Time: 9-4pm Where: Thacker Mountain Trail, Hope, BC Cost: $195/person (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 Is the red in the shed? What does that mean? Did I just find True North, or Magnetic North? What’s the declination again? Is this thing on? Is the backcountry calling your name, but your navigation skills are holding you back? Look no further, in this introduction to backcountry navigation and orienteering, we will learn the basics of map reading and route planning, as well as how to use a compass, take a bearing, and find your way should you step off the trail and get lost. Join us in a guided environment, for a program that includes a blend of online and field learning sessions. The bulk of this course will be spent outdoors in beautiful Thacker Mountain Regional Park. Led by Anders Hopperstead and supported by Moon Pruvost, your trip leaders will show you the ropes so you can enjoy the outdoors while being fully prepared for your next adventure! Itinerary: Thursday, April 4, 2024 7-8 pm online ZOOM session In this 1-hour zoom session, trip leaders will introduce themselves and lay out the itinerary for the field day. We will learn to plan a route and add it to the GPS app of your choice. All skills that are curated to demonstrate the typical trip preparation all seasoned hikers should apply before heading into the backcountry. If you're unable to attend the Zoom, a recording of the meeting can be sent to you to watch before the in-person course on April 13. Saturday, April 13, 2024 09:00 am – Gather in Hope at the Rec Centre (1005 6 Ave, Hope ) check-in, sign waivers, Participants must arrange their own transportation. 09:30 am – Convoy to Thacker Mountain Trail see MAP 09:40 am – Arrive at Trail Head 09:50 am – 12:00pm – Course Content 12:00 pm – 12:30pm – Lunch break 12:30 pm – 2:30pm – Course Content 02:30 pm – 3:00pm – Return to trailhead for post-field session 04:00 pm – Course ends 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: Pre-field 1-hour zoom session Course and materials Post-field session First aid and guide support Physical demand: Thacker Mountain is a 5km loop with about 150 m elevation. Most of the day will be spent on the trail, participants should be in good health and adequate physical fitness. What to bring: Whenever you are hiking, you should always carry The Essentials At a minimum, participants will need the following for this outing: A Compass Personal phone – with GPS app of choice Battery pack for cell phone or GPS Two poles per-person – optional, but greatly improves stability Lunch and high-energy snack food Water – at least 2 litre per-person Good footwear – hiking shoes or trail running shoes with good thread Appropriate clothing and rain gear Backpack to carry all your gear Meet Your Guides Anders Hopperstead Moon Pruvost Nate Brown Anders feels very fortunate to have parlayed his childhood passion for maps and exploration into a 27-year career as a digital cartographer and geographic information systems (GIS) specialist. He has hiked and mapped hundreds of miles of trails across North America. Anders has shared his love of topographic maps, compasses and GPS units through Hope Mountain Centre backcountry navigation courses since 2010.He lives with his wife, daughter (age 8) and son (age 5) in Mission B.C. Moon is Hope Mountain Centre’s Program Director. She is an experienced educator and backcountry mountain guide. Her passion for the natural world and grizzly bears led her to study Wildlife and Forestry Conservation. She is certified in Wilderness First Aid, Avalanche Skills Training, Leave No Trace Master Educator and has experience as a bush craft/survival instructor. Moon loves to share her knowledge and love of the outdoors with people of all ages! When she is not guiding, you can usually find her exploring the outdoors with her puppy, Kenai. 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.

Trails bring people to wilderness, helping us to achieve one of our core objectives — connecting people with nature. We are passionate about building and improving our local trail network because trails provide so many benefits including improved physical and mental health, spiritual renewal, cultural and historical awareness, community pride, and economic diversification. Trails Looking for info about a specific trail? Go back up to the Trails menu as we have a webpage dedicated to each trail in the region. Hover for the dropdown menu if you're on a desktop, or tap the 3 lines and then the down arrow beside the Trails heading if you're on a mobile device. You can also check out the maps below for more information about all the various hiking, trail running, snowshoeing, and biking trails in our region. You can pick up one of these - our FREE, printed Trails of Hope maps - at the Tourism Hope, Cascades and Canyons Visitor Centre at 919 Water Street in Hope, and many other locations around town, or click the image below to view it online . HMCOL Trail Work Trails bring people to wilderness, helping us to achieve one of our core objectives — connecting people with nature. We are passionate about building and improving our local trail network because trails provide so many benefits including improved physical and mental health, spiritual renewal, cultural and historical awareness, community pride, and economic diversification. Hope Mountain Centre works in collaboration with many partners including all levels of government, First Nations, NGOs, private donors, and many passionate volunteers to build and maintain trails throughout the Hope, Cascades and Canyons region. While our plans change year to year, the core group of trails that we work on each year includes the HBC 1846 Brigade Trail, Serpent's Back, Hope Lookout, Flood Falls, Hope Mountain, Wells Peak, Thacker Mountain, Tikwalus, Hope Bike Park, and Landstrom Ridge trails . See more information about all the trails in our region by clicking on the links in the map above. Want to Volunteer? If you would like to volunteer to help with trail building and maintenance, contact our Trails Director Kelly Pearce at kpearce@hop emountain.org or (604) 869-0166. You can also subscribe to our email list and follow our social media accounts on Fa cebook and Insta gram where we announce upco ming volunteer days. Want to Get Paid to Work on Trails? Every spring, we hire trail crew members and trail crew leaders to work throughout the summer. Often these positions are funded by the Canada Summer Jobs program, requiring crew member positions to be filled by persons aged 15 to 30 years. Contact our Trails Director Kelly Pearce at kpearce@hopemountain.org or (604) 869-0166 to express interest. You can also subscribe to our email list, follow our social media accounts on Fa cebook and Insta gram , or check out our Jobs Page where we announce upco ming job opportunities. Want exposure for your business? Advertise with us! Support trails and Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning, a registered charity connecting people and nature. Your advertisement(s) directly contribute to the building, maintenance and improvement of trails in the Hope region. Advertise in our Trails of Hope map, on trailhead kiosks, and/or on trails via our Adopt-a-Trail program. Learn more here .

The Serpent's Back Trail (formerly known as Dragon's Back Trail - Kw’okw’echíwel Stl’áleqem) in Hope, BC, is a steep forested trail that passes several viewpoints, including a view of Mount Hope, the Silver Creek neighbourhood, the town of Hope, and the Fraser River. The hike is fairly steep in some areas but the viewpoints offer a nice reward and place to stop and enjoy. Serpent's Back Trail Stats Trailhead Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hGJoHv3mj5RMjZHq8 Round Trip Trail Distance in KM: 5.5 Elevation Gain in M: 435 Highest Point in M: 440 Dogs Allowed: Yes (on leash) 4 X 4 Needed: No Connecting Trails: Thunderbird Trail (coming soon!) Map & Elevation Profile Trail Access The trailhead and parking lot are at the end of a short gravel road approximately 1.5km down Silver Skagit Road. Look for the sign on the west side of Silver Skagit Road for the turnoff. Here is the google map for the parking lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hGJoHv3mj5RMjZHq8 Opened in 2020, this trail has quickly become one of the most popular hiking trails in the Hope area. Located on crown and District of Hope municipal land, this intermediate level hiking trail is 5.5 km round trip with a cumulative elevation gain of 435 metres. The high point is 440 metres, meaning it is snow-free for most of the year. Dogs are permitted on the trail, but please be responsible to ensure they are picked up after and do not wander off the trail to disturb wildlife or the surrounding habitat. The trail is located in Silver Creek, a neighbourhood just west of Hope town centre, in the Skagit Range of the Cascade Mountains. There is a mountain biking trail network called The Core in this area as well. There are no garbage cans or toilets at the trailhead, nor along the trail. Please practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out anything you pack in. Trail Description From the trailhead, follow the trail for just a few minutes and off to the right down a small path you will find a very long rope swing. Pass this turnoff and you will find another trail sign after just a couple minutes. The trail undulates with some very steep ups and downs, broken up with a couple of nice flat sections. There are benches along the way for a nice rest. It is mostly a natural trail, with a few sections of stairs and bridges to aid navigation. Please ensure you do not braid the trail (do no shortcut off the established trail) as this erodes the slope. The first viewpoint is of Hope Mountain, followed by the viewpoint over the Silver Creek neighbourhood. After that you will reach the Stone Garden. There is only one major junction, giving you a choice to go left or right around a loop close to the top. Going left you will arrive at the West Lookout first, before arriving at the summit. Either way you go, doing the loop or as an out-an-back, it's approximately the same distance as the summit view is halfway around the loop. Arriving from the west, you first see a view looking east over Silver Creek and the town of Hope to the far left. A few more steps and you’re looking south down over Silver Creek towards Washington State. Many peaks viewable from here: Wells Peak, Mount Grant, Eaton Peak, Silver Peak, Isolillock Peak, and more. The trail features seasonal waterfalls, abundant flora like old-growth Western red cedar and Douglas fir trees, giant granite boulders (likely glacial erratics left behind by the last ice age), and a tilted granite slab. Note that rock climbing is not permitted in the Stone Garden due to the historical and cultural significance of the area. Note there is some cell phone reception on parts of this trail but it's always best to download any electronic maps you plan on using beforehand such as Gaia GPS or AllTrails . First Nations History The Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre conducted an archaeological assessment of the proposed trail area before building, which indicates the area was originally traversed by Stó:lō hunters and travellers, and used as a safety lookout to help guard the villages along the river dating back over 2900 years. The trail previously had the name Dragon's Back including the Halq’eméylem name of Kw'okw'echíwel Stl'áleqem, as from afar this mountainous area is reminiscent of a sleeping dragon. However it was discussed that dragons are mythical creatures and not stl'áleqem. Local placename expert Sonny McHalsie shared that dragons are not part of Sto:lo language and culture so thanks to the help from him and other local First Nations individuals the name was changed to Serpent's Back or A:lhqeyétsel in Halq’eméylem. Signage was updated in 2024. Please visit the trail where you can see the interpretive signage we've placed with more First Nations history and information. Signs were installed in summer 2025 at various stops along the trail. A copy of the signs are below. We would like to recognize and thank the following people who we consulted with during the research, writing, and design of these signs: Lisa Dojack (SRRMC archaeologist) Chawathil Chief Norm Florence and Council Shxw'Ow'Hamel Si:yam Council Elizabeth Phillips (Halq'eméylem speaker) Dianna Kay (Linguist, Seabird Island First Nation) Vanessa Hope (HMCOL Board Member, Yale First Nation) Elsie Kipp (HMCOL Board Member, Yale First Nation) Sonny McHalsie (Placename Historian) Carrielynn Victor (Indigenous Artist and Knowledge Keeper) Dave Schaepe (Head of SRRMC Archaeology) Shane John (Chawathil Knowledge Keeper) Bonnie Graham (Indigenous Artist) You can also see the info guide from the Indigenous History Hike we held here in 2022. Trail Work Hope Mountain Centre began construction on the trail in 2019, opening to the public the following year in 2020. Our trail team continues to maintain and enhance the trail each year thanks to funding support from the District of Hope , Cascade Lower Canyon Community Forest , and others. See a full list of our partners here . Other Trails Nearby Trail Reports Feel free to leave a comment below with trail reports so other users can learn about current conditions. To ask us a question or to report an issue with the trail, please email our trails team kpearce@hopemountain.org or info@hopemountain.org as we do not monitor this comment section regularly. Alternatively, feel free to post in our "Friends of Hope & Area Trails " Facebook group to let our team know, as well as learn about all the latest work happening on the trails we manage. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

