By Chris Conway

Wildsight Invermere held its Annual General Meeting at David Thompson Secondary School theatre on March 31.

Over 50 members were in attendance to hear Baiba Morrow (president) pay tribute to the efforts of many dedicated volunteers who have contributed to various successful Wildsight projects over the past year.

Those projects include the Lake Enid restoration and boardwalk, the first Wild & Scenic Film Festival, community outreach through a summer project coordinator, an information booth at the weekly Farmer’s Market, and Jumbo Wild.

Morrow stated that the biggest initiative of the past year has been Look Outside, which is a year-long photography competition utilizing various social media platforms and a dedicated website at WildLookOutside.ca

The Look Outside concept was developed by Juri Peepre. It started in June 2014 and aims to connect a wide selection of non-traditional allies who all share a passion for the Purcell wilderness.  “Look Outside tells the story that connects all of us,” said Morrow.

Morrow reported that Wildsight Invermere now has over 200 members and a healthy financial foundation due to effective fundraising efforts and successful grant application.

“We have achieved a great deal,” said Morrow. “But I need to ask even more of our members.” Morrow challenged all members to become more engaged and make Wildsight even more effective through collective efforts, fundraising, board membership and volunteering.

The meeting then received an update on the recent Wildsight strategic planning process, which has identified the following priorities; Continued support for current projects, strengthen the organizational structure and establish committees, strengthen the volunteer capacity of Wildsight, and develop a communications strategy to better connect with members and the public. The next step in this process is to develop effective action plans for each of these priorities.

The members elected a new Board of Directors, from which a new executive shall be chosen. In closing the meeting, Morrow introduced a beautifully crafted antler carving honouring the Jumbo Wild campaign, which has been presented to Wildsight Invermere by Norm Hendricks to assist with fundraising efforts.

Those in attendance were then treated to a viewing of PROJECT WILD THING, a feature length, often humorous documentary that identifies and seeks solutions to the increasingly fragile connection between children and nature.

Above photo:  Wildsight Invermere president Baiba Morrow and local carver Norm Hendricks with the antler carving Norm presented for use in fundraising. Photo by Chris Conway

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