Aleshia Conley

As spring officially arrives in the Elk Valley and we swap our skis for bikes, the Elk River Alliance (ERA) switches into a different kind of gear. Snowmelt means the start of planting season and for ERA, this is a critical time for field work. ERA’s restoration crew and volunteers spend busy days...

It’s no secret this year’s Elk Valley winter weather has been questionable. Looking out the window you may think we’re experiencing a no-snow crisis. However, the data says otherwise, with local monitoring stations reporting above average precipitation. So, what’s the real story? Let’s look at our...

If you were asked to picture water in Fernie, you might form an image of the Elk River and its many tributaries. Memories of river dips, paddling, or fishing might come to mind, but what about the ways we use water at home? The water we use for showering, washing dishes, and making coffee, all...

Have you ever noticed the way the Elk River curves throughout the land in braided, wavy, snake-like patterns? Those bends are an important part of a natural, healthy flow of a river. Roughly 14,000-10,000 years ago, powerful glaciers carved our flat-bottomed U-shaped river valley. The wide...

British Columbia has over 85 hot springs, the most of any province in Canada, and many are located in the Kootenays. For Fernie newcomers like myself, the Lussier hot springs are constantly recommended as a ‘must-do’ activity, and for good reason. Located just outside of Canal Flats in White Swan...