Partners We hold all our partners in high regard and thank them greatly for their commitment to and alignment with our three focus areas of conservation, education, and recreation. Below you will find our most recent partners including donors, sponsors and collaborators. Donors Sponsors Thankful to collaborate with these wonderful groups

VIMFF "Best of the Fest" Film Screening When: Friday, April 25, 2025 Time: Doors open at 6pm, films start at 7pm Where: Hope Cinema Cost: $22/ticket (Children must be accompanied by a guardia n) Buy Tickets For more information or questions, please contact Tunde at tmurphy@hopemountain.org or 604-869-1274 Join Hope Mountain Centre for a screening of the “Best of the Fest” from Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival. This evening of exciting outdoor films from around the world at the Hope Cinema includes films spanning hiking, rock and ice climbing, skiing, paddling, mountain biking, and more. This event is an annual fundraiser supporting our local charity the Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning. Be sure to arrive at 6pm to snag the best seats, grab some snacks from the concession, check out our guest exhibitors, bid on the silent auction items, as well as purchase 50/50 tickets. Huge THANK YOU to all our sponsors for making this event possible! Gold Sponsors: Amy de Groot Mortgage Broker Silver Sponsors: Itinerary: Friday, April 25, 2025 06:00PM – Doors open - silent auction item bidding, exhibitor tables, 50/50 ticket sales, concession 06 :45PM – Opening remarks 07:00PM – Film screening starts 08:10PM – Intermission, door prize winners announced, last chance to bid on auction items 09:4 0PM – Closing remarks, silent auction winners announced Be aware that times are approximate! Start and end times may vary. Where to buy tickets: Ticket Policy : If purchasing online, please pick up your physical ticket(s) at the ticket sales booth. Your ticket(s) will be held until 6:45PM on the day of the show. After that, your ticket(s) may be released to others for purchase at the door. We do not offer refunds, but you may sell or give away your ticket to someone else. All ticket sales help our organization provide outdoor education and recreation programs for everyone. Thank you for your support! ONLINE: IN PERSON: cash only Blue Moose Coffee House 322 Wallace Street, Hope, BC and Baker's Books 800 3rd Avenue, Hope, BC Buy Tickets Film line up: Oasis - USA /4min./ Director: Amon Barker Producer: Rory Hibbler Key Cast: Reed Boggs Oasis is an exploration into the spirit of freeride mountain biking. A Team Sport - USA /15min./ Director: Alexis Berg, Julien Raison Key Cast: Courtney Dauwalter, Kevin Schmidt, Bob Krar, Mike Ambrose Ultra-runner Courtney Dauwalter is one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport. Continuing to shatter records, in 2023 she became the first person ever to win the Triple Crown of Ultra-running (winning three iconic 100+mile races back-to-back in one Summer). But who is the team behind Courtney and her remarkable success? 2 Legs 2 Easy - USA /6min./ Director: Tamara Susa Key Cast: Steve Karczewski Mountain town culture is all about highlighting the ones that are the most adventurous and inspire others to push their limits in their outdoorsy lives. In Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, specifically in the Roaring Fork Valley, one resident stands out as an inspiration to many. Beyond the Green Veil - Canada, Vancouver Island /26min./ Director: Drew Austin, Elena Jean Key Cast: Michael Darling, Chris Rubens, Timmy Taussig Beyond the Green Veil sets to explore the juxtaposition between backcountry recreation and the access the logging industry provides. Most outdoor enthusiasts are also environmentalists, caring deeply for the natural world and the locations. However, access to these spots is dictated by a necessary but destructive logging industry. Beyond the Salish - Canada, Vancouver Island /18min./ Director/Key Cast: Richard Chen, William Chong Two kayakers take on a once-in-a-lifetime journey off the Pacific Coast of Vancouver Island, breaching into relentless waves, unpredictable weather, and the uncharted depths of their own fears. Generations - USA /6min./ Director: Ben Dann, Key Cast: Cam Zink Cam Zink, 2X Red Bull Rampage winner and Jackson Hole athlete, and his crew at Sensus R.A.D Trails have crafted one of the best jump trails in Teton County at Jackson Hole’s Bike Park. Big jumps and technical features highlight this pro-style expert trail, aptly named Deer Jump. Zink’s childhood dream of a trail like this has become a reality for the next generation of mountain bikers in Jackson Hole. The Beginning - Canada, Squamish /19min./ Director/Producer: JCristobal Ruiz Key Cast: Alenka Mali Alenka Mali, grew up immersed in the outdoors, guided by her parents, both acclaimed climbers. From the Patagonian landscapes to the Alps, her childhood was filled with climbing, camping, and adventure. After moving to Squamish, Canada, to live with her father, she embraced freeride snowboarding, dedicating her life to the sport. Her partner, Spencer introduced her to the world of BASE jumping, sparking a new dream for Alenka - to combine her passions by attempting a snowboard BASE jump off Goat Mountain in Squamish, BC. The Warm Up - Canada, Squamish /7min./ Director: Vince Lapointe Key Cast: Claire Johnstone, Ugo Nwachuku An ego-filled boulderer slowly slips into madness as he fails to send what was supposed to be a warm up climb. The outdoor-sport world has often become too serious for it's own good; it's time