Toadfest 2025—a success!
The wildfires stayed away, and the rains encouraged the toadlets to emerge in strong numbers, ensuring that Toadfest 2025 was a success, and—of course—indicating that the local population is healthy. Toadfest is a free family event—held on August 6th & 7th this year—at Summit Lake Provincial Park.
The western toad is designated federally as a Species of Special Concern and Summit Lake is one of the most important breeding sites in the province for them. The event is an opportunity to learn about the toad’s natural history, life cycle, and habitat needs, learn about other local species—and save a few toadlets of course!
Approximately 350 people attended Toadfest 2025, collecting and transporting 256 buckets of toadlets safely across the highway. The estimated number of toadlets saved from having to face the threat of being squashed on the road was just under 19,000.
In addition to collecting toadlets, the attendees visited displays from numerous local stewardship groups including Slocan River Streamkeepers, Arrow Lakes Environmental Stewardship Society, Living Lakes Canada, WildSafe BC, RDCK Firesmart, Kootenay Community Bat Project, Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society, and Elk Root Conservation Society.
Toadfest was coordinated by the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP), with support from B.C. Parks, the Province of B.C., Okanagan Nation Alliance, YRB Kootenay, and many volunteers.
Thank you to everyone who took part!
Roger’s TV Community Channel: Toadfest 2025
