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Mountain Sports Gear Sale & Swap This annual event is to raise funds to support our charity’s work connecting people and nature, while simultaneously providing donated new and used outdoor recreation equipment and supplies at an affordable cost to help make mountain sports more accessible to more people. WHEN Saturday November 22, 2025 from 10am until 12 noon WHERE Silver Creek Elementary School gymnasium (63831 School Rd in Hope) Click here for map/directions. EVENT ENTRY COST FOR BUYERS $2 per person or $5 for a family, payable at the door Items sold by Hope Mountain Centre will all be priced to sell so be sure to not miss out on this heavily discounted sale! TABLE COST FOR SELLERS/SWAPPERS $25 per table (1 table and 2 chairs provided), max 2 people per table. For more details, please see below. This garage sale type of community event is a great way to come together, share and connect over a shared interest and passion for the great outdoors. The event will have music, food sales by donation, a 50-50 to win some cash, and lots of other fun stuff going on! Buyer Beware All goods sold and swapped are (i) used goods, (ii) sold on an ‘as is where is’ basis, (iii) sold without any express or implied warranties or conditions as to fitness or quality under the Sale of Goods Act or otherwise. Got Stuff to Donate? Contact Us! Got some old mountain sports gear laying around that you rarely use? Please consider donating it to us! All proceeds support all the great work we do connecting people and nature. Now is a great time to do a cleanout and support a local charity without donating any money, and supporting more people being able to able to get out and enjoy nature. What Can Be Donated We are looking for gear used for non-motorized and non-fishing/hunting sports. Included mountain sports/recreation activities include hiking, snowshoeing, trail running, camping, backpacking, mountain biking, gravel and road biking, bike packing, downhill skiing and snowboarding, nordic skiing, ski touring and splitboarding, ice skating, rock climbing, ice climbing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, packrafting, birding, wildlife viewing, and more. We ask that all donated items be clean, and in good or better, safe, usable condition. Items can be new or used. EXAMPLES OF GEAR WE'RE LOOKING FOR General gear/multi-sport Backpacks, headlamps, PLBs/satellite comms devices, multitools, hydration reservoirs, poles, guidebooks, roof racks, bike racks Clothing/Outerwear Gaitors, puffy jackets, rain jackets, rain pants, snow pants, baselayers, midlayers, gloves/mitts Hiking, trail running, snowshoeing, mountaineers Hiking shoes/boots, snowshoes, crampons, trail running shoes, backpacks, trail running vests, ice axes, Camping, backpacking Tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, trekking pack, camp stove, camp chair Mountain biking & gravel/road biking, bike packing, dehydrated meals Bikes, bells, lights, pumps, helmets, padding, shoes Skiing/snowboarding/Ice Skating Downhill skis/snowboard, Nordic/cross-country skis, backcountry skis, splitboard, ski/snowboard boots, poles, wax, tools, avalanche gear (inflatable backpack, transceiver, shovel), ice skates Rock climbing, ice climbing Harness, rope, rope bag/mat, carabiners, trad rack pieces, personal anchor, helmet, belay devices, chalk bag, Paddle sports (kayaking, canoeing, SUP, rafting) Canoes, kayaks, packrafts, SUPs, paddles, pfds Birding, wildlife viewing ID books, binoculars What Is NOT Accepted Excluded items include all things specific to: Motorized sports (offroading/overlanding, snowmobiling, motorized boating, etc) Indoor sports and activities (hockey, baseball, volleyball, weightlifting, cardio equipment, yoga items) Outdoor sports that don’t utilize mountains/use humanmade landscapes (soccer, tennis, golf, disc golf, volleyball, skateboarding) Hunting, fishing Any weapons If you're unsure, please contact us to confirm. How to Donate To make a donation, contact kperezdeleon@hopemountain.org or call/text (778) 918-4915 to arrange. Donations can be dropped off at Baker's Books located at 800 3rd Avenue in Hope anytime they are open until Thursday November 21, 2025. See their hours here or call them at (604) 869-5779 . For donations of large items, or a large load of multiple items, please contact us to meet you at the storage locker where items are being held. Tax Receipts for Donations We are happy to issue tax receipts for items with a fair market value (FMV) of $200+ per item . We have set that threshold on the higher side due to the labour-intensive/costly process that we are required to do determining FMV of used items and manually issuing tax receipts (see this CRA page for more info ) as Canada Revenue Agency requires us to issue a separate tax receipt for each individual item donated (see CRA Q/A21 ). That said, if there are one or more items near that amount, we are of course flexible so please get in touch to discuss. Notes Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning (HMCOL) keeps all revenue made from sales of donated items HMCOL has exclusive right to set price of items sold Unsold items may be picked up by donor at 12 noon on Saturday November 22nd, 2025. Most unsold and unclaimed items will be donated on after the event, with the exception of select items that HMCOL may choose to keep for future fundraising events. Want to sell your own stuff? See details below INFO FOR SELLERS/SWAPPERS COST $25 per table (1 table and 2 chairs provided), max 2 people per table. Sellers may set up on Friday November 21st from 4-6pm, and/or on Saturday November 22nd from 9am-10am. Please make sure to bring your own signage, pricing labels/stickers, and way to collect payment. All sales are between you and the buyer. There will be a couple feet of space between you and other seller tables that you can set up a couple racks or shelving in addition to your table space. There is no electrical outlet nearby. Ready to sign up as a seller? Please email Tunde to arrange at info@hopemountain.org or call/text 604-869-1274 Thank you! Huge thank you to Ms. Hughes of Silver Creek Elementary School for allowing us to hold the event in the school gym, Baker's Books for accepting donations for us, and to StorageMax for their generous donation of storage lockers to hold all the gear until the sale!

