LiveSmart BC Community Hero
Society's programs have grown with membership
Lori Smith from the Lillooet Beautification Committee nominated Kim North of the Lillooet Naturalist Society last week to be the next LiveSmart B.C. Community Hero. When North heard the news, however, she insisted on sharing the title with the rest of the society.
The Lillooet Naturalist Society was formed in July 2002, according to Vivian Birch-Jones, who has served as its president since its creation. Over the years, membership has grown from about 5 people in the beginning to 53 in 2008.
The society’s purposes, as listed in its constitution, are to promote and enjoy the understanding of nature, encourage new protected natural areas, defend existing sanctuaries, help fundraise and research to protect ecosystems, and protect and restore threatened and endangered species. Birch-Jones said that as membership expanded, so too did the society’s activities.
“It’s almost to the point where there’s something every month, usually an outing or a presentation.” She added, “We didn’t expect to have so many,” but supply kept up with growing interest and demand.
The events occur both indoors and outdoors, including hikes and informative outings as well as lectures and reports on research done in the area.
