You are Invited! Please mark your calendars and join us Friday September 18th, 5-7pm at the Tilted Brick Art Gallery for the Opening Night of 'Healing Forests: In honour of what forests give us. There you will be able to experience juried art pieces: sculpture, video, felt, painting, drawing, and other mediums. We are proud of the partnership and the project coming to life after 15 months of planning. The art pieces are from artists throughout the Kootenays who not only shared their art piece but their exploration of the concept with their 'Artist Statements' which you will be able to read at the show. Creston Community Forest in partnership with the Tilted Brick Gallery, presents Healing Forest: In honour of what Forests give us, a juried exhibition exploring the many ways forests shape our lives ecologically, economically, culturally, emotionally and recreationally. The exhibition celebrates artistic reflections on the vital and often intangible gifts forests give us.

You are Invited! Please join us this Friday September 18th, 5-7pm at the Tilted Brick Gallery for the Opening Night of 'Healing Forests: In honour of what forests give us’. There you will be able to experience juried art pieces: sculpture, video, felt, painting, drawing, and other mediums. We are proud to see this partnership and project come to life after 15 months of planning. The exhibition features works by artists throughout the Kootenays, each bringing their own perspective and creative interpretation to the theme of Healing Forests: In Honour of What Forests Give Us. Along with their artwork, each artist has shared an Artist Statement that explores the inspiration, meaning, and personal connection behind their piece. These statements will be displayed alongside the artwork, giving visitors an opportunity to discover more about each artist’s creative journey and their relationship with the forest. A portion from an artist statement: “…What I discovered was that this connection to the forest was inseparable from a connection to my own True Self. The forest didn’t just offer shade or beauty; it offered a mirror. In its ancient silence, I could hear something reverberating from within, an inner voice I had long forgotten...” We look forward to sharing these art works and the stories behind them with you, artists, Tilted Brick Gallery members, our Board Members and the Creston Community Forest Team. Creston Community Forest in partnership with the Tilted Brick Gallery, presents Healing Forest: In honour of what Forests give us, a juried exhibition exploring the many ways forests shape our lives ecologically, economically, culturally, emotionally and recreationally. The exhibition celebrates artistic reflections on the vital and often intangible gifts forests give us. *All details are found on the above attached image in this email post.

Kootenay River Secondary School students and their Grade 10 & 11 science teacher, Erich Meyer, for a field day of learning and exploration on October 27th, 2025. The Creston Community Forest (CCF) is pleased to invite applications for a $5,000.00 educational bursary supporting students pursuing post-secondary studies in Forestry or Environmental Science. As a not-for-profit forest management organization overseeing more than 21,000 hectares of forest lands surrounding the Creston Valley. Through this bursary, CCF hopes to encourage students who are interested in advancing their education in forestry or environmental fields through technical programs, college, or university studies. Supporting education in these areas helps strengthen our community’s connection to sustainable forest management and ensures the next generation continues the work of protecting and understanding our natural landscapes. About Ralph Moore: June 12, 1945 - April 16, 2015.Ralph was born in 1945 in Kimberley B.C., growing up between the Purcells and the Rockies creating a love for the mountains. His father, Jack, took him on countless wilderness hikes and as a result Ralph shared his passion for the wild with hundreds of people over the years, knowing that protection begins with appreciation. He was especially pleased with the opportunity to protect the forests on Goat Mountain by establishing a Woodlot. He was proud of the work of the local Community Forest Corporation and was a founding member of the environmental group that eventually became Wildsight. He donated hours of his life to assisting individuals and groups in whatever ways he could. We continue to honour him with this educational bursary. CCF is requesting applications from individuals interested in an educational bursary to advance them to a potential career in Forestry or Environmental Science. Selection of Bursary recipient will be made Creston Valley Forest Corporation Board of Directors based solely on the responses to the application questionnaire. Deadline for completed application: May 15th, 2026 To read the Ralph Moore Bursary application form and details, HERE

Get involved with the Creston Community Forest! Join our Board, Volunteer, Come on a Field Trip, Check out our trails, and keep up to date on current events. You can also subscribe to our newsletter, for the most recent happenings! Hiking Trails Distance: 4.5 km Time: 4.5 hours Elevation Gain: 710 metres Maintained by our staff. Easy This trail meanders along Sullivan Creek. Originally built to transport supplies to the old Thompson Forestry Lookout town, the trail thakes you through beautiful cedar-hemlock forests that boast an abundant and diverse population of fungi. This mainly shaded trail provides hikers with relief from the sun, making it a wonderful summer hike. this trail provides excellent opportunity for hiking, horse-back riding, or trail running and is also open to mountain bikers. For trailhead directions from Hwy 3, details and map: READ MORE Creston Community Forest Trails Explore the scenic trails of the Creston Community Forest and immerse yourself in nature's beauty! We proudly manage and maintain a variety of trails in the Creston area, including Lady Slipper, Thompson Rim Trail, Thompson Rotary Trail, Thompson Pack Trail, Big Bear Viewpoint, Billy Goat Bluffs, Gliders’ Point and the West Ridge Trail. Mount Thompson Trail System Mt. Thompson Pack Trail Mt. Thompson Rim Trail Distance: 10.5 km Time: 5 hours Elevation Gain: 244 metres Maintained by our staff. Moderate: Hike through meadows along an open ridge atop Mount Thompson along a trail that climbs and descends. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges, the patchwork of farmland, sights of Creston, with lakes and so much more. For trailhead directions from Hwy 3, details and map: READ MORE West Ridge Trail Distance: 6 km Time: 7 hours Elevation Gain: 1.1 km Maintained by our staff. Difficult: Built in 2019, the Westridge trail makes it possible to hike from the Creston Valley floor to the top of Mt. Thompson. Beginning 1.3 kms up the Sullivan Creek trail, the trail traverses along a ridge through a mix of shaded forest and rocky open meadows. This trail will bring you to the top of the mountain, where you will find the trailhead to the Rim Trail and a camping site. For trailhead directions from Hwy 3, details and map: READ MORE Out There: The Creston Community Forest Trails ‘Many of the local trails pass through varying terrain including forest cover, below cliffs and scree slopes, and through other natural landscapes and terrain.’ By Ed McMackin, a biologist by training and a naturalist by nature In its initial years, the Creston Community Forest was committed to several goals, among which was to return into the community a major part of its profits. That was a difficult goal to meet in its beginning years, but now the tables have turned, as the Creston Community Forest has grown and been allotted more timberland, profits have increased, and now recreational aspects of the Kootenay Lake and Creston area are benefiting from a fresh supply of support and funding. Not only have existing trails been improved and new trails opened up, but there are enhancements including kiosks with descriptive maps, benches, picnic tables, and sturdy bridges. Signs along the trails also display information on the natural history of the area. Trails are alsocleared each spring, maintained, and regularly checked on as quickly as possible after storms. Many of the local trails pass through... (full article here ) STAY IN THE LOOP! Sign up for our newsletter below to stay updated on upcoming trail work, events, and more. Don't miss out on the latest news, opportunities to get involved and join our online community to be the first to know. Creston Community Forest Newsletter sign up link: Yes, I want the Newsletter Join us on a Field Trip Are you ready for an immersive adventure that will take you deep into the heart of our Community Forest? Our field trips offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn about local ecosystems, and witness the awe-inspiring wonders that surround us. Whether you're a seasoned nature enthusiast or a curious beginner, come join us on a journey of discovery and unlock a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty in our very own backyard. For more information on forest education, email Daniel Gratton at: dgratton@crestoncommunityforest.com or call 250.402.0070 Volunteer with Us Volunteer on Work Bees: Are you ready to roll up your sleeves, grab a shovel, and make a tangible difference in our Community Forest? Our work bees offer an exciting opportunity to actively participate in the creation and maintenance of hiking trails. As a work bee volunteer, you will: Get hands-on experience in trail building and maintenance. Join our team of volunteers during scheduled work bees. Contribute to the development of hiking trails in our Community Forest. Learn practical skills related to trail construction, such as trail design, clearing vegetation, and installing trail markers. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating recreational opportunities for our community while preserving the natural beauty of the forest. Events While there may not be any current events or opportunities, we are continuously working on new initiatives and projects in our Community Forest. We value your interest in getting involved and appreciate your patience as we strive to create meaningful ways for you to contribute to our conservation efforts.

We take pride in managing and maintaining a network of scenic trails in the picturesque Creston area. Explore the great outdoors! BACK Forest Recreation Explore the scenic trails of the Creston Community Forest and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty! We proudly manage and maintain a variety of trails in the Creston area, including Lady Slipper, Thompson Rim Trail, Thompson Rotary Trail, Thompson Pack Trail, Big Bear Viewpoint, Billy Goat Bluffs, Gliders’ Point and the West Ridge Trail. As trail stewards, we ensure our trails are well-maintained, clearly marked with signage, and accessible during the snow-free months. These trails are open to the public for non-motorized use, such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. Trails Lady Slipper Trail Thompson Rotary Trail West Ridge Trail Thompson Rim Trail Thompson Pack Trail Billy Goat Bluffs Big Bear Viewpoint Gliders’ Point STAY IN THE LOOP! Sign up for our newsletter below to stay updated on upcoming trail work, events, and more. Don't miss out on the latest news, opportunities to get involved and join our online community to be the first to know. Creston Community Forest Newsletter sign up link: Yes, I want the Newsletter

Get involved with the Creston Community Forest! Join our Board, Volunteer, Come on a Field Trip, Check out our trails, and keep up to date on current events. You can also subscribe to our newsletter, for the most recent happenings! Hiking Trails Explore Nearby Trails Explore the scenic trails of the Creston Community Forest and immerse yourself in nature's beauty! We proudly manage and maintain a variety of trails in the Creston area, including Lady Slipper, Thompson Rim Trail, Thompson Rotary Trail, Thompson Pack Trail, Big Bear Viewpoint, Billy Goat Bluffs, Gliders’ Point and the West Ridge Trail. Out There: The Creston Community Forest Trails ‘Many of the local trails pass through varying terrain including forest cover, below cliffs and scree slopes, and through other natural landscapes and terrain.’ By Ed McMackin, a biologist by training and a naturalist by nature In its initial years, the Creston Community Forest was committed to several goals, among which was to return into the community a major part of its profits. That was a difficult goal to meet in its beginning years, but now the tables have turned, as the Creston Community Forest has grown and been allotted more timberland, profits have increased, and now recreational aspects of the Kootenay Lake and Creston area are benefiting from a fresh supply of support and funding. Not only have existing trails been improved and new trails opened up, but there are enhancements including kiosks with descriptive maps, benches, picnic tables, and sturdy bridges. Signs along the trails also display information on the natural history of the area. Trails are alsocleared each spring, maintained, and regularly checked on as quickly as possible after storms. Many of the local trails pass through... (full article here ) STAY IN THE LOOP! Sign up for our newsletter below to stay updated on upcoming trail work, events, and more. Don't miss out on the latest news, opportunities to get involved and join our online community to be the first to know. Creston Community Forest Newsletter sign up link: Yes, I want the Newsletter Join us on a Field Trip Are you ready for an immersive adventure that will take you deep into the heart of our Community Forest? Our field trips offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn about local ecosystems, and witness the awe-inspiring wonders that surround us. Whether you're a seasoned nature enthusiast or a curious beginner, come join us on a journey of discovery and unlock a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty in our very own backyard. For more information on forest education, email Daniel Gratton at: dgratton@crestoncommunityforest.com or call 250.402.0070 Volunteer with Us Volunteer on Work Bees: Are you ready to roll up your sleeves, grab a shovel, and make a tangible difference in our Community Forest? Our work bees offer an exciting opportunity to actively participate in the creation and maintenance of hiking trails. As a work bee volunteer, you will: Get hands-on experience in trail building and maintenance. Join our team of volunteers during scheduled work bees. Contribute to the development of hiking trails in our Community Forest. Learn practical skills related to trail construction, such as trail design, clearing vegetation, and installing trail markers. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating recreational opportunities for our community while preserving the natural beauty of the forest. Events While there may not be any current events or opportunities, we are continuously working on new initiatives and projects in our Community Forest. We value your interest in getting involved and appreciate your patience as we strive to create meaningful ways for you to contribute to our conservation efforts.