Silver Springs is a naturual treasure and finally it is receiving the nurturing that it requires! Thirteen students along with their coordinator Brian Bell, from the College of the Rockies (COTR) Mountain Adventure Skills Training Program (MAST), were enthusiastic volunteers helping to build a trail and install information and interpretive signs at Silver Springs on April 18.

Photo caption: COTR MAST Students and Program Coordinator Brian Bell help Lee-Anne Walker (on left) with Silver Springs trail and signage.

“We couldn’t have done it without their brawn and enthusiasm”, commented MAST Natural History Instructor Lee-Anne Walker. “The MAST Students always give back each year to the community through some kind of environmental project. This year they helped the Elk River Alliance build a section of trail and installed informational and interpretive signage at Silver Springs”.

The Elk River Alliance (ERA) has been awarded a permit from the Provincial Government to steward Silver Springs. One of the conditions was to build a proper public parking area and improved access to the trail up to the lakes. “Where people park now, on the BC Hydro right of way, is actually illegal because it is designated non-motorized by the Access Management Plan”, says Lee-Anne Walker, who is also the ERA Executive Director. “We are in the process of researching a composting toilet for the site”.

This new parking area, access trail and interpretive signage is intended to encourage improved community stewardship of Silver Springs. “It really is an amazing treasure to have an alpine lake experience so close by and we hope people who visit Silver Springs will help us keep it clean and beautiful for recreation as well as protect it for the areas high wildlife values”, encourages Walker.

The Elk River Alliance is committed to educating stewards of our watershed. For more information call Lee-Anne Walker, ERA Executive Director at (25) 423-1682 or see www.elkriveralliance.ca