AmbassadorWild

Massive shoutout to our AmbassadorWILD crew for an awesome season! It's safe to say it was very busy one... the numbers speak for themselves:

✅ 200+ site visits completed (almost double last year )
✅ 1,500 direct interactions with the public
✅ 283 kg of garbage collected (just under 300 kg — nearly double last year’s total!)
✅ 89 fire pits dismantled
✅ 55 user surveys conducted
✅ 17 wildlife cameras maintained/serviced
✅ 29 trail counters and 11 vehicle counters maintained/serviced
✅ 4 AdventureSmart workshops delivered, and 1 school field trip facilitated
✅ Weekly booth set-up at trailheads and boat launches
✅ 15 booth set-ups at community and sports events
✅ 6 Free Bear Spray workshops!

The program will be back in spring 2026! 🌳

A special reminder: you can cross paths with wildlife anywhere in Fernie. Whether on a trail, in a park, or even in town, wildlife is always nearby.
Give them lots of space, never approach or try to feed. 🙅‍♀️
Enjoy the precious moment from a distance - for their safety and yours. 💕

🌿 Meet the 2025 AmbassadorWILD Team! 🌿
From left to right: Kristen, Zoe, Helena, and our returning program manager Gabriel — now in his 4th season with the program!

This passionate team will be out on select trails, the river, and other important locations in and around Fernie this season, helping visitors explore responsibly, share local knowledge, and help keep Fernie’s natural spaces beautiful and thriving.

If you see them out and about, don’t be shy — say hi! 👋💚

This summer, the AmbassadorWILD team collected 357 pounds of garbage from June to October! 🌍💚

This litter was collected at our key locations including Silver Springs, Heiko’s Trail, Coal Creek, Elk River access points, and the Hosmer Heritage Mine Site.

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This past summer the AmbassadorWILD team was responsible for the maintenance of Hosmer Historic Mine Site, a remarkable heritage site rich in history and culture! This important site has been cared for by long-time local stewards Fred and Sandy Lightfoot.

Hosmer began as a company town for the Canadian Pacific Railway, with coal production starting in 1908 and a thriving population of over 1,200 by 1910. However, in June 1914, the C.P.R. unexpectedly ceased operations at the Hosmer Mine. While technically not a ghost town, (over 100 residents and several businesses remain), visitors can explore the ruins of the Boiler house, Power house, coke ovens and more.

We’re proud to be part of this important project as our team is dedicated to preserving this beautiful site for future generations to explore and enjoy.

We can’t wait to share updates as we work to take care of Hosmer Historic Mine Site!

Unseen wildlife camera captures! 🍂

As we enter fall, It’s important to remember that animals are busy getting ready for a long winter ahead!

Elk are rutting, squirrels are stocking up, bears are eating…

Let’s help them out by giving them their space and being aware of our surroundings! Make noise when adventuring outside, carry bear spray, and keep your garbage inside bear safe containers. 🫶🏼

✏️😎 School Shoreline Clean Up with the Elk River Alliance 🐟🚮

Thanks to all the hard working students who participated in keeping our community and local watersheds clean & trash free! 🙌🏼

A heartfelt thank you to the Fernie Canadian Tire for their generous donation of $3000 to the AmbassadorWILD program! Their support is making a significant difference in our efforts to promote safe and sustainable tourism in the Elk Valley.

This contribution enables us to continue maintaining our key locations including Elk River access points, Silver Springs, Heiko’s Trail, and Coal Creek. Additionally, it supports initiatives such as our wildlife camera program, which monitors the impact of recreational activity on wildlife. Their donation will help us keep our trails clean, our outhouses stocked, and our wildlife cameras running smoothly. 

Thank you Canadian Tire for your commitment to environmental stewardship and community support. We look forward to sharing updates and images of how your support is making a real impact! 😊

Silver Springs after the long weekend🤕 We collected 4.3 kg (9.5 lbs) of garbage.

Swipe to see some before and after pictures🧼🧚🏼

What do you think is the best way to manage litter and negative human impacts at this location?