World Rivers Day Guided Paddle September 22, 2024 When: Sunday, September 22, 2024 Time: 8am-5pm Where: Fraser River, Hope to Agassiz Cost: Voyageur canoe space - $217/person Your own canoe or kayak - $150/person (Y outh under 18 are free but must be accompanied by a guardia n in the same boat) Register For more information or questions, please contact Tunde at info@hopemountain.org or 604-869-1274 Join our giant flotilla of canoes and kayaks travelling 40 km from Hope to Agassiz! We invite you to paddle with us and a team of river scientists, an Indigenous cultural guide, historians and naturalists who will all share their knowledge and different perspectives of the mighty Fraser River. Bring your own boat or hop aboard one of our large, guided Voyageur canoes. There’s something for all skill levels, and a motorized escort boat will keep everyone safe on the river. Along the way, you’ll visit the gravel bars, side channels, islands, and riparian forests that make this part of the Fraser so important to fish and wildlife. Mark Angelo, founder of World Rivers Day, calls this part of the river the “Heart of the Fraser” in honour of the ecological wealth found there. The Hope-to-Mission stretch produces up to 10 million pink salmon annually, and hundreds of thousands of chum salmon. No other part of the Fraser produces more fish. In fact, 30 species of fish are found here, including the largest population of sturgeon in Canada. As the population of this region continues to grow, it is increasingly important that we better understand and protect this incredibly important river. COST: Your own canoe or kayak - $150/person Voyageur canoe space - $217/person See “Skill Levels” below, to find out which travel option is best for you. Age limit: For the safety of everyone, kids 8 years old and older are welcome to participate in this program. Anyone age 18 and younger must be accompanied by parent/legal guardian on the same vessel. Price includes: Professional river guides Powered safety raft escort Bus transportation between Agassiz and Hope Educational tour Note: This is a self-catered event; bring your own drinks and packed lunch. Own canoe or kayak Participants will be paddling in a high-volume river. The stretch of river between Hope and our terminus at the Cheam Fishing Village & Campground is a mix of class 1 and class 2 water rapids so participants in their own boats must have river paddling experience and be physically able to independently manoeuvre their boats in turbulent water. Currents will assist paddling, so the trip is moderate in terms of physical demand. Participants will be getting in and out of the watercrafts by travelling across rocky, uneven river shore (there is no dock). If you choose to bring your own watercraft, please note that you are required* to bring your own safety gear as well. We will be checking to make sure everyone has brought: one life jacket/PFD for each person on board one bailer or manual bilge pump one sound signaling device, such as pealess whistle secure buoyancy fore and aft one buoyant heaving line at least 15 metres long *We reserve the right to turn away participants/watercrafts if deemed unsafe or the required equipment is absent. Participants’ registration fee less a $50 administration fee per person will be refunded. Voyageur These large canoes hold up to 20 paddlers and offer excellent stability. Each Voyageur is navigated by experienced river guides. Paddling is easy and no experience or special equipment is required. You’ll paddle the river as the Stó:lo and early settlers did! Participants will be expected to paddle, but we will be going down river with the river current so only a moderate physical fitness is required. Participants will need to be able to manoeuvre in and out of a large canoe, and walk in the water to the watercraft across rocky, uneven river shore. SKILL LEVELS AND PHYSICAL DEMAND: Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless we determine that it will affect the safety of participants. Itinerary: Sunday, September 22, 2024 8:00 AM - Check in beside the Fraser River on Wardle Street in Hope, followed by an introduction and safety talk. People with their own boats may drive directly to the launch area to unload there if vehicle is capable of driving over rock and sand. Otherwise, park on Wardle St and carry boats down. 9:00 AM – Flotilla of boats depart from Hope, traveling 40 km downriver to the Cheam Fishing Village, stopping for lunch and sights of interest along the way. Both guest speakers will address the group when we stop midday for lunch but be sure to stay within earshot of the Voyageur canoe to hear the guest speakers along the way. 5:00 PM – Arrive at destination. Shuttle bus takes participants back to Hope (25-minute drive). Staff watch over boats at the Cheam Fishing Village until participants return with their vehicles to load canoes/kayaks and head home. Be aware that times are approximate. Start and end times may vary depending on speed of the group, weather conditions, etc. What to bring: Participants should be prepared for the demands of changing weather and all belongings should be packed in waterproof bags (especially electronics!). This event is self-catered, please bring sufficient water for the day, lunch and snacks for yourself as needed. Hat, sunglasses and sunblock Sturdy footwear that you’re OK getting wet! —ie watershoes or secured sandals are good; wool socks inside old runners work well too Toque and gloves Rain jacket and rain pants Waterproof carrying bag Warm layers (non-cotton) String for glasses (it can get very windy!) Complete change of clothes Camera Binoculars Meet Your Guides Dianna and Karla Kay First Nations Knowledgekeepers Siyámíya tel skwíx. Te lítsel kw'e te Sq'éwqel. Kwelaxtelot tel álex. Latsullh ewesteleq, syélxt, qas te sxé:ylt te Halq'emeylemqel. My name is Dianna Kay and my sister Karla (the taller one). We are teachers, academics, researchers, and writers of Upriver Halq'eméylem. Jordan is a practicing fresh-water biologist who will show us some of the fish species found in the Lower Fraser. Look for Jordan’s beach seine net during the lunch break! Jordan Rosenfeld Freshwater Biologist Kristine Pérez de León 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 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.

