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Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival Environmental Ethics Statement


Wings believes that: The internationally recognized Columbia River wetlands and adjacent areas is a special placeNature comes first  Wings showcases the wild areas of the upper Columbia valley and the research to protect and restore its ecosystems. On all our field excursions we tread softly and give wildlife space. Nature needs a hand – people protect what they love but to become stewards people must have an awareness and understanding of nature, a role the Wings festival provides.

These environmental principles guide the Wings festival:

This is a special place

  • Wings celebrates and support the protection of the internationally recognized Columbia River wetlands and adjacent areas
  • Its unique blend of mountains, wetlands, grasslands and forests are homes for a wide biodiversity of plants and wildlife, including at risk species 
  • This is the ancestral home of Ktunaxa and Kinbasket peoples

No wild, no festival

  • Wild areas inspire people and provide spiritual, health, recreation and economic benefits.
  • There is no substitute for first hand experience with wild lands for connecting people and nature.
  • Wings showcases our region’s wild areas and the research to protect and restore its ecosystems. 

Nature comes first

  • Wings activities will not create environmental damage.
  • In order to minimize disturbance of wildlife and habitats our event leaders and participants are asked to.
  • Tread gently, avoiding sensitive areas by keeping to established trails and the main channel of the river. 
  • Leave natural and cultural items where they are found.
  • Give wildlife space, especially where photography is concerned.

Nature needs a hand

  • Wings believes that people protect what they love but to become stewards people must have an awareness and understanding of nature, a role that the festival provides.
  • Festival leaders and presenters are chosen for their ability to share their understanding and passion of nature.
  • Wings profiles regional citizen science opportunities that support research and habitat restoration.
  • A portion of festival proceeds is reinvested into habitat conservation and environmental education projects.