Lillooet River Watershed Interpretive Centre

Our vision is to provide a watershed-based educational experience that fosters a deep connection to nature that inspires ecologically sustainable behaviour transferrable into daily life actions.  In simpler terms, we want to get people in touch with the wonders in their backyard. Our ultimate goal is to build the Pemberton Eco-Interpretive Centre which will be the hub for these activities. The 2008 FSWP funding enabled us to accomplish our priority goals: piloting our outdoor children’s education programming based around Pacific salmon; developing interpretive signage for the One Mile Lake; and to raise the profile of the Eco-Interpretive Centre.

The education programs were extremely successful with 153 registered participants. We incorporated nature walks with engaging stations such as fish trapping, aquatic invertebrate surveys, and many salmon-based games adapted from existing programming. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

Our four interpretive signs turned out wonderfully! Black Cat Graphics has produced incredibly vivid and expressive signs from our original vision. The first three signs focused on local salmon populations, One Mile Lake ecosystem and the Lillooet River Watershed, and was a collaborative effort between Stewardship Pemberton and the Village of Pemberton. The fourth sign was designed by the Lil’wat Culture, Heritage and Language Authority which adds an incredible depth to the information portrayed.

Our final goal was to raise the profile of the Eco-Interpretive Centre. We participated with information booths at local festivals where in total we had exposure to over 3000 people. We hosted the BC Rivers Day celebration which attracted close to 50 people and raised almost $1000 through silent auction and BBQ donations. And finally we were able to make contacts with local builders willing to donate materials and reduce construction costs, as well as local foundations that are willing to commit funds once we are closer to our goal.