Mt. Lincoln (Lynky) Trail Trail Stats Trailhead Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jznEKaynrrkYG6ob7 Round Trip Trail Distance in KM: 4.2 Elevation Gain in M: 584 Highest Point in M: 650 Dogs Allowed: Yes (on leash) 4 X 4 Needed: No Map & Elevation Profile Trail Access The trailhead and small dirt pulloff parking area are accessed off of Trans Canada Highway 1 in Yale just northeast of Toll Rd on the left side if you're heading up from Hope. There is a wooden trail sign. Here is the google map for the parking lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jznEKaynrrkYG6ob7 Dogs on-leash are permitted on the trail, but please be responsible to ensure they are leashed and under control, picked up after, and do not wander off the trail to disturb wildlife or the surrounding habitat. There is no toilet on or near this trail. When hiking every trail please practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out anything you pack in. Trail Description This is a very steep trail including one short scramble section where use of hands is required. There is a rope to assist. 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.

Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning (HMCOL) is a registered Canadian charity BN 818663940 RR0001 and BC society S004971. The focus of HMCOL is on increasing knowledge about and access to the outdoors. A strong connection to nature empowers people to make better choices that lead society toward environmental sustainability, improved physical and mental health, and enhanced sense of community. Who is Hope Mountain Centre? Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning (HMCOL) is a registered Canadian charity BN 818663940 RR0001 and BC society S004971 providing services, programs, and events on the traditiona l and unceded territories of the Stó:lō, Nlaka’pamux and Syilx/Okanagan Nations in the northern Cascade mountain range of southwestern British Columbia. Working with people of all ages and abilities, the focus of HMCOL is on increasing knowledge about and access to the outdoors. A strong connection to nature empowers people to make better choices that lead society toward environmental sustainability, improved physical and mental health, and enhanced sense of community. Hope Mountain Centre is a proud member of the Safe Space Alliance. History Originally registered as a society on September 19, 2005 as a Fraser-Cascade School District program called “Hope Mountain School,” on February 25, 2008 the organization split into two distinct groups: Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning and Fraser-Cascade Mountain School (FCMS). FCMS continues as an outdoor experience program run by School District 78. Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning became a registered charity on June 23, 2009 to reflect its wider audience and range of programs. HMCOL still provides education programs in schools, and also leads outdoor programs for the general public, carries out numerous local conservation projects, as well as building, restoring and maintaining heritage and community hiking trails in the region.

