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

Hope Mountain Centre delivers educational programs across a range of areas including programs and events open to the general public, environmental education programs in the class and out in the field with schoolchildren, connecting Indigenous youth with their land, and naturalist programs and presentations at E.C. Manning Provincial Park. Educational Programs Hope Mountain Centre delivers educational programs across a range of areas including programs and events open to the general public, environmental education programs in the class and out in the field with schoolchildren, connecting Indigenous youth with their land, and naturalist programs and presentations at E.C. Manning Provincial Park. Public Programs & Events School Programs Indigenous Youth Outdoors Manning Park Interpretation Programs

Hope Rotary Trail Trail Stats Trailhead Location: https://g.co/kgs/Bf1Gj5X Round Trip Trail Distance in KM: 1.4 Elevation Gain in M: minimal Highest Point in M: 50m Dogs Allowed: Yes (on leash) 4 X 4 Needed: No Map & Elevation Profile Trail Access The trailhead and gravel parking area are accessed off of 7th Ave at the corner of Wardle St. by the trail kiosk (sign). The trail can also be accessed from Golf Course Rd, as well as the corner of Olson Ave and Park St. Here is the google map for the parking lot: https://g.co/kgs/Bf1Gj5X 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 a garbage can and dog poo bags available at the trailhead. 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 Hope’s busiest trail as it is a beautifully scenic, short, flat path right in town that travels through the forest alongside the Coquihalla River at the confluence of the Fraser River. You’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the rivers, Ogilvie Mountain, and lots of wildlife including beavers, eagles, snakes and bears. Other Trails Nearby Trail Reports To report an issue with the trail, please contact the District of Hope as we do not manage this trail. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

World Rivers Day Guided Paddle September 28, 2025 When: Sunday, September 28, 2025 Time: 8am-5pm Where: Fraser River, Hope to Agassiz Cost for Hope and Area B residents (see map for included areas): Voyageur canoe space - $49/person (limited spots available) Your own canoe or kayak - $19/person (18 and younger free*) Cost for everyone else (non-Hope or Area B residents): Voyageur canoe space - $217/person (limited spots available) Your own canoe or kayak - $150/person (18 and younger free*) (Y outh under 18 are free but must be accompanied by a parent/guardia n in the same boat) For more information or questions, please contact Tunde at info@hopemountain.org or 604-869-1274 Register Join our giant flotilla of canoes and kayaks travelling 40 kms from Hope to Agassiz celebrating the 20th Anniversary of World Rivers Day! We invite you to paddle with us and a team of river scientists, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, 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! A motorized escort boat will join us to help keep everyone safe on the river. This year we are thrilled to share that thanks to generous funding provided by Fraser Health, Hope and Area B residents will be able to participate at a greatly reduced cost. Thanks to their support, we are able to connect more Hope residents with nature, and make our annual World Rivers Day paddle event more financially accessible. 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, and this year, the miraculous return of sockeye 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 and as we’ve all been seeing in the news, this is a record year! As the population of this region continues to grow, it is increasingly important that we better understand and protect this incredibly important river, making this event more important than ever. COST: Voyageur canoe space - $217/person Your own canoe or kayak - $150/person Special discounted pricing this year for residents of Hope and Area B (See map f or geographic boundaries of Hope and Area B): Voyageur canoe space - $49/person (limited spots available) Your own canoe or kayak - $19/person (18 and younger free*) 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 Zodiak escort Bus transportation between Agassiz and Hope Educational tour Snacks at check-in 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 maneuver 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 manual propelling device or anchor with at least 15 metres of rope, cable or chain *We reserve the right to turn away participants/watercrafts if deemed unsafe or the required equipment is absent. Participants’ registration fee less a 25% 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 maneuver 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 28, 2025 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 kms 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 Yvette John Indigenous Knowledge Keeper 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! Yvette lives in Hope, British Columbia, and she carries her traditional name White-Plume-Woman, meaning “close to the heart.” She is a member of Chawathil First Nation, based in the Hope area, which is part of the larger Stó:lo cultural grouping that encompasses the Lower Fraser Watershed from Spuzzum to Musqueam. Stó:lo means “People of the River.” Yvette has studied and worked alongside elders, spiritual healers, botanists, and people of many different cultures and academic disciplines. She has skills in archaeology, story telling, traditional plants, Salish weaving, spiritual cleansing, and sweat lodge ceremony. Jordan Rosenfeld Freshwater Biologist Meg 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-aid 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. Meg Turner HMCOL Program 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.

