CPAWS Yukon

08/31/2026

What a trip! 🎉 Congratulations to Kadrienne and everyone who made the journey.

08/20/2026

Lichen walk recap along Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council territory. Thank you to those who joined us! Stay tuned for the release of Hannah's introductory field guide in a few weeks. 🌲

08/20/2026

EVENT: Mary Lake Dog Triathlon

"This event is all about getting outside, having fun, and celebrating the places we love with our dogs.

With a public hearing coming up on August 24th regarding proposed mining expansion within city limits, we’re creating a space where you can learn more about mining regulations within the Yukon

Run, Bike and Paddle”

08/06/2026

Have you spotted any chocolate chips, spaghetti, jellyfish, cauliflower, or trumpets in the boreal forest?

Lichens and mosses across the Yukon are small and often overlooked, but if you look closely you'll see that they come in a variety of shapes that make them easier to spot and identify. Some carpet the forest floor, others wrap over rocks, and some form patches on tree branches. Often it's the way they grow that gives them their shape, and contributes to their important roles in building soil, storing carbon, providing food for wildlife, and so much more.

Our intern Hannah has been photographing common species throughout the summer and learning all about how to share ID tips and their importance in a fun, accessible way. She'll be leading a free walk on Thursday August 13th 6-8pm. We'll meet at the gazebo at Copper Haul Rd & Fish Lake Rd in Chasàn Chùa. Join us to learn more and get a sneak peek of the field guide to ⭐ Boreal Forest Lichens and Mosses ⭐ that Hannah created!

📷 Noah Korver and Hannah Hofsink

08/05/2026

Send your thoughts to the City of Whitehorse at [email protected] before August 24!

We've got a new blog all about Putting People and Planning First in Whitehorse. Check it out on our website to find out more about Gladiator's proposal to amend the Whitehorse 2040 Official Community Plan (OCP) and what the City is considering. Opening up Whitehorse to more mining exploration would set a dangerous precedent for other mining companies (whose ultimate goal is to develop mines) and bring impacts that can quickly escalate.

Tips from Whitehorse residents on what to include when writing to Council:
🖊️ Your full name, the neighbourhood you live in, and the number of years you’ve lived in Whitehorse.
🖊️ Why you care about this issue. What you’ve seen, experienced or are concerned about.
🖊️ A clear request: that Mayor and Council reject proposed Bylaw 2026-25
🖊️ Your personal voice

There will be a public hearing at City Hall on Monday August 24th, 5:30 pm. Show up and consider speaking at the hearing!

📷 Adil Darvesh, Hannah Hofsink, Malkolm Boothroyd

08/04/2026

📍 Carcross/Tagish First Nation and the Teslin Tlingit Council territory

Come along on a a bioblitz around Little Atlin Lake and Atlin Road, where the future Agay Mene Territorial Park will be! Over 1100 species were recorded! Organized by the Denny at the Yukon Conservation Data Center Yukon Environment.

Send a message to learn more

07/30/2026

"Zhǜr (berries) can be made into jam, pies, or dried for the winter. Juniper berries, rosehips, and soapberries are best for recipes. Other berries can be enjoyed right after picking.

Many animals also rely on berries. Shar shäw (grizzly bears) gorge on berries to prepare for winter, eating up to 200,000 in a day! Be sure to leave plenty behind for the wildlife."

from the On the Land 2024 calendar, a partnership between Kwanlin Dün First Nation and CPAWS Yukon.

📷 Cranberries and juniper photo by Katelyn Dawson. Raspberry, strawberry, blueberry by Troy Friday. Crowberry, soapberry, rosehip by Paula Gomez Villalba. You can check out the 2024 calendar at cpawsyukon.org/publications

07/29/2026

We're so grateful to live in the Wilderness City, where residents can come together on a weekday evening, just a few blocks from busy roads, and spend time together in the boreal forest. A few weeks ago, local artist Misha Donohoe led a watercolour workshop all about slowing down.

She shared how watercolour is all about thinking in layers. It's the layers that add colour, rather than using more paint or pressing down harder. We learned how to move our paintbrushes in the direction of a plant's growth, and to use two brushes to paint. Twin flowers, wild roses, and Arctic lupins began to take shape on our pages, revealing the many layers of colour in each leaf, petal, and rosehip. Throughout the evening, ravens flew overhead, we found lichens hidden just off the trail, and boreal birds sang to keep us company.

Spending time in places like the Whistle Bend South Forest reminds us what's at stake. Areas like this may not be around forever if they're developed... It's so important to experience them and connect with community members passionate about protecting nearby habitats and trails. Thank you Misha for guiding us!

📷 Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council traditional territory, photos by Hannah Hofsink and Paula Gomez Villalba.

07/24/2026

Join us for a free guided walk for beginners led by CPAWS Intern Hannah Hofsink!

📅 Thursday August 13th 6-8pm
📍 Meet at gazebo at Copper Haul Rd & Fish Lake Rd in Chasàn Chùa

Often overlooked, lichens and mosses play important roles in Yukon ecosystems and help shape the forests and marshes around us. Hannah will lead us in exploring Chasàn Chùa, identifying common species, and learning why they are so important for people, wildlife, and more.

Full details at boreal-lichens.eventbrite.com. Register for reminders or drop in!