Hope Mountain Centre provides free programming to all schoolchildren from StrongStart to grade 6 in every school within SD78. The curriculum we've created reflects the unique ecology and human history of our region. Each program addresses specific learning objectives for each grade level, as defined by the provincial curriculum guide. Environmental Education School Programs Hope Mountain Centre believes getting children outside with direct experience in nature gives them a stronger connection to the outdoors, improves their physical and emotional health, and guides them toward better stewardship of the ecosystems where they live. Hope Mountain Centre provides free programming to all schoolchildren from StrongStart to grade 6 in every school within SD78. The curriculum we've created reflects the unique ecology and human history of our region. Each program addresses specific learning objectives for each grade level, as defined by the provincial curriculum guide. Our outdoor programs emphasize place-based, experiential learning, encouraging students to engage with their senses and learn with fun, hands-on activities. Below is an overview of the programs we offer. Environmental Education School Programs Salmon Story Age 0 - 5 Young Stewards of our Forests Grade 3 Skagit Valley Camp Grade 6 Beaver Tales Grade 1 Young Stewards of our Wetlands Grade 4 Insects Grade 2 Young Stewards of our Watersheds Grade 5 Book a Program If you would like to learn more, or book a prog ram for your class, please email our Outdoor Educator Claire at cgrantham@hopemountain.org , or call/text 403-895-4121. Note that each class Pre-K to Grade 6 in SD78 receives one free program each school year. While we reach out directly to schools and teachers each September and January to book, s paces fill up fast so be sure to get in touch at your earliest convenience. New teacher with SD78? Check out our New Teacher Info Package . Not a public school class Pre-K to Grade 6 in SD78? We also provide programs to private schools, homeschool groups, classes outside the district, and other groups if and when we're able to for a small honora rium. Priority is given to groups located in the underserved Hope, Cascades and Canyons region. Space is very limited so please contact us to discuss further. Where We Work While parts of some programs happen in the classroom, most of our programs are held outdoors in nature. Below are the locations we work at most frequently. Thacker Regional Park, Hope Thacker Regional Park, including Sucker’s Creek wetlands, is a nine hectare regional park in Hope. The area includes crucial spawning and rearing channels for coho, pink, and chum salmon, a one kilometre-long trail for all ages, interpretive signage and toilet facilities. Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park, Rosedale Cheam Lake Wetlands is a 93 hectare regional park located near the SD78 towns of Agassiz and Harrison. There are approximately 2 kilometres of trails with raised walkways and an elevated viewing platform, which are ideal learning stages for youth of all ages. Facilities in the Cheam Lake area include an information shelter, toilets, seasonal running water and an information kiosk. Both wetland areas host a multitude of birds, insects, amphibians, mammals and wetland plants. Hope, Agassiz and Boston Bar are all communities located on the Fraser River which drains the largest watershed in British Columbia. Other key watershed systems in our area include the Skagit and Chehalis Rivers. These rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands and forests provide outdoor classrooms for our students as they explore and come to understand the value of a healthy natural environment. Program Partners Thanks to generous community partnerships, we are able to provide all of our school programs free of charge. The Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission provides funding for the Grade 6 Skagit Valley Camp. The TELUS Friendly Future Foundation provided funding most recently in 2025 to fund all grade levels of our environmental education school programs from StrongStart to Grade 6. Primo Brands most recently provided funding for our Grade 4 Young Stewards of our Wetlands and Grade 5 Young Stewards of our Watersheds programs. Local School District 78 Fraser-Cascade shares our commitment to outdoor education and currently funds Strong Start, Kindergarten, Grade 1, 2 and 3 programs, and contributes in-kind resources such as teachers and parent chaperones. Land agencies such as Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) provides access to diverse landscapes needed for fieldtrip activities. We are so grateful to work with many community volunteers who provide crucial program support.