Alexandra Bridge trail Alexandra Bridge Trail Trail Stats Trailhead Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yWmWi57ns5zVoKBfA Round Trip Trail Distance in KM: 1.8 Elevation Gain in M: 73 Dogs Allowed: Yes (on leash) 4 X 4 Needed: No Trail Access The trailhead and parking lot are located on the west side of TransCanada Highway 1 near Yale. Here is the google map for the parking lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yWmWi57ns5zVoKBfA Dogs on-leash 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 just outside the town of Hope. There are outhouses near the parking lot. When hiking every trail please practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out anything you pack in. Trail Description Stay tuned for more info to be updated soon Note there is 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 . 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.

Spirit Caves Trail Trail Stats Trailhead Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jznEKaynrrkYG6ob7 Round Trip Trail Distance in KM: 7 Elevation Gain in M: 600 Highest Point in M: 600 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 just before you reach the town of Yale. It is on your left side if you're heading up from Hope. There is a wooden trail sign. Here is the google map for the parking area: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dJqp5U4xC37xU8gv8 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 section with a bit of exposure on a steep hillside. Caution is required, especially during wet conditions. Prior to this, you will cross a small stream where there is no bridge. There is also quite a bit of overgrowth to be aware of. The caves are located past the top lookout area with bench. Other Trails Nearby Trail Reports 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.

Jobs Available jobs will be listed below. Feel free to subscribe to our e-news to receive an email when new jobs become available. You can also follow our social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram . Current Jobs Not currently hiring. Summer Jobs TRAIL CREW Every winter/spring, we hire trail crew members and trail crew leaders to work throughout the summer months to help us build and maintain trails in and around Hope. Positions typically begin in May/June and finish August/September. 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. Learn more about trail work on our Trails webpage . Contact our Trails Director Kelly Pearce at kpearce@hopemountain.org or call (604) 869-0166 to express interest. MANNING PARK INTERPRETERS Every winter/spring, we hire naturalists to work throughout the summer months as park interpreters living on site at E.C. Manning Provincial Park. Positions typically begin in May/June and finish August/September. Often these positions are funded by the Canada Summer Jobs program, requiring positions to be filled by persons aged 15 to 30 years. Learn more about this program area on our Manning Park Interpretation webpage and on the Manning Park Resort webpage . Contact the hiring manager Jo Hughes at jo@manningpark.com to express interest. Volunteer Learn more about volunteer opportunities with Hope Mountain Centre on our volunteer webpage .

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. Hope Mountain Centre has several areas in which volunteers can become involved. If you would like to learn more, please contact us at info@hopemountain.org or call/text (604) 869-1274. If you're ready to get started, please fill out the form below: Other ways to volunteer or get involved 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. Guest Speakers Do you have an area of expertise related to Hope Mountain Centre's mission ? We are always looking to collaborate. 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! 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. 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.

Read all about what Hope Mountain Centre gets up to each year. Each document recaps our organization's accomplishments and challenges each year. Annual Reports 2025 Annual Report 2022 Annual Report 2024 Annual Report 2023 Annual Report 2021 Annual Report

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.

