The Cheakamus Foundation for Environmental Learning is delighted to announce a $55,000 contribution from the Pacific Salmon Foundation’s (PSF) Community Salmon Program towards the cabin enhancement project at Cheakamus Centre. The Cheakamus Centre cabins are an integral part of the outdoor experience for learners of all ages. Grant funds will be used for a complete cabin retrofit to improve sustainability and energy performance, and contribute to a healthier, more comfortable environment for students and visitors.

“Our cabins have seen steady use for five decades. This generous grant allows us to integrate sustainable design innovation with our educational mission, and continue to deliver life-changing overnight programs for our students year-round,” said Cathy Jenkins, project manager for campus renewal at Cheakamus Centre.

“Ingraining an ethic of environmental stewardship in our children is vital to the continuing health of our salmon and ecosystems,” said Michael Meneer, President and CEO of PSF. “That’s why about one-third of PSF’s community grants support salmon education programs. We’re very proud to be able to contribute to Cheakamus Centre’s long track record of engaging the next generation of stewards.”

PSF’s Community Salmon Program supports volunteer and community–driven organizations that are involved in salmon conservation and restoration projects in British Columbia and the Yukon. Through ongoing education, partnership and collaboration, PSF undertakes positive initiatives to raise awareness of the connection wild Pacific salmon have with everything that is British Columbia. The $55,000 Community Salmon Program grant was made possible by recreational anglers who buy the Salmon Conservation Stamp and Vancouver-based Methanex Corporation, who recently stepped up support for salmon education programs via PSF.

Established in 1969, Cheakamus Centre is an environmental and indigenous cultural education organization located on the traditional territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) people near Squamish, British Columbia. Cheakamus Centre serves more than 15,000 visitors annually from the Lower Mainland, Sea to Sky Corridor and beyond. The Centre also hosts visitors from around the world for special events, workshops, conferences, meetings, and retreats.