Christina Lake Stewardship Society: Guardians of a Natural Treasure

Welcome to the Christina Lake Stewardship Society (CLSS), a dedicated non-profit charitable organization committed to the long-term protection and ecological health of one of British Columbia’s most cherished natural assets. Established as a committee in 1994 and officially incorporated in 2001, our society is driven by a passion for conservation and a belief in “Environmental Ethics that Work.” Through science-based monitoring, hands-on restoration, and community education, we strive to ensure that the pristine beauty and ecological integrity of Christina Lake can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Our Mission: Environmental Ethics that Work

Our mission is to foster a culture of stewardship for the Christina Lake watershed. We translate this mission into action by implementing practical, science-driven programs that address the most pressing environmental challenges facing our lake and surrounding ecosystem. We are a community of scientists, educators, volunteers, and residents working together to make a tangible difference.

Our Core Programs and Projects

The work of the CLSS is diverse and impactful, touching every aspect of the watershed’s health. Our ongoing programs are the backbone of our conservation efforts.

A stunning sunrise over the calm, pristine waters of Christina Lake, BC.

Water Quality Monitoring

The pristine water of Christina Lake is its most valuable asset. Our comprehensive water quality monitoring program is essential for protecting drinking water sources, ensuring safe recreation, and maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

Systematic Testing: Our team conducts regular, year-round water sampling at various locations around the lake.
Data Analysis: We monitor key parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and nutrient levels to track trends and identify potential issues early.
Public Reporting: We believe in transparency and share our findings with the community and government partners to inform watershed management decisions.

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention

The threat of aquatic invasive species, such as zebra and quagga mussels, is one of the greatest dangers to the ecological and economic health of Christina Lake. Our AIS program is a critical line of defense.

Monitoring and Early Detection: We actively monitor the lake for any signs of invasive species.
Public Education and Outreach: We run extensive awareness campaigns to educate boaters and residents on the importance of “Clean, Drain, Dry” practices to prevent the introduction and spread of AIS.
Collaboration: We work closely with regional and provincial bodies to coordinate prevention efforts and response plans.

Kokanee Salmon Stewardship

The Kokanee salmon population is a vital indicator of the overall health of Christina Lake. Our stewardship efforts are focused on protecting and enhancing this keystone species.

Annual Enumerations: Each fall, our staff and dedicated volunteers conduct fish counts (enumerations) in the Christina Creek and other tributaries to assess the health and size of the spawning population.
Habitat Protection: We work to protect critical spawning habitats from degradation and disturbance.
Research and Monitoring: We collaborate on research projects to better understand the lifecycle and challenges facing our local Kokanee population.

Habitat Restoration and Native Plant Initiatives

A healthy watershed requires healthy shorelines and uplands. Our restoration projects aim to re-establish and enhance the natural ecosystems that support biodiversity.

Native Plant Nursery: We operate a native plant nursery to grow local species that are perfectly adapted to our environment. These plants are used in restoration projects to stabilize shorelines, improve water quality, and provide habitat for wildlife.
Derelict Dock Removal: In partnership with the community, we identify and facilitate the removal of old, unsafe, and environmentally damaging docks from the lake.
Shoreline Clean-Up Events: We organize and lead community clean-up days to remove debris and garbage from the shores of Christina Lake, protecting both wildlife and water quality.

Community Engagement and Education

We believe that long-term stewardship begins with knowledge and passion. Our educational programs are designed to inspire the next generation of environmental guardians.

Young Stewards Program: We offer engaging, hands-on environmental education programs for local youth, fostering a deep connection to their natural surroundings.
Public Webinars and Workshops: Throughout the year, we host informative webinars and workshops on topics ranging from watershed health and wildlife to gardening with native plants.
Information Resources: Our extensive online library of reports, presentations, and bulletins serves as a valuable resource for the entire community.

How You Can Help Protect Christina Lake

The Christina Lake Stewardship Society is powered by its community. Your support, in any form, is crucial to the success of our mission. Here’s how you can get involved and make a real difference.

Children participating in the Young Stewards Program, learning about the forest ecosystem.

A magnificent Great Grey Owl, one of the many wildlife species in the Christina Lake watershed.

Become a Member

Membership is the foundation of our society. By becoming a member, you are making a clear statement in support of our work and conservation efforts.

Stay Informed: Receive our regular newsletters with updates on projects, events, and environmental news.
Have a Voice: As a member, you have a vote at our Annual General Meeting, helping to shape the future direction of the society.
Show Your Support: Your membership fee provides a stable source of funding that allows us to plan our projects and programs effectively.

Make a Donation

As a registered charitable organization, we rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses to fund our vital work. Every dollar donated goes directly towards our programs.

One-Time or Monthly Giving: Choose a giving option that works for you. Monthly donations are especially valuable as they provide predictable funding for our year-round monitoring and restoration work.
Tribute Gifts: Make a donation in memory of a loved one or in honour of a special occasion.
Corporate Support: We welcome partnerships with local businesses that share our commitment to environmental stewardship.

Volunteer Your Time

Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization. We have a wide range of opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels.

Field Work: Participate in our annual Kokanee counts, help with shoreline clean-ups, or assist with our native plant nursery.
Event Support: Help us organize and run our community events, workshops, and fundraisers.
Administrative Help: Lend a hand in our office with data entry, mail-outs, and other essential tasks.

Your involvement is an investment in the future of Christina Lake. Join us today and become a steward of this irreplaceable natural treasure.

An aerial view of the beautiful, sprawling Christina Lake in British Columbia.

Volunteers from the Christina Lake Stewardship Society working on a habitat restoration project.

A boat on Christina Lake, used for water quality monitoring and invasive species checks.

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