we reset balance and absurdity into the mix. After all, these are recreational sports! Exhibitors: Merch for Sale: We're so grateful to have the fabulous Sabine Keil aka The Muddy Bean Pottery back again this year, selling her gorgeous pottery work including HBC Trail mugs, as well as some of our HMCOL merchandise including HBC Trail maps, guidebooks, and activewear. Silent Auction/Door prizes Huge THANK YOU to all the wonderful donors of items up for grabs at the silent auction! If you would like to donate items for our silent auction please email kperezdeleon@hopemountain.org Two night mid week stay in a 6 person standard cabin donated by Manning Park Resort $500 of gift cards to Shell gas stations donated by Randy of Hope's Canyon Shell on Old Hope Princeton Highway Wooden side table made and donated by our Board Treasurer Mike Millar $400 gift certificate towards a trip from Top Water Guide Services Ltd Photography session from Hannah Van Werkhoven Photography Wooden salad and serving bowls made and donated by Gerry Wiebe of Whiskeyjack Wood Turning Inc One entry for Sasquatch Ultra Trail Race and one entry to Coldwater Classic Trail Run or XC Bike from Heads or Trails Pair of snowshoes donated by Hope Outdoors 10 Pass to the Hope Recreation Centre Charcuterie gift basket donated by Amy de Groot Real Estate Advisor One year subscription to the Hope Standard newspaper donated by the Hope Standard /Black Press Media Sugar cookie basket from NomNom Cookies Haircut from Mighty Fraser Barber Company Goodies from Valley Helicopters Gift Basket donated by Save-on Foods Haircut from Mighty Fraser Barber Company 2x Bird Blitz registrations (a weekend of birding and camping) - donated by Hope Mountain Centre Books from Baker's Books Item from Mt. Waddington Outdoors 4 pack of Maple3 water Bids open when doors open at 6pm on event day. Final bidding takes place at the end of the intermission. Winners will be announced at the end of the films (apprx 9:40pm). Please ensure you stick around to pick up and pay for your items!

Mushroom Walk October 26, 2024 When: Saturday, October 26, 2024 Time: 10:30am-2:30pm Where: TBD – a short and easy trail within 30 mins of Hope *exact location will be emailed to you a few days prior to the program Cost: $125/person (Y outh under 18 must be accompanied by a guardia n) Register For more information or questions, please contact Tunde at info@hopemountain.org or 604-869-1274 Join Hope Mountain Centre and mushroom specialist Carl Rönkä to learn about the rotten world of wild mushrooms! High-value gourmet food, or deadly poison? More than just food for humans and wildlife, mushrooms are a key element of our forests. Did you know that fungi sustain healthy habitats in a forest ecosystem? They are so helpful to trees, but they don’t work for free. Come and join us for a forest walk where you’ll learn all about this, and how to identify the beautiful and colourful mushrooms that appear in the Cascade mountain range in autumn. Price Includes: Mushroom specialist sharing their knowledge Experienced guides certified in first aid Hot chocolate and a light snack Physical Demand: The trail will likely be approximately 2 km with minimal elevation gain, and the walk will be done at a slow pace with many stops to observe and discuss our surroundings. The trail is a mix of gravel, dirt with large roots and rocks, and wooden boardwalk which can be muddy and slippery when wet. Waterproof footwear with good grip is highly recommended. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless we determine that it will affect the safety of participants. Itinerary: Saturday, October 26, 2024 10:30AM Meet at the trailhead parking lot for check-in and introductions. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the trailhead 11:00AM Walk begins 1:00PM Lunch on the trail (please bring your own lunch, snacks and water) 2:30PM Arrive back at vehicles and depart Be aware that times are approximate. Start and end times may vary depending on speed of the group, weather conditions, etc. What to bring: Whenever you are hiking, you should always carry all of The Essentials MINIMUM REQUIRED Your own lunch High-energy snack food Water (2 litres per person) Daypack to carry items Hiking boots or sturdy runners Warm clothes and rain gear in case of inclement weather ALSO RECOMMENDED Sunglasses, sun hat, sun block Mushroom ID book (recommended David Aurora’s Mushrooms Demystified) Notebook Camera Meet Your Guides Carl Rönkä Mushroom Expert Carl Ronka first started getting passionate about fungi in 2005, continuously expanding his knowledge and interest from edibles, to medicinal, and entheogenic fungi. His first foraging class was in 2012 and he has steadily grown into a local foraging expert, now organizing ecological cleanup and restoration work in the Metro Vancouver region. He facilitates daytime foraging, and also florescent wildlife night hikes throughout the year. You can learn more about him on Instagram @evolutionarylife Kristine Perez de Leon Trip Leader Kristine’s number one passion in life is mountain adventure. She would spend every waking moment outdoors if she could. Hiking, backpacking, trail running, mountaineering, rock climbing, paddleboarding, backcountry skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking - if it’s an outdoor mountain sport, you can bet she’s done it and loves it. In the past few years, Kristine completed a 55km ultra trail marathon, a 9-day backpacking thru-hike, summited hundreds of BC’s most magnificent peaks, completing many of these adventures solo. Kristine has previously worked as a snowboard instructor in Whistler, as a primate and forest conservation manager in Nigeria, a PNW wildlife education director and hiking community platform founder in Vancouver, and as HMCOL’s Executive Director since 2021. She is certified with Remote First Aid and has her AST1. Kristine is thrilled to share her knowledge, experience and passion for mountain exploration with program participants 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.

Hope Mountain Centre is contracted by the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission (SEEC) to monitor stream water quality through water testing and invertebrate sampling in the Upper Skagit River Watershed on a yearly basis. Upper Skagit Watershed Water Quality Monitoring 52310989284_403b897948_b 52164173669_f497130a51_k Add a Title Describe your image 52310989284_403b897948_b 1/8 Hope Mountain Centre is contracted by the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission (SEEC) to monitor stream water quality through water testing and invertebrate sampling in the Upper Skagit River Watershed on a yearly basis. Study objectives—which drive the sampling study approach—are to detect, over time, significant changes in water quality of the Upper Skagit River and its tributaries. Changes in water quality could be from development pressures within the watershed or large scale environmental changes as a result of climate change, forest fire, insect infestation and so on. Test sites are monitored in areas likely to be impacted by human activities and reference sites will be tracked as indicators of large scale environmental changes. If changes are observed, the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission (SEEC) will decide on their importance and take action by informing the appropriate authorities. We are looking for volunteers who have a penchant for the outdoors, love the Cascade Mountains and can’t resist splashing around in creeks and streams! For more information on this annual project, contact Natalie Worrall, Water Testing Project Manager at nworrall@hopemountain.org Annual Reports 2026 Field Testing Report – Upper Skagit Stream Monitoring (coming March 2027) 2025 Field Testing Report – Upper Skagit Stream Monitoring 2024 Field Testing Report – Upper Skagit Stream Monitoring 2023 Field Testing Report – Upper Skagit Stream Monitoring 2022 Field Testing Report – Upper Skagit Stream Monitoring 2021 Field Testing Report – Upper Skagit Stream Monitoring 2020 Field Testing Report – Upper Skagit Stream Monitoring 2019 Field Testing Report – Upper Skagit Stream Monitoring 2018 Field Testing Report – Upper Skagit Stream Monitoring 2017 Field Testing Report – Upper Skagit Stream Monitoring 2016 Field Testing Report – Upper Skagit Stream Monitoring 2015 Field Testing Report – Upper Skagit Stream Monitoring 2014 Field Testing Report – Upper Skagit Stream Monitoring 2013 Field Testing Report – Upper Skagit Stream Monitoring 2012 Field Testing Report – Upper Skagit Stream Monitoring 2011 Field Testing Report – Upper Skagit Stream Monitoring 2010 Field Testing Report – Upper Skagit Stream Monitoring Project Details for Volunteers Project Sponsor: Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission Project Lead: Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning Location: Streams in the Skagit River Watershed north of the U.S.-Canada border accessed by Hwy 3 to Manning Park and Silver-Skagit Road to Ross Lake. Timeframe: Mid- to late-August. Two or three stream locations are sampled each day for a week. Time Commitment: Three volunteers are recruited for each day. Due to learning ramp-up time, preference is for volunteers who can commit to 2 or more days for the week. Each day is long (but fun!), about 8 hours, which includes driving time to and from Hope. Technical Experience: We will be collecting habitat data, stream measurements, aquatic invertebrates (water bugs) and water samples. No prior experience in water sampling is required. A half-day training session is generally held the week before fieldwork. Physical Requirements: Volunteers should be prepared to be outdoors all day in the backcountry and must be in reasonably good shape–bushwhacking through brush or wading in fast moving streams is possible. Clothing: Volunteers must be prepared for a range of weather conditions. Proper attire should be brought for unexpected changes in mountain weather. Chest waders and water safety equipment will be provided. Transportation: Provided to test sites from Hope, BC.