Volunteer with Hope Mountain Centre! There are many ways you can get involved including hiking trail building and maintenance, co-lead a guided mountain adventure, help out with our environmental education school programs, help out on the Hope Mountain Black Bear Committee and more. Volunteer with us! Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and the causes you care about. It's also a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and gain valuable work experience. Read below for current priorities. If you would like to learn more or express interest in volunteering with us, please contact us at info@hopemountain.org or call/text (604) 869-1274. If you're ready to get started, you can email us a completed volunteer registration form . Priority Areas GUEST SPEAKERS Do you have an area of expertise related to Hope Mountain Centre's mission ? We are always looking to collaborate. TRAILS Help build and maintain local trails in and around Hope. Learn more about our trail work here . OUTDOOR RECREATION Help us lead education-focused mountain recreation programs. Learn more about this program area here . ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION SCHOOL PROGRAMS Help us deliver environmental education school programs to kids from StrongStart through grade 6 throughout School District 78. Learn more about this program area here . COMMUNICATIONS Are you a social media guru? Do you have experience using Mailchimp or Wix or Canva? Copywriting or designing using other programs? We'd love to hear from you! FUNDRAISING Do you have experience grant writing? Donor relations? Or maybe you're just an excellent writer, or an outgoing person who loves socializing? We could use your help! WATER QUALITY MONITORING Help us monitor water quality throughout the Upper Skagit Watershed. Learn more about this program area here . ADMINISTRATION Do you love organization? Data entry? Whether you're looking to gain experience, or you're looking to impart your many years of experience, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at info@hopemountain.org or call/text (604) 869-1274. Join our Board Do you want to help direct the strategic path of Hope Mountain Centre? Consider sharing your skills by joining our Board of Directors . Contact our Board Chair Robyn Barker at rbarker@hopemountain.org to learn more. Volunteer Internship Looking to gain school credit, or work abroad experience? We are happy to host volunteer interns. We can not provide accommodation nor visas, and we do not have an office to work from so all internships are remote work opportunities and require use of your own computer and mobile device. If you are local to the Hope area, we can meet in person regularly. Contact kperezdeleon [at] hopemountain [dot] org to discuss.

There are many ways you can donate to Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning. A tax receipt will be provided for every donation unless you specify otherwise. Hope Mountain Centre is a registered Canadian charity (BN 818663940 RR0001 ) with the Canada Revenue Agency and BC Society S0049715. Ways to Donate “Never doubt that a small group of concerned citizens can c hange the world. In deed it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead There are many ways you can donate to Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning. A tax receipt will be provided for every donation unless you specify otherwise. Donate Online via CanadaHelps Click the button below to donate online. You will receive a tax receipt immediately by donating. Hope Mountain Centre is a registered Canadian charity (BN 818663940 RR0001 ) with the Canada Revenue Agency and BC Society S0049715. You can find our information on the CRA website . Ther e, as well as in our Annual Reports , you can view detailed financial statements showing where every dollar went. OTHER WAYS TO GIVE Join our Monthly Giving Club By setting up a recurring monthly payment, you can help create financial sustainability for our organization knowing we have a set amount of revenue coming it. It can help make your annual giving more financially manageable also to break up a large total into smaller monthly payments. Choose any amount you want, and cancel anytime. No strings attached! MAKE A MONTHLY GIFT Send us an Interac E-Transfer Send us a donation right from your bank account by sending us an Interac E-Transfer. Simply send to info@hopemountain.org and it will be automatically deposited. Memorial Gifts If you would like to make an in memory or honour gift, please click the link below and you will be directed to our CanadaHelps donation page. You will be given an opportunity to include a special message along with the name of your loved one. At your request, we will send the family a card letting them know of your in-memory gift or in honour of gift. MAKE A MEMORIAL/HONOUR GIFT Legacy Gifts Looking to leave a legacy? There are many ways you can make a significant contribution to nature conservation including deferred gifts through insurance policies, annuities, bequests, gifts in kind such as interests in land and more. Please consult with your financial advisor and lawyer. If you have already included Hope Mountain Centre in your estate plan, please feel free to let us know. Mail a Cheque You can mail us a cheque. Please make it payable to Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning and mail to: PO Box 115 Hope, BC V0X 1L0 Donate via PayPal or Credit Card. Send us a donation via your PayPal account, a variety of credit cards, Apple Pay, or e-Transfer. Return It Bring your returnables to a Return It depot near you and donate the funds by selecting Hope Mountain Centre as the recipient. Our referral link is https://app.return-it.ca/hopemountaincentreforoutdoorlearning Buy Tru Earth Products 20% of all Tru Earth product purchases made through our link https://tru-earth.sjv.io/hopemountaincentre are donated to Hope Mountain Centre. Visit the website to order online. Tru Earth, a local BC, Canada business, sells a variety of sustainably packaged, eco-friendly cleaning products from laundry detergent, stain remover and fabric softener, to dishwasher tablets. Visit https://tru-earth.sjv.io/hopemountaincentre to learn more and purchase products that support Hope Mountain Centre.

