Donning their best forest-themed costumes, a crowd of roughly 40 people took to MacKenzie Avenue in Revelstoke to join Wildsight’s United for Old Growth walk on Thursday (Sept. 28) at noon.
The march in Revelstoke was just one in a series of similar ones happening across the province. The goal of the marches was to draw attention to the forests and all the life they support ahead of the BC Legislature’s return to session in October. The local crowd, with costumes and signs in tow, walked the length of MacKenzie with strong voices and a message.
“Cedar is the leader, moss is the boss,” chanted the group as they made their way up Revelstoke’s main road.
Before the group got moving, Casey Brennan, conservation director of Wildsight, spoke to the crowd from the steps of Grizzly Plaza.
“I really want to thank you all for being here today and taking time out of your day to help support old growth, old growth protection, old growth awareness, and love,” said Brennan.
Brennan reminded the crowd that it’s been over three years since the ‘Old-Growth Strategic Review’, resulting in 14 recommendations. He said that while some progress had been made for a few of the recommendations, none of them had been fully implemented.
As has been a common occurrence with old-growth advocacy, the younger generation was both present and vocal at Thursday’s event. Four young attendees, Evy, Merrick, Zoey, and Ellie, stepped up to the microphone to speak to the crowd. 10-year-old Evy spoke first.
“I’m here because trees have no voice, and someone needs to speak for them,” began Evy before describing her own experience encountering an old-growth tree in a nearby forest.
“I had a very special experience in that forest. An experience that I’m able to share with you. An experience that you can go, right now, and have for yourself in a truly special place,” said Evy.
“Now, imagine if this forest didn’t exist. I wouldn’t have gone there, and you won’t be able to go there.”
The powerful message from the young speaker was followed by three more young and enthusiastic speakers.
The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia returns to session in Victoria on Tuesday, Oct. 3.
READ MORE: Revelstoke Railway History: The last of the Iron Horses