March of Memories When: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Time: 1pm-3:30pm Where: Our walk will begin in front of Baker’s Books Cost: FREE for seniors/elders (55 and over) $20 for all other ages (Y outh under 18 must be accompanied by a guardia n) Sold Out For more information or questions, please contact Tunde at info@hopemountain.org or 604-869-1274 Let’s discover her Origin Story. The first peoples of Ts’óq:ls called this place home, long before colonial explorers! Ts’óq:ls to Hope - the origin story of Hope, BC Join us for a senior/elder-focused historical walkabout! HMCOL’s Meg Turner and Kelly Pearce will talk about the people and places before Simon Fraser came down the river in 1808, and the journey to what would become Fort Hope. We will have multiple stops to discuss the town's history and rest as needed. Stops include the Fort Hope National Historical Site, the Christ Church National Historical Site, and the Fraser River. Our walk will begin at Baker’s Books storefront and continue at an easy pace around town. The length of our walk will be approximately 5 km, done at a slow pace with minimal elevation gain. Price Includes: Experienced guides certified in first aid Hot chocolate and a light snack Physical Demand: The walk will be under 5 km with minimal elevation gain, and the walk will be done at a slow pace with many stops to discuss our local history. The walk is a mix of pavement, gravel, dirt with some roots and rocks. Waterproof footwear with good grip is highly recommended. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless we determine that it will affect the safety of participants. Itinerary: Wednesday March 19, 2025 1:00 PM - Meet at the Baker’s Books storefront (800 3rd avenue, Hope, BC) for check-in and introductions. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the program. 1 :15 PM - Walk begins 2:15 PM - Stop for hot chocolate & light snack. *Provided 3:30PM - Arrive back at Baker’s Books and depart Be aware that times are approximate. Start and end times may vary slightly depending on speed of the group, weather conditions, etc. What to bring: Participants will need the following for this outing: Water Daypack to carry items Comfortable walking shoes Warm clothes and rain gear in case of inclement weather ALSO RECOMMENDED Sunglasses, sun hat, sun block Notebook Camera Walking poles if desired Meet Your Guides 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. Kelly Pearce is a former Program Director and a founding member of the Hope Mountain Centre. He has worked as an outdoor educator since 1993, and has a keen interest in the ecology and human history of the North Cascades. Kelly Pearce Trails Director 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.

An introduction to the fascinating world of terrestrial insects and how their adaptions have led to their mighty success on planet earth! Insects Grade 2 An introduction to the fascinating world of terrestrial insects and how their adaptions have led to their mighty success on planet earth! Combining classroom activities with field-based explorations, students explore the fascinating world of insects! Covering concepts such as adaptations, life cycles and behaviour, we will discuss the many ways insects are beneficial to humans and earth, and also how some are pesky and detrimental! See how social colonies such as bees, ants and termites communicate and work together to be successful. The very popular “Bee Game” played during the field trip will have students communicating through dance! Locations : On school premises or at the local park if desired. Options include: Cheam Wetlands or Spirit Trails in Agassiz; Ruby Creek Adventure Park, Thacker Marsh, Rotary Trail or Dr. RD Morrison Park in Hope. Grade : 2 Curriculum Overview : Insects Program: learning outcomes, pre-trip, field trip, post-trip. For more information contact our Outdoor Educator Claire at cgrantham@hopemountain.org , or call/text 403-895-4121. CURRICULUM OVERVIEW Teacher Feedback: “It was terrific. Everything about it was A+. Educators did a wonderful job and the kids and I learned a lot. It was really well done.” “We really enjoyed our class presentation and field trip. They were educational, interactive and enjoyable!”

Manning Park Interpretative Programs Entertaining and educational for the whole family, naturalist programs held at E.C. Manning Provincial Park teach visitors about the park's history, its inhabitants, and its unique features. Offered from June to September, Manning Park interpretive programs are a collaborative effort supported by Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning, Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission, BC Parks, and Manning Park Resort. See the event calendar posted on our Fa cebook and Insta gram page and on the Manning Park Resort website for upcoming dates. Manning Park interpretive programs are free educational programs for all ages during the summer season, held multiple times throughout the day, seven days a week. Activities include nature walks, amphitheater shows, and other special events. Topics include plants, animals, and human history with BIG concepts such as climate change, keystone species, light pollution, seasonal migration, and adaptation woven into several of the programs. Nature Walks Join our Naturalists as they guide you on an interpretive walk of one of Manning Park’s many trails. These events are appropriate for all ages, and everyone is welcome. Themes and locations will vary. Please wear good footwear and dress appropriately. Rain or shine! Most interpretive walks last approximately one hour. Amphitheater Shows Join Manning Park Naturalists and guest speakers for entertaining and educational evenings at the Lightning Lake Amphitheatre throughout the summer. The area is wheelchair accessible, located in Lightning Lake Campground and accessed from Spruce Bay Beach parking lot. These events are for the whole family to enjoy, and last approximately one hour. Amphitheater programs will be held rain or shine so please dress appropriately. Special Events Special events are held throughout the summer months. You can always find us in the Lightning Lake Day Use area for Parks Day on the third Saturday in July. Other programs and events may vary year to year, including guest speaker programs, and more. Want to Work as a Park Interpreter? Every winter/spring , we hire seasonal Park Interpreters to work throughout the summer months at Manning Park. Contact our Board Director and Senior Interpreter, Jo Hughes at jo@manningpark.com to express interest. You can also subscribe to our email list, follow our social media accounts on Fa cebook and Insta gram , or check out our Jobs Page where we announce upcoming job opportunities.

