WLCF Awards 2026 Roger McCarthy Memorial Scholarships
The Whistler Lakes Conservation Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Roger McCarthy Memorial Scholarship.
WLCF Chairman John Doyle presented the $1,000 award to two outstanding recipients this year: Sophia Hauschka and Logan Twiss Dunnigan.
The scholarship honours the legacy of Roger McCarthy and supports students whose work and studies reflect a commitment to protecting the lakes and natural spaces that define our community. Sophia and Logan both exemplify that spirit, and the WLCF board congratulates them on this achievement.
Thank you to everyone in the community who continues to support this scholarship and the Foundation’s broader conservation mission. Here’s to a great year ahead for both recipients.
Whistler’s Wet Habitats
On May 23, 2026, the Whistler Lakes Conservation Foundation welcomed biologist and forest ecologist Bob Brett to the Whistler Public Library for an engaging public talk following our Annual General Meeting. Bob, founder of the Whistler Biodiversity Project, took the audience on a fascinating tour of Whistler’s wetland ecosystems, from the surprisingly blurry line between lakes and wetlands, to the remarkable 5,500-plus species his project has documented in the valley.
Event Summary: Whistler’s Wet Habitats
Glaciers, Water, and Wisdom: A Night of Urgency and Hope
On April 17th, the Whistler Lakes Conservation Foundation proudly co-sponsored Glaciers, Water, and Wisdom: A Night of Urgency and Hope alongside the Whistler Institute. This powerful evening brought together scientists, storytellers, and Indigenous voices to explore the profound changes facing our glaciers and freshwater ecosystems. Through knowledge sharing and heartfelt dialogue, the event sparked both concern and inspiration—highlighting the critical importance of collective action in protecting the waters that sustain us all.
New Brochure: Lake Stewardship in Whistler
We’re excited to launch our new Whistler Lakes brochure – a quick guide to being a responsible lake steward, whether you’re a visitor or a longtime local.
From sustainable transport tips to protecting aquatic life and respecting boating codes, this guide helps ensure our lakes stay pristine for generations to come. It also includes local stewardship groups you can join and a powerful reminder of the deep cultural history of these waters.
Pick up a copy around town or view it online here.
Let’s keep Whistler’s lakes wild, clean, and beautiful.
Lake Reports
Protecting Our Lakes: Insights from Lost, Nita and Alpha Lakes Monitoring
The pristine beauty of Whistler’s lakes is a cornerstone of our natural environment, offering recreation, relaxation, and ecological significance. Three of these jewels, Lost Lake, Nita Lake and Alpha Lake, are vital ecosystems that require ongoing stewardship to thrive. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Whistler Lakes Conservation Foundation (WLCF) and the BC Lake Stewardship Society (BCLSS), we have a clearer understanding of the health of these lakes and the challenges they face.
If you’ve ever paddled on Nita’s calm waters or swam in the refreshing depths of Alpha Lake, this update is for you. Here’s what we’ve learned from the most recent reports on lake health and how you can help ensure these precious resources remain healthy for generations to come.
Healthy Waters
The WLCF partnered with the Raincoast Healthy Waters team in 2023 to generate an analysis of contaminants of past, current and emerging concern in local waters. Water samples were collected from sites within two Whistler area watersheds: the Green River which drains northeast via the Lillooet and Fraser Rivers down into the Strait of Georgia and the Cheakamus River which drains south via the Squamish River to Howe Sound. Combined, these watersheds cover an area of 1,909 km2.
This report highlights results from the first dry (summer) season sampling carried out with the support and participation of the Whistler Lakes Conservation Foundation (WLCF) and the Raincoast Conservation Foundation.
This report highlights results from the first wet season sampling carried out with the support and participation of the Whistler Lakes Conservation Foundation (WLCF) and the Raincoast Conservation Foundation.
What Really Counts?
At the 2023 BC Lake Stewardship Conference, WLCF members presented “What Really Counts? Building a Stewardship Ethic in a World Destination Resort Community”.
Media
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