Editor:
I am encouraged to see that the Williams Lake Field Naturalists (WLFN) have welcomed some new directors to their board. Those dedicated souls are no doubt are aware that Scout Island is a treasure worth saving.
They also know that volunteers are essential to nearly every aspect of its operation.
Do you enjoy walking the trails that wind through such a wide range of ecosystems? Volunteers maintain them, clearing fallen wood, building walkways like the skookum new one to Otter Point, repairing structures, pulling weeds and replacing them with native species, cleaning out bird boxes and filling feeders, even picking up cigarette butts (really??)
Behind the scenes, volunteers are donating time to keep track of finances, support children’s programs, organize fundraisers, produce an always-interesting newsletter, and more.
If you’ve ever attended a fascinating nature talk, family event or WLFN field trip, you’ve benefited from the generosity of volunteers.
Thing is, when I started working at Scout Island 16 years ago, many of the volunteers were nearing or past retirement age. Yet many of them are still at it! But relying on the elders, dedicated though they are, is not sustainable. They are tired and have begun to step down.
Can you find a way to help Scout Island continue providing a sanctuary where you engage with the never-ending, ever-changing miracles of nature? Could you take the kids out for an hour now and then to pull or dig weeds? Can you write a letter to the city, expressing your appreciation for Scout Island? Could you become a member of the Field Naturalists to support the amazing gift of nature in the middle of our city?
There’s just too much to lose if the community doesn’t care.
Jenny Noble
Horsefly
READ MORE: LETTER: My take on the Williams Lake city budget
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