The rolling grasslands of British Columbia’s Interior may look quiet at first glance, but they are among the most ecologically important, and most threatened, landscapes in the province.
On Feb. 5, community members will gather to celebrate and protect these ecosystems at Loving the Grasslands 2026, the Grasslands Conservation Council of BC’s signature annual fundraiser.
This year’s event takes place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Mountain Room at Thompson Rivers University, marking the first time the gathering has been hosted at TRU. The move reflects the event’s steady growth since it began just a few years ago.
“We hadn’t had a major fundraiser for a number of years,” Mike Dedels, Executive Director of the Grasslands Conservation Council of BC, said. “What started as a small, casual event turned into something the community really supported, and it’s been our major fundraiser for the past three years.”
Originally held at Mason’s Restaurant in Sun Rivers, Loving the Grasslands has evolved into a larger, more immersive evening. The 2026 edition will also feature a full buffet dinner for the first time, moving beyond the appetizer-style format of previous years.
Grasslands make up less than one percent of British Columbia’s land base, but they are home to more than 30 percent of the province’s species at risk. Beyond wildlife habitat, they provide vital forage for ranching operations, help retain water in dry climates, and offer recreational and cultural value to communities across the Interior.
Despite their importance, these ecosystems face an increase in pressure. Dedels points to development and subdivision of large land parcels as a major threat, along with invasive plant species that degrade native grassland habitats.
“These landscapes are often misunderstood,” Dedels said. “People see dry grass in the summer and don’t realize the diversity and complexity that’s there.”
The evening will include grassland stories, conservation updates highlighting on-the-ground work, and presentations recognizing supporters and partners. Attendees can also take part in live, silent, and online auctions featuring local experiences and donated items, which help fund the Council’s conservation and education efforts.
Entertainment will feature live music from an experienced piano player, allowing the focus to remain on connection, learning, and community.
Besides attending the event, keeping yourself informed of the ecosystems around you, and the invasive plants that can affect it, are ways Dedels believes will further the conservation of Grasslands in BC.
The long-term impact of the event goes beyond fundraising. “It’s about awareness,” Dedels said. “Grasslands are natural landscapes, shaped by geography and climate, and they’re essential to wildlife, ranching, and the identity of this region.”
The Grasslands Conservation Council of BC is the only provincial environmental NGO based in the Thompson Nicola Regional District, bringing together ranchers, students, landowners, recreationists, and conservationists around shared stewardship of grasslands.
“When we gather for the grasslands,” Dedels said, “we strengthen the very community that protects them.”
More information on Loving the Grasslands 2026 can be found at https://bcgrasslands.org/grasslands/loving-the-grassland-fundraiser-2026/