Women's Introduction to Backpacking When: Friday-Sunday, July 26-28, 2024 Time: Friday, 10am- Sunday 4pm (overnight) Where: Jacobson Lake to Horseguard Camp, HBC Heritage Trail Cost: $429/person (Y outh under 18 must be accompanied by a guardia n) Register For more information or questions, please contact Tunde at info@hopemountain.org or 604-869-1274 Are you an experienced / intermediate day hiker looking for the next step up, but lack the confidence or skills to do so? Then this program is for you! Come and join us in this female* only introduction to backpacking. Best suited for moderately experienced hikers looking to step up their backcountry experience. Our group size is purposely kept small for a safe and inclusive environment, with a maximum of 15 participants, plus a minimum of 3 trip leaders. *We welcome cisgender females, transgender, agender, two-spirit, nonbinary, and genderqueer individuals. HMCOL is a proud member of the Safe Space Alliance This year’s trip will take us on a different section of the HBC Heritage trail. Starting at Jacobson Lake, we will hike 12.5 KM down to Horseguard Camp, one of the historic camps of the trail. On the second day, our day hike will take us through beautiful forest and eventually through the defiles (narrow passage through the mountains left by melt water from glaciation). Along the way, we will witness remnants of history, with trailblazes left by Chief Blackeye’s peoples, and later HBC fur traders. We will get to observe beautiful wildflowers through subalpine meadows and break for lunch at the highest point of the HBC Trail: Blackeye’s camp on the Tulameen plateau. This day will be a 12 KM day, with 652m elevation with a day pack. Trip Highlights: Hike a historical trail Hike through beautiful old growth forest and the defiles Overnight camp along the Tulameen river, at historical Horseguard Camp Hike through meadows and observe wildlife Hike in a safe space, with a like-minded group! Learn about Adventure Smart’s 3Ts : Trip Planning, Training and Ten essentials, introduction and presentation of gear selection, options for backcountry food, Leave No Trace Principles, and more! Itinerary: Broken down in 3 mandatory sessions: All 3 sessions are MANDATORY (Gear talk night, trial hike and backpacking weekend). Not only does this allow us to get to know each other, it is to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment during this program. 1. Wednesday, June 12, 2024 7-9pm “Pack and Plan”: A Gear and trip planning online zoom meeting: We will get to know each other, discuss the plan for the backpacking trip, discuss the gear you have and suggest gear you may need to change or acquire, and talk about meal planning and other logistics. 2. Saturday, July 6, 2024 9am-1pm A half-day test run hike in Hope …Not in the backcountry yet. We will practice on a trail in Hope BC. You will get a chance to pack your gear as you would for our trip, test the weight distribution, make necessary adjustments and get a real feel of what to expect with your weighted overnight backpack to practice before we enter the backcountry. Please ensure you wear the same hiking boots and backpack with gear you plan to use for the trip. 3. The Backpacking Trip - Friday, July 26, 2024 10:00AM – Gather in Hope at the Rec Centre (1005 6 Ave, Hope ) check-in, sign waivers, *Participants must arrange their own transportation to Hope and carpooling can be arranged from Hope to the Trailhead and back to Hope. . 10:30AM – convoy together to the trailhead. (50 km on the Coquihalla Highway, 50KM on the Tulameen FSR) MAP After arriving to the trailhead we will hike to our campsite and set up camp. *Be aware that times are approximate! Start and end times may vary slightly depending on speed of the group, weather and road conditions, etc. Saturday, July 27, 2024 After breakfast, we’ll put on light day packs and hike for the day up the defiles to Blackeye’s Camp. Sunday, July 28, 2024 After breakfast, we will take down camp and hike back to the trailhead What to bring: Whenever you are hiking, you should always carry The Essentials Participants will need the following items below: CLOTHING : Sturdy waterproof hiking boots or hiking shoes . Must be broken in so they don’t blister you. If you plan on buying new footwear for this trip, it is HIGHLY recommended you purchase them and hike in them at least 8 times prior to this trip. Socks — A thi n synthetic (not cotton) inner sock and a thick outer sock (preferably wool). Bring at least 1 extra pair of back-up socks Long pants and shorts or zip-off pants (no jeans) Waterproof rain pants 2 tank tops or T-shirts (merino wool or polyester – NOT COTTON) 1 long sleeve shirt (merino wool or polyester – NOT COTTON) 1 mid layer (fleece, wool, or puffy jacket) Rain-proof jacket 1 pair of gloves 1 toque non- cotton undergarments FOOD: Water reservoir or bottle(s) with 2 litres of water Hi-energy snack food (ie power bars/balls, trailmix) 3 lunches on the trail 2 dinners in camp 2 breakfasts in camp Any drinks you wish to have GENERAL GEAR: Sleeping bag — rated to -10 Celsius minimum Sleeping mat — ie inflatable Thermarest 3-season tent Stove, fuel, pots Method to purify drinking water Cup, plate, cutlery Sunglasses Sunscreen Chapstick Toilet paper, bags to place used TP in, to pack-out with you, and hand sanitizer Head lamp Multi tool Basic first aid and moleskin for blisters Hiking poles (highly recommended) Day pack for light hiking (you can also just use your overnight pack if you prefer) Bug repellent/mosquito face net/Tick spray Bear Spray Gear is available for rent at Mt. Waddington’s Outdoors in Chilliwack (604-846-1984) and Valhalla Pure in Abbotsford (604-850-5523) if you need it. Book ASAP if you need to rent gear. Price includes: Trail guide and