Weekly Gateway to Nature hikes a hit

Popular Gateway to Nature hikes every Saturday morning in July and August offered residents and visitors an overview of the wonderful biodiversity in the Kimberley Nature Park. Leaving from the Kimberley Riverside Campground entrance on St Mary Road, the 2.5-hour loop took participants up Campground trail, along Jimmy Russell Road, up SW Passage to the viewpoint, down Skid Road and Duck Pond trail, and back along Jimmy Russell Road. The intent of these hikes was to provide a guided introduction to the park and to help hikers feel comfortable exploring the area.

Hikers and guides assemble for the last Gateway to Nature Hike of the season.

This year, an additional hike was offered on September 1, and prior to the group hike Danica Roussy of Wildsafe BC shared information on the proper use of bear spray. The group did not encounter any bears, but they thoroughly enjoyed their stroll through the park on a beautiful, clear, warm fall day.

Danica Roussy demonstrates how to use bear spray for hike participants.

Many thanks to the guides and sweeps who committed to spending Saturday mornings leading hikes this summer season; Ruth Goodwin, Glenda Johnson, Irma de Visser, Flo Brokop, Kathy Taylor, and Jen Roberts.

Our volunteer Gateway to Nature guides.

Thanks also to Danica Roussy for sharing her expertise. Danica sent us a short video demonstrating how to use pepper spray during an encounter with a bear, and we have posted it below.