The Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society (FoKLSS) is inviting residents, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts to gather later this month for the 10th Annual Kootenay Lake Summit, a community-driven event celebrating environmental stewardship and collective action for the region’s ecosystem.
Set for Saturday, October 25, 2025, the summit will be held at Harrop Hall from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m., with doors opening at 5:00 p.m.. This year’s theme, “Stewardship in Action,” reflects FoKLSS’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities to protect and restore the Kootenay Lake watershed.
A Decade of Local Stewardship
The Kootenay Lake Summit has grown into a cornerstone event for environmental collaboration in the Columbia Basin. Now marking its tenth year, the gathering provides a platform for sharing research, restoration strategies, and community-led projects aimed at strengthening the health and resilience of the lake ecosystem.
“The Summit is about more than just learning — it’s about taking what we learn and turning it into real, local action,” said Grace Sabo, event coordinator for FoKLSS. “We want the Summit to spark action. By sharing real, local examples of stewardship, we hope to inspire others to get involved.”
The 2025 edition will highlight ongoing initiatives across the region, including efforts to rehabilitate wetland habitats, preserve biodiversity, and address the growing impacts of climate change.
Spotlight on the Harrop Wetlands
A highlight of the evening will be a walking tour of the Harrop (Sunshine Bay) Wetlands, where FoKLSS and local residents are actively restoring vital wetland ecosystems. The area serves as an important habitat for amphibians, migratory birds, and native plant species, making it a focal point for regional conservation efforts.
Speakers at the event will include Robin Louie of the Ktunaxa Nation, who will discuss Indigenous approaches to stewardship and cultural connections to the land; Andrea McKenzie, representing the Harrop Wetlands Project, who will outline the community’s progress in restoring the wetlands; and Jakob Dulisse, a wildlife biologist known for his work on amphibians, reptiles, and birds in the Kootenay region.
Each will share insights on how collaboration between scientists, local residents, and Indigenous knowledge keepers is shaping a more sustainable future for Kootenay Lake and its surrounding environment.
An Evening of Learning, Music, and Community
Beyond the educational programming, the summit will feature live music by Eva Tree, a local artist known for her folk-inspired sound, along with a community meal and opportunities for attendees to connect with others who share a passion for environmental stewardship.
FoKLSS organizers describe the evening as an engaging blend of education and celebration — a space for both reflection and forward-looking dialogue. “The use of storytelling, music, and shared meals helps build the sense of community that makes stewardship work possible,” said one volunteer.
Over the years, the summit has rotated among various Kootenay Lake communities, each year highlighting new environmental challenges and achievements across the watershed. This approach, according to FoKLSS, ensures that local projects receive attention and that residents across the region remain engaged in the broader stewardship network.
Supported by Regional Partners
The 2025 Kootenay Lake Summit is supported by several key partners, including Columbia Basin Trust, RDCK Redi Grants, Columbia Power, FWCP, NDCU, Teck, and BC Gaming. Their contributions make the annual event possible and reinforce the growing collaboration between community organizations, industry, and government in addressing environmental sustainability.
Tickets for the event are available online at Zeffy.com. Those interested in supporting the initiative further can contact coordinator Grace Sabo at [email protected] or by phone at (250) 777-2744.
Looking Ahead
As FoKLSS celebrates a decade of stewardship gatherings, the organization remains focused on building lasting environmental awareness across generations. The Summit’s 2025 theme — Stewardship in Action — serves as both a reflection of the progress made and a call to continue the work ahead.
For residents around Kootenay Lake and throughout the Columbia Basin, the event offers a reminder that protecting the region’s natural beauty requires the ongoing commitment of communities, partners, and individuals alike.
