BC Small Wetlands Association (formerly the New Beginnings Benevolent Society) is a Multicultural Conservation Organization established by a group of community spirited professionals from diverse backgrounds. We came together to promote social cohesion and the sharing of traditional ecological knowledge through educational outreach programs for youth at risk, accessible and inclusive of people with varying abilities. Since 2010 our teams have managed and resourced a broad spectrum of programs that link our focus areas:
– Ecological initiatives that blend Secwepemc Traditional Ecological Knowledge and western science
– Arts and cultural programs that focus on the well being of participants and help to celebrate their natural heritage.
Our programs are offered at no cost to the participants. We often bridge the gaps where participants do not meet eligibility requirements for other programs. We know how to connect the dots and do whatever is necessary to make a program succeed.
In 2017 we acquired two acres of land on a fifteen year lease, renewable in perpetuity, at a hobby farm in Spallumcheen. Programs have been underway since May 2017 as part of a Five Year Plan to create a wetland nature park and restore the land to the way it was 150 years ago. In 2018 the first wetland pond was created with volunteer help for riparian planting and the introduction of culturally important native trees and shrubs. An interpretive pavilion and contemporary kekuli is planned for the site in 2021-2022.
For more information on our programs contact: Barb Craven, Program Manager at 250-546-5021 or e-mail: info@new-beginnings-here.ca