Stargazing in the Skagit January 31, 2025 When: Friday, January 31, 2025 Time: 7pm-10pm Where: Sunshine Valley RV Resort Cost: $69/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 Let’s rediscover the night sky through the eyes of astronomers! Join Hope Mountain Centre & the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada to experience the magic of the “Dark Sky Highway.” The evening will include an “Intro the Beginners Astronomy” presentation, build your own star wheel activity, a presentation about light pollution abatement, and hands-on telescope observation! Price Includes: Two presentations by the Royal Astronomical Society of Vancouver: “Introduction to Beginners Astronomy” & “Light Pollution Abatement” Building your own star wheel to take home Use of telescopes and instruction on use Hot chocolate and apple cider Physical Demand: Easy. The hands on activity will take place at the field beside the Sunshine Valley RV Resort. No hiking involved. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless we determine that it will affect the safety of participants. Itinerary: Friday, January 31, 2025 7:00 PM: Check-in at the Great Room at the Sunshine Valley RV Resort (14850 Alpine Blvd, Hope, BC) MAP 7: 15 PM: Watch Intro to Beginners Astronomy presentation from our guest speakers from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) Build star wheels with the RASC volunteers Light Pollution Abatement presentation 8:15 PM: Head outside to learn how to use the telescopes 9:45PM: We will take a few moments to share what we learned and enjoyed about the evening with our guest speakers from RASC 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 outside in nature, you should always carry The Essentials At a minimum, participants will need the following for this outing: Required Gear Headlamp (with red light if possible!) A spare set of batteries or power bank and cord for your headlamp Water (at least 1 litre per person) Waterproof footwear with good grip Warm winter clothes (no cotton as the first layer against your skin), including jacket, thing, gloves/mitts, toque, warm socks Meet Your Guides Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Founded in 1868, The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada is Canada's leading astronomy organization, bringing together over 5,000 enthusiastic amateurs, educators, and professionals. www.rasc.ca Guest Speakers: Leigh Cummings - RASC Vancouver and LPA Chair Gordon Bosch - RASC Vancouver and Councillor At Large Norm Taylor - RASC Fraser Valley Meg Turner Program Director Program Director, Meg Turner, considers our wild spaces her second home. Raised in the Girl Guiding community and an active outdoor family, she feels comfortable leading others and sharing her passion for the outdoors. With multiple first-aiding certifications, including Remote First Aid, participants can feel safe exploring the trails with her. Having recently completed her BC Adventure Smart training, Meg will surely prepare everyone well for safe outdoor programs. She is stoked to head out into the wilderness with you hiking, snowshoeing, paddling, camping - whatever fun activity we have planned, she’s in her element and excited to create a memorable place-based learning experience with you. Cancellation: Sorry no refunds! You can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know as we need registration information from everyone. A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund of program fees. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants. Hope Mountain Centre reserves the right to change the location of a program for the safety of our participants and staff. No refund is offered when location is changed. Additional information: Liability Waiver Everyone ages 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions. Informed Consent Form Everyone, age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parents or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program. Special thanks to our sponsor(s): Program Partner(s):

Hope Mountain aka Mount Hope Hope Mountain aka Mount Hope/Mt Hope Trail Stats Trailhead Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4DBTWKdNZhRaTomu6 Round Trip Trail Distance in KM: 9.3 Elevation Gain in M: 808 Highest Point in M: 1820 Dogs Allowed: Yes (on leash) 4 X 4 Needed: Yes Map & Elevation Profile Trail Access The trailhead and parking lot are located at the top of Mt. Hope Forest Service Road, accessed off of the Crowsnest Highway 3. The dirt and gravel road is steep in some sections with occasional ditches requiring a vehicle with clearance to make it up. Here is the google map for the parking lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4DBTWKdNZhRaTomu6 The parking lot is the same for both the Hope Mountain and Wells Peak trails. Dogs on-leash 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 just outside the town of Hope. There is a pit toilet ("loo with a view") at the top of the trail. When hiking every trail please practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out anything you pack in. Trail Description Stay tuned for more info to be updated soon At the top of the trail be sure to fill out the logbook. Note there is 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 . Trail Work Hope Mountain Centre's trail team continues to maintain the trail each year thanks to funding support from the District of Hope 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.