When Michelle Kirk was invited to make a 10-minute presentation on Powell River Junior Forest Wardens (JFW) to 100+ Women Who Care, she had no idea what the result would be. She found out last week when she received a call from the group saying the total of member donations combined with matching funds from Powell River Community Forest was $10,000.
When Michelle Kirk was invited to make a 10-minute presentation on Junior Forest Wardens (JFW) recently, she had no idea what the result would be. She found out last week when she received a call from a granting group saying a donation would be made for $10,000.
JFW is a Canadian volunteer-led organization which focuses on developing a wild lands conservation ethic in youth. The local program began in 1943.
It started provincially when a group of boys reported a forest fire to a local forest ranger. In 1931, a tree was planted in Stanley Park with soil from around the province.
“My boys, both of whom were in the program, and I were in Stanley Park one time and found the plaque dedicated to the tree that I didn’t know about,” says Kirk. “I took a photo and brought it back to show everyone and we had a lesson on the tree.”
She has been involved for nearly 10 years and currently serves as treasurer.
Club coordinator Brian Bomprezzi has also been involved for nearly 10 years.
“I couldn’t believe it when Michelle called,” he adds. “It was a blessing to be nominated and chosen.”
Bomprezzi has stayed with JFW, which is co-ed, for so long because he can be a positive role model in young lives.
“It’s a very safe environment and some people from the program become lifers and end up enrolling their own children later,” he adds. “We keep dues low at $80 per year of which $50 goes for insurance.”
Currently there are 10 wardens participating in a rebuild after COVID-19; prior to the pandemic, there were anywhere from 30 to 50 participants. They meet every Wednesday night at Edgehill Elementary School thanks to the generosity of School District 47.
Topics explored are tree identification, rope/knot work, survival, forestry, wildlife, firefighting and the use of defibrillators (AED). Speakers from conservation officers, trappers and first-aid attendants talk to the youngsters.
The local program was organized for many years by dedicated volunteers Vera Erickson, Wilma Quaye, Tom Oldale and Mickey McCracken.
Camp Tillicum
At one time JFW owned the land on which its Camp Tillicum is located but because of financial issues, it was sold and is now leased back. It includes the original cabin and four sleeping cabins, two of which need a lot of maintenance.
“Unfortunately, there is regular vandalism at the site on Stillwater Main,” explains Kirk, “and when people leave the doors open, wildlife like bats and mice come in.”
Bomprezzi says the recent donation will allow repairs that include reinsulating a ceiling, replacing some doors, roof repair and installing wire mesh soffits so creatures cannot enter.
“We are also looking at replacing decks and levelling the original cabin,” he adds. “Because of COVID, we were not able to have camps and work parties, so maintenance was let go.”
They commended the BOMB Squad for helping in the past with repairing a nearby bridge, outhouses and a woodshed.
“We really need volunteers, in addition to leaders and parents, to come and help,” says Bomprezzi.
Plans call for the building of bunk beds to provide more overnight accommodation so parents can stay at camps.
“They are expected to participate in our program,” explains Bomprezzi. “This is not a drop-and-run organization.”
Selling Christmas trees is its major fundraiser, and the group is appreciative of its relationship with Western Forest Products for providing access to trees in areas that need to be thinned out.
Upcoming volunteer efforts are removing invasive species at Palm Beach and helping with the Salvation Army Kettle Drive.
“The main goal for us is to have a place for kids to go, unplug from electronics, learn about the outdoors and get involved with their community,” says Bomprezzi.
For more information or to offer to help, contact [email protected].
