The Grasslands Conservation Council, the Kamloops Naturalist Club, Juniper Ridge Community Association, and Brock Central Lions Club all stepped up to contribute. Kamloops residents Rendal and Leah Tschritter gave a huge boost to the campaign along with hundreds of other Kamloopsians. There were also supporters from across BC, including Heather Merilees, who made a major gift. Even then, with a few weeks to go, funds were still needed to reach the fundraising target. That’s when an anonymous Kelowna donor stepped up with a large gift and others came through to complete the crowdfunding goal.
All of the dollars raised through crowdfunding were matched by the Wilson 5 Foundation.
“Protecting BC’s wild spaces isn’t just about conservation—it’s about creating places where people can move, connect, and thrive in nature,” say Summer and Chip Wilson, Founders of Wilson 5 Foundation. “The Kamloops community came together to make this happen, and we’re proud to support a legacy that ensures these grasslands remain protected and accessible for generations to come.”
Support also came from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, with the combined effort of all parties making the project a success.
“I have just been wowed and inspired by everyone who contributed,” says BC Parks Foundation CEO Andy Day. “It was a very exciting campaign, and every donation, post, share, and conversation mattered. I can’t thank everyone enough for your determination and dedication to getting across the finish line. It shows the power of all kinds of British Columbians coming together, and how much we all love BC and want to keep it beautiful.”
Tom Dickinson has lived near the protected property for almost 35 years. As Chair of the Grasslands Conservation Council of BC, he knows all too well why the land is important to protect.
“For decades I have walked this area and been intrigued by the natural history of the grasslands and how fragile they are,” says Dickinson. “Today is an especially historical day knowing we did our part to protect this area forever.”
The next steps for the project will be working with community partners to develop a management plan.
“We want to make sure the values are preserved properly and can be enjoyed safely and responsibly. That will take a little while and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we work on the best ways to keep the area clean and pristine for wildlife and people,” says Day.
Nancy Flood, President of the Kamloops Naturalist Club, couldn’t agree more.
“Nature gives so much to us,” she says. “If we want to keep it beautiful and whole, we need to give back to nature.”
