UPDATED: Wildfire situation forces organizers to cancel Toadfest
By Contributor
Organizers of Toadfest have made the tough decision to postpone the festival for the 2024 season.
“Sadly, given the worsening wildfire situation, the organizers have made the decision to cancel Toadfest scheduled for next week,” the prepared statement said.
Toadfest 2024 was to happen next Tuesday and Wednesday (July 30-31) at Summit Lake Provincial Park near Nakusp.
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Toadfest Summit Lake is happening July 30-31
Toadfest is happening at Summit Lake Provincial Park near Nakusp on Tuesday, July 30 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Wednesday, July 31, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon p.m.
And the public is invited.
Toadfest is a free, fun, family event, raising awareness about the western toad—designated federally as a Species of Special Concern in 2002. Toadfest is held at Summit Lake — an important breeding site for the toads — and is an opportunity to learn about the toad’s natural history, life cycle and habitat needs, and to see other local amphibians, snakes, and insects.
This year Toadfest is happening a bit earlier than previously due to milder springs and warmer summers that have influenced timing of breeding and toadlet migration from the lake to upland habitat. Organizers hope smoke and wildfire won’t force cancellation of Toadfest again this year: with the wildfire risk increasing, please be sure to check the Toadfest page link below for any updates or cancellation notices before travelling to the event.
As well as seeing western toads and other local species, come and enjoy the kids’ activities, and visit the displays and exhibits. Purchase a Toadfest T-shirt—all proceeds go to local conservation projects.
During Toadfest, you can collect the toadlets and help them across the road if they are present in the park. Please don’t move the toadlets outside of this event.
Toadfest is coordinated by the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP), with support from B.C. Parks, the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Okanagan Nation Alliance, YRB Kootenay, and many volunteers. Parking is limited so please carpool. For more information, visit fwcp.ca/toadfest.
The FWCP is a partnership between BC Hydro, the Province of B.C., Fisheries and Oceans Canada, First Nations and public stakeholders, to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife in watersheds impacted by BC Hydro dams.
