Through the incredible leadership of the BC Parks Foundation, who spearheaded and coordinated this conservation initiative, we’ve achieved something truly remarkable – the protection of 517 acres of precious grassland habitat near Juniper Ridge! Their ambitious $1 million fundraising campaign has successfully secured this land for perpetuity.
The success of this project showcases the extraordinary power of partnerships and community action. The tireless efforts of the Kamloops Naturalist Club, Juniper Ridge Community Association, and Brock Central Lions Club were instrumental in rallying support and raising awareness about the critical importance of grassland conservation. Their dedication and commitment to this cause have been truly inspiring.
We are deeply grateful to our major contributors: local champions Rendal and Leah Tschritter, whose generous donation inspired others to give; naturalist Heather Merilees, whose significant gift demonstrated strong regional support; and an anonymous donor from Kelowna, whose transformative contribution helped us cross the finish line. Equally important were the hundreds of individual contributors from Kamloops and beyond – every single donation, regardless of size, played a crucial role in achieving this milestone.
This achievement belongs to our entire grasslands community. Whether you made a financial contribution, shared our campaign on social media, attended an event, or helped spread the word – you are part of this success story. The tremendous response from across British Columbia has shown just how deeply our community values these precious ecosystems.
What does this mean for our community? This protected area will now serve as:
- A permanent sanctuary for native plants and wildlife
- A natural classroom for environmental education
- A place for responsible recreation and nature appreciation
- A living legacy of grassland conservation for future generations
The protection of this land demonstrates what we can accomplish when we work together. This success is a testament to the BC Parks Foundation’s vision and leadership, the generosity of our donors, and the passionate support of our grasslands community.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re reminded that grassland conservation is an ongoing journey. This protected area joins a network of conservation lands that help maintain the ecological integrity of our region’s precious grassland ecosystems.
Thank you for being part of this extraordinary achievement! 🦋🌾
