Cranbrook Community Forest, 2700 College Way, Cranbrook, BC (2026)

Established and managed by a group of dedicated volunteers who make up the Cranbrook Community Forest Society, a registered charitable organization. The Cranbrook Community Forest is an established Recreation Site (governed by the Forest Recreation Regulations) and as such provides a variety of recreational opportunities. The Cranbrook Community Forest recognizes that the land it occupies is in th

e unceded territory of the Ktunaxa Nation and the chosen homeland of the Rocky Mountain Métis. We deeply respect and honour their longstanding stewardship of this land.

05/31/2026

The Arrow-leaf Balsamroot bloom has come to an end for another year, and what a spectacular display it was. Bright yellow flowers, carrying their subtle chocolate scent, blanketed the forest floor like sunshine beneath the stately Ponderosa pines. The trees warm vanilla fragrance filled the air, while Antelope Bush in full bloom added a sweet hint of honey to the mix.

With songbirds singing overhead and the forest alive with colour and fragrance, it truly was a delight for the senses. If you were lucky enough to catch it this season, we hope you enjoyed every moment.

And the show isn’t over yet, the Lupine, Heart-leaved Arnica and Star-Flowered Lily of the Valley will soon be putting on their own beautiful display of colour and fragrance throughout the forest.

If you missed the bloom this year, be sure to mark your calendar for May next year as the bloom is one of the forest’s most beautiful seasonal displays and well worth experiencing. 🌼🌲💜🐦

Happy trails!

05/28/2026

Baby season is here, and while our first instinct is often to help, sometimes the best thing we can do is give wildlife space.

Every year, well-meaning people accidentally orphan healthy babies because they look alone, cold, or “abandoned.” In reality, many parents are nearby watching, feeding, or waiting for you to leave.

Mittens wants you to remember:
Feathered bird hopping around? Probably a fledgling — leave it be.
Bunny nest in the grass? Cover it back up and keep pets away.
Baby squirrel on the ground? Give mom a chance to come back.
Fawn lying alone? Mom likely left it there on purpose.

When in doubt take photos, keep your distance, and text the photo to us before intervening. (Our phone rings off the hook and the first thing we will do is ask for a photo)

05/26/2026

Wildlife baby season is here 🐣🦌🐻

If you come across a baby animal, please do not interfere unless you’ve been directed to do so by a wildlife professional. In many cases, the parent is nearby and watching. The best thing we can do is give wildlife space and contact the appropriate experts if help may be needed.

The organizations below all have volunteers serving the East and West Kootenays and can provide guidance:

OWL – Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (birds of prey)
📞 1-604-946-3171

Northern Lights Wildlife Society (bear cubs, possible cougar kittens)
📞 1-250-877-1181

Wildlife Rescue Association of BC (loons, swans, blue herons, and more)
📞 1-604-526-7275

Wild ARC Wildlife Rehab (BC SPCA Wildlife) (loons, swans, blue herons, and more)
📞 1-250-478-9453

Elizabeth’s Wildlife Center
📞 1-604-852-9173

Critter Care Wildlife Society (raccoons, otters, coyotes, beavers)
📞 1-604-530-2064

Western Painted Turtle Vet (painted turtles)
📞 1-604-467-1161

RAPP / Conservation Officer Service
📞 1-877-952-7277

Little Mittens Animal Rescue (fawns, elk calves, moose calves, ducks, skunks, small birds, and more)
📞 250-939-8085

Remember: See • Observe • Record • Report

👀 See the animal
📝 Observe what it’s doing
📷 Record details in your mind, on paper, or with a photo/video from a safe distance
📞 Report it to the appropriate organization

When calling, try to have as much information as possible ready for the call taker, location, condition of the animal, what it’s doing, whether a parent is nearby, and how long it’s been there.

Happy trails and thank you for doing your part to help keep wildlife wild 💚

05/21/2026

Community W**d Pull Coming Soon - Save the Date

Mark your calendars for a Community W**d Pull in the Cranbrook Community Forest on June 13, hosted by the East Kootenay Invasive Species Council - EKISC and the Cranbrook Community Forest.

Time and location details are still to be confirmed, so stay tuned for more information.

Community w**d pulls are a great way to make a direct, positive impact on local natural areas. By removing invasive plants, volunteers help protect native species, improve wildlife habitat, support biodiversity, and keep our trails and forests healthier for everyone to enjoy.

This event is also a great opportunity to learn more about invasive species and how they affect our region. EKISC provides valuable education, outreach, and resources to help residents, landowners, and communities identify invasive plants, understand their impacts, and take action to prevent their spread.

Join us in caring for the Cranbrook Community Forest and learning how small actions can make a big difference.

Save the date: June 13
Cranbrook Community Forest
Hosted by EKISC and the CCF
Time and location: TBD

05/16/2026

Happy May long weekend! While the weather outside looks a little frightful, it was quite lovely for a walk in the forest this morning. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, the flowers were blooming beautifully, and the fresh forest air was filled with the scent of spring. Best of all, the trees provided a perfect shelter from the wind.

Even if you need to bundle up a little, it’s still a wonderful time to escape to the woods and enjoy all that nature has to offer.

Happy trails! 🌲🌼🐦

Address

2700 College Way
Cranbrook, BC
V1C5L7

Website

http://www.cranbrookcommunityforest.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Cranbrook Community Forest posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Cranbrook Community Forest:

Cranbrook Community Forest