To help celebrate the 2008 Canada’s Parks Day, BC Parks hosted the iParks Youth Webcast Competition. Youth were challenged to create short video webcasts that best answered the question “How do you enjoy B.C.’s parks?”

Day with a Ranger

As the first Prize winner in the iparks contest, Michael S got to experience a "Day with a Ranger." This fabulous BC Parks adventure began as Michael, accompanied by BC Parks senior ranger, Jackie Zinger, flew via helicopter from Campbell River into Strathcona Provincial Park.  Under clear blue skies with temperatures in the 20's, they landed on Greig Ridge above Buttle Lake. Jackie and Michael then hiked the ridge to the Vancouver Island Marmot Base Camp.  Along the way Michael was shown how to read a map and compass, given information about Strathcona park and the Vancouver Island Marmot and treated to some spectacular views of the park. At the Vancouver Island Marmot Base Camp, Michael was able to see the camp being dismantled and the helicopter removing camp materials by long line. The adventure ended with a flight back home to Campbell River.  A great time was had by all!

Here are some pictures of the trip.  Click on the thumbnail for a larger view

 

Special thanks to the Marmot Recovery Program lead by Don Doyle and Sean Pendergast from the Ministry of Environment, Nanaimo Regional Office, Strathcona Provincial Parks Area Supervisor, Andy Smith and Senior Park Ranger, Jackie Zinger for their efforts to make this trip possible!

BC Parks would also like to thank the generous supporters of this year’s contest: