May 25 | 12:00–5:00 PM | Bear Spring Eco Retreat (Beasley)
We’re so excited to announce that the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) will be part of the Kootenay EcoFest, hosted at the beautiful Bear Spring Eco Retreat on May 24–25! This two-day festival is all about reconnecting with nature, celebrating local solutions, and inspiring community action—and we’re thrilled to be among the many passionate changemakers contributing to this vibrant new event.
Join us at the CKISS outreach information booth at the market on Sunday, May 25 from 12:00–5:00 PM, where we’ll be sharing important information about invasive species, their impact on our local ecosystems, and most importantly how you can be part of the solution.
Learn how to identify invasive plants and animals
Discover how small actions like “Clean, Drain, Dry” and “Don’t Let It Loose” protect our waters and wild spaces
Get free educational resources and tips for gardening, recreation, and community stewardship
Ask questions, share stories, and find out how to get involved with CKISS projects in your area!
Whether you’re a nature lover, a gardener, a paddler, or simply someone who wants to protect the beauty of the Kootenays, our booth has something for you.
What Is Kootenay EcoFest?
EcoFest is a brand new festival focused on building community through connection to nature. Hosted at the stunning Bear Spring Eco Retreat in Beasley just outside of Nelson, this weekend will feature:
🌿 Hands-on workshops and tours on herbalism, fungi, sustainable fashion, spoon carving, forest ecology, and more
♻️ A repair café where you can fix broken items instead of throwing them away
🛍️ A curated local market with handmade, foraged, recycled, or repurposed goods
🎶 Live music and an open jam hosted by the Moonflower Collective
🚲 A Bike the Block scavenger ride, forest walks, and bat habitat tours
🍃 Learning opportunities from community leaders, herbalists, artists, and biologists
🔥 Stories, skills, and local knowledge designed to help us live more lightly on the land
The goal? To celebrate solutions, share knowledge, and create community resilience rooted in respect for the natural world.
🎟️ Tickets & Event Info
Tickets are available by advance purchase only
Children 16 and under are free, but must be registered
No pets allowed
Full festival schedule + ticket info here:
EcoFest Tickets
Let’s come together to celebrate the land we love and take action to protect it. We hope to see you there!
CKISS Gratefully acknowledges the Columbia Basin Trust and the Government of BC for supporting our education program.