Greenbelt looks forward to a new year of challenges
The Illecillewaet Greenbelt Society held its 2016 Annual General Meeting at the Community Centre last week. The society is responsible for the 20-acres of meadows and woods sandwiched between the north bank of the Illecillewaet River and the paved trail atop BC Hydro’s dike. This past year society members installed a dozen bat houses on trees and new benches for people who enjoy walking along its network of trails as well as two very artistic, large new maps painted by artists Tina Lindegaard and Sue Davies. However, the hot dry summer killed a large number of willow saplings that had been planted in the spring. New saplings will be planted this spring. From left to right are: Secretary Barb Kemerer, President Louise Fleming, Director Toni Johnston, Councillor Gary Sulz, Treasurer Don Pegues and Director Kevin Weese. Not present: Director Wayne Martin. The board was extremely grateful to the City and Province for $5,000 in Tourism Infrastructure grants that paid for the maps and to Ken Talbot and Marc Paradis who built a dozen bat houses with materials paid for via a $600 grant from the Kootenay Bat Project and a grant from the Revelstoke Credit Union. Stella Jones also generously gave the IGS 250 trees. One of the tiny society’s main goals this year is a membership drive. David F. Rooney photo