Contribute to Research in the Chilcotin Ark
Together, Wilderness Trails and the Chilcotin Ark Institute facilitate conservation research trips. Everyone who joins us at our ranch-based research station within the Chilcotin Ark will experience our Six Principle philosophy of nature connection, nature conservation, self-sufficiency, personal development, empowerment and conscious & aware. In this newsletter, we want to share how Conservation will be part of your experience with us:
All of our wilderness experiences are based around the conservation and stewardship of the Chilcotin Ark. As we benefit from the unique wilderness, it is our responsibility to take care of the environment we benefit from. We share this unique environment with all our guests, so you will get involved in all aspects of your conservation trip. You will be rewarded with the opportunity to experience pure wilderness and wildlife that only a few are able to access and experience.
Unique Conservation Pack Trips
Our conservation work is based on the principles of participatory action research. Participatory action research is a way to educate people and to collect data to contribute to real conservation projects such as population management. Our unique conservation trips are a limited opportunity for you to participate in hands-on population counts:
Spend your days riding your horse across the mountain tops and glassing the slopes for Mountain Goats or California Bighorn Sheep. On each population count, we carefully record the location, age and sex of all animals that we see. This allows us to build up detailed records of the herds to assess annual herd recruitment and assess if these herds are impacted by predation, disease, displacement of their habitat or any other impacts. From this, we shape our conservation management practices to help maintain populations at a sustainable herd size.
Looking for a sustainable back-country mountain biking or hiking experience?
Our Hut-to-Hut Trip is a sustainable option to explore the back-country under your own power. Pack light while staying in our rustic, fully stocked satellite research huts. Your journey takes you through alpine meadows and valley forests as you explore the Relay, Big Creek, Upper Tyaughton, Spruce Lake and Eldorado areas. More information on our website.
Why should you access the back-country under your own power?
Heli-skiing & heli-biking and helicopter shuttles not only ruin a true nature connection, they also produce loud noise, high emission of carbon dioxide and displace wildlife which has drastic impacts on wildlife population numbers. Mountain goats, of which BC holds more than 50% of the world’s population, suffer especially from helicopter disturbance as it results in their displacement or even death. More information on the Chilcotin Ark Insitute’s website.
Can’t wait till summer?
Our back-country skiing experience allows you to access the back-country sustainably this winter
With our hut-based back-country skiing experience, take your skiing skills to the next level. With extensive rolling and unmarked slopes, deep powder snow and panoramic views; it’s the perfect place to enjoy skiing at its best.
By staying at one of our fully-stocked satellite research huts, you only need to bring your personal and skiing equipment, sleeping bag and fresh food. Allowing you to explore the mountains sustainably under your own power and to enjoy a true nature connection.
Are you inspired to get involved in Conservation?
Learn more about Conservation in our Nature Conservation Course. All of our programs and courses with our training partner the Wilderness Training Academy are self-directed providing you with information, inspiration and self-reflection prompts for you to put into action. More information on Wilderness Training Academy’s website.
You will learn:
- about the flora, fauna and landscapes of the Chilcotin Ark
- the fundamentals of wildlife tracking and observation
- practical skills and knowledge to make your contribution to conservation
Are you to ready to experience a wilderness adventure and contribute to conservation of the Chilcotin Ark. Fill in our Wilderness Readiness Survey.
Our Six Principles are timeless concepts that can be studied, practised and implemented by everyone who wants to join our community. Stay up to date with what’s going on by following Wilderness Trails on Facebook or our Partner the Chilcotin Ark Institute on Instagram.
We look forward to sharing a Six Principle wilderness experience with you,
Your Wilderness Trails community