Get ready for Toadfest 2023!
We look forward to welcoming you to Toadfest at Summit Lake Provincial Park near Nakusp this summer! The dates and times are:
Wednesday, August 16, 4 – 7 p.m. PT
Thursday, August 17, 9 a.m. – noon PT
Toadfest is a free family event, raising awareness about the western toad—designated federally as a Species of Special Concern in 2002. There are several key breeding sites in the West Kootenay, including Summit Lake. Toadfest presents a great opportunity to learn about the toad’s natural history, life cycle and habitat needs, and to see other local amphibians, snakes, insects and painted turtles.
The event occurs each summer, when the toadlets emerge from Summit Lake and migrate to higher ground across Highway 6. Due to the above-average temperatures we’ve experienced this year, egg and tadpole development has been fast, resulting in one of the earliest local movements of toadlets—by the third week of August—with the migration typically lasting between four and six weeks. If toadlets are present during Toadfest, you can collect them and help them across the road. Please don’t move the toadlets outside of this event.
As well as seeing western toads and other local species, come and enjoy kids’ activities, and visit the displays and exhibits. Pick up a Toadfest T-shirt—all proceeds go to local conservation projects.
Toadfest is organized by the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program, with support from BC Parks, Ministry of Forests, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Okanagan Nation Alliance, and Yellowhead Road and Bridge Ltd.
Interested in volunteering at Toadfest 2023? Contact us today!