Indigenous Youth Outdoors Rooted in the heart of the Upper Skagit Watershed, our Indigenous Youth Outdoors program is a dedicated space for reclaiming connections to ancestral lands. While Indigenous engagement is woven into the fabric of everything we do, this specialized program area funded by the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission focuses on helping to facilitate Indigenous Knowledge Keepers to lead the next generation in and about their traditional territories. Through land-based learning and ancestral teachings, we help create a journey of discovery that transcends typical outdoor recreation. This is about identity, stewardship, and the enduring spirit of the Upper Skagit. Program Highlights Our programming is guided by the seasons and the wisdom of local Elders, offering youth hands-on experience in activities like: Traditional Plant Walks: Identifying, harvesting, and understanding the medicinal and nutritional properties of local flora. Outdoor Survival Skills: Blending modern safety with traditional navigation and land-literacy. Oral Histories: Learning the deep history of the watershed through storytelling passed down through generations. Cultural Artistry: Immersive workshops in cedar weaving, drum making, and other artistic expressions of heritage. Why the Upper Skagit? The Upper Skagit Watershed isn't just a location; it is a relative. By bringing youth into these specific landscapes, we support the vital work of cultural continuity, ensuring that the stories and skills tied to these waters and mountains remain vibrant and lived. "We don't just walk on the land; we listen to it. This program is about giving our youth the tools to hear what the Upper Skagit has been saying for millennia." Upcoming & Past Programs/Events Women's Introduction to Backpacking 2026 (SOLD OUT) email for waitlist tmurphy@hopemountain.org Fri, Jun 26 Stein Valley Nlaka'pamux Heritage Park More info Details Nlaka'pamux Family Camp in the Skagit DemEEwuh Sun, Aug 24 Ross Lake Group Campground More info Details Finger Weaving: Weaving Through Time Sat, Mar 22 The Art Machine More info Details

Skagit Valley Bird Blitz When: May 10-12, 2024 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 After a long forced hiatus due to the pandemic followed by the flooding of 2021, we are excited to host the 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. Itinerary: Friday, May 10, 2024 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 11, 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 – Kelly Pearce will present an introduction to the Skagit Valley, exploring topics from its natural history, human history, as well as the marvels of its valuable habitat. Sunday, May 12, 2024 Morning – More birding will take place in the areas not covered on Saturday, with participants leaving Sunday afternoon. Please note that some birding areas might be inaccessible due to flood damage. HMC team will assess the areas as soon as the Silver-Skagit Road is open. 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 and/or Sunday 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 Denis Knopp is the principal of B.C.'s Wild Heritage Environmental Consultants. He has 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. 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! 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.

The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is an annual tradition at the Clarke Theatre in Mission, BC. This film screening brings and stories of adventure and exploration, with tales of remote journeys, ground-breaking expeditions, and remarkable achievements, told by adventurers, photographers, authors, and filmmakers from around the world. Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival Film screening at the Clarke Theatre in Mission, BC Monday and Tuesday December 1 & 2, 2025 Doors: 7:00pm, Show: 7:30pm Clarke Theatre 33700 Prentis Ave, Mission, BC V2V 7B1 The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is an annual tradition at the Clarke Theatre . Bringing and stories of adventure and exploration, with tales of remote journeys, ground-breaking expeditions, and remarkable achievements, told by adventurers, photographers, authors, and filmmakers from around the world. Tickets are $20 per person for general admission. $5 for students. Hope Mountain Centre receives 50% of all tickets sale revenue purchased through the links below to help carry out our work connecting people and nature. BUY TICKETS MONDAY DECEMBER 1st: click here TUESDAY DECEMBER 2nd: click here COME SEE HOPE MOUNTAIN CENTRE! We'll be there with a table set up so you can learn all about the programs and projects we're working on to connect people and nature.

Our Salmon Story programs reach young children and parents with indoor and outdoor experiences. We give kids the chance to touch real artifacts such as skulls and pelts, and we use entertaining props such as puppets and scale models to convey concepts. Salmon Story Ages 0 - 5 Salmon Story programs reach young children and parents with indoor and outdoor experiences. We often partner with the StrongStart program happening in our region. Contact us for more information about educational programs we can do for your group by reaching out to our Outdoor Educator Claire at cgrantham@hopemountain.org , or call/text 403-895-4121. Ages : 0–5

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/