naturalist First aid backup Training regarding gear and backcountry camping techniques NOTE participants are required to provide all their own gear and food Physical demand: Please note that THIS PROGRAM IS NOT SUITABLE FOR BEGINNER HIKERS! Nor should this be your first challenging hike of the year. All participants must be able to carry a large backpack containing all their own gear described in the trip checklist up 500-650 metres elevation and 12km each day. Pack weight for first and last day will likely be around 25-40 lbs (11-18Kg) including food and water. Please contact us to discuss your hiking experience if you are unsure if this trip is suitable for you. Meet Your Guides Moon Pruvost Program Director Connie Davis Volunteer Moon is Hope Mountain Centre’s Program Director. She is an experienced educator and backcountry mountain guide. Her passion for the natural world and grizzly bears led her to study Wildlife and Forestry Conservation. She is certified in Wilderness First Aid, Avalanche Skills Training, Leave No Trace Master Educator and has experience as a bush craft/survival instructor. Moon loves to share her knowledge and love of the outdoors with people of all ages! When she is not guiding, you can usually find her exploring the outdoors with her puppy, Kenai. Connie has volunteered for Hope Mountain Centre since 2009 and is a former High Adventure Scoutmaster. Her passion for the outdoors led her to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 2005 and she enjoys introducing people to the backcountry. Connie is a retired nurse practitioner, experienced Leave No Trace Educator, and is certified in Wilderness First Aid. Connie enjoys hiking with Cooper the coonhound, camping with her grandkids, and birding with her husband. Michelle brings a passion for the HBC Heritage Trail to the hike along with her remote first aid certification. She first experienced Black Eyes Plateau from Horse guard Camp 8 years ago. After 37 years of nursing and 8 years on ski patrol, she retired to start a new journey connecting with nature. Her days are filled with snowshoeing, skiing, and hiking with her four dogs. She loves being out in nature, where she feels peaceful, happy, wild, and free. Michelle Pacholzuk Volunteer 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 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.

Hope Mountain Centre, in collaboration with environmental groups, seeks public support to document sightings of grizzly bears in southwest British Columbia. Call the toll-free sightings hotline 1-855-GO-GRIZZ (1-855-464-7499) if you see a grizzly bear in southwest BC, or email us. Grizzly Bear Conservation 1/1 Hope Mountain Centre, in collaboration with environmental groups, seeks public support to document sightings of grizzly bears in southwest British Columbia. Call the toll-free sightings hotline 1-855-GO-GRIZZ (1-855-464-7499 ) if you see a grizzly bear in southwest BC, or email us. Grizzly Bear Sighting? Email Us! In your message, please provide as much detail as possible. Include the date and time of your sighting(s), the location, number of bears or signs of bears you saw, if they were adult, juvenile or cubs and/or approximate size, what they bear was doing, and what made you think it was a grizzly bear or sign of grizzly bear activity. Please attach any photos or videos you have of the sighting. Upload File Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Submit Thanks for submitting! W hat We're Doing Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning collaborates with other groups working on grizzly bear conservation in southwestern BC like the Wildlife Branch of BC Ministry of Forests, the Joint Nations Grizzly Bear Initiative and Okanagan Nation Alliance - Grizzly Bear Recovery to share information. We encourage reporting of sightings from the general public by distributing informational posters at retail outlets, trailheads, public buildings and other facilities. Sighting reports are screened by trained personnel and forwarded on to partner organizations like BC government biologists who may follow up with field verification and utilize information in their work. Why? Grizzly bears are extremely rare in most of southwest BC, particularly in the Cascades and the eastern slopes of the Coast Range. The public is being asked to report sightings because every individual grizzly is important to these populations. The BC government lists grizzly bears in Cascades, Garibaldi/Pitt River, Stein/Nahatlatch Rivers and Squamish/Lillooet populations as “threatened.” Estimates indicate that there are fewer than 40 grizzly bears on the eastern slopes of the BC Coast Range and the Cascades in the area stretching from Lillooet to I-90 in Washington State, USA. Grizzly bears are slow to reproduce and slow to recover from low numbers. BC biologists and their counterparts from the US have worked together for years on grizzly bear science and recovery. We hope to invest citizens in a similar vein through citizen science monitoring. Every verified sighting contributes to our knowledge about SW BC’s grizzly bears which in turn helps us understand how vulnerable they are to local extinction. Hikers, climbers, hunters, fishers, photographers, loggers and ranchers – anyone who is recreating or working in the mountains can potentially contribute. The more solid information people have about grizzly bear abundance and distribution, the better their ability to monitor bear recovery. Call the toll-free sightings hotline (1-855-GO-GRIZZ or 1-855-464-7499) if you see a grizzly bear or signs of a grizzly in southwest BC. 

 For more information please visit: coasttocascades.org/sightings https://jointnationsgrizzlybear.com https://syilx.org/projects/ki%C9%82lawna%C9%82-grizzly-bear-recovery/