As the year comes to a close, it is also a natural time to reflect. Looking back on this past year, we can see meaningful steps forward, with conversations started, partnerships strengthened, and a growing sense of what is possible when people care deeply about nature and outdoor recreation.
Thanks to you, our Members and Supporters
We would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to our members and supporters, many of whom have stood with us year after year. Your continued support, encouragement, and belief in the value of trails makes this work possible. Being a member is valuable in itself. Strong membership demonstrates broad community support for trails and strengthens our ability to advocate, educate, and apply for grants. Your support, simply by being a member, truly matters!
For those who are interested in becoming more involved, there are opportunities to support the society by sharing skills, ideas, or leadership. If you are curious about joining the board or contributing in a specific way, we invite you to contact us to learn more. At this time, we are still seeking a Secretary and a Communications Director.
Attend our Meetings
We are currently meeting by Zoom on the first Tuesday of every month until May. If you would like to attend one of these Zoom meetings, please send us an email and we will be happy to share the link. Beginning in May, we will return to in-person meetings on the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the Lumby Museum.
Looking Ahead to the New Year
As we look ahead, we are filled with optimism. We have already secured grant support from the Regional District and from the Village of Lumby, and we are now waiting to hear about one final grant that would provide the funding needed to begin a trail survey. This application is to the Regional District of North Okanagan’s Greater Vernon Trails and Natural Spaces Project Grant, and we expect to hear more by the end of January.
If successful, this would allow us to move forward on a proposed trail running from Cedar Ridge, just behind the new Suntower development, all the way to Cooper’s Launch Trail. This would be a truly wooded, non-motorized trail that connects directly from town.
Plans for BC Trails Day
We are also excited to share that one of our dedicated board members and very talented resident artist, Amber Block, has been quietly working on something special. She is creating a family-friendly nature journal that will span all twelve months of the year and highlight the many beautiful natural spaces in our area, with ideas for how families can connect with nature throughout the seasons. We will be launching this journal at our BC Trails Day event in June, which this year will be something a little different than anything we’ve done before. Stay tuned for more details.
January is Dues Date
Membership is due this January, click this link to make it easy to renew your membership or purchase a new one. A membership also makes a thoughtful and great gift! One that supports trails, community, and shared values.
Thank you once again for your support! From all of us on the Board and team, we wish you a joyful Christmas and a New Year full of prosperity and healthy pursuits! We look forward to walking this path together in the year ahead.
Warmest wishes,
Suzanne Schneider
President
Monashee Trail Society 