February 2^nd has the distinction of being both Groundhog and World Wetlands Day.

Across North America this morning, people tuned in to find out if representative members of the species Marmota monax would spot their shadows, foretelling another six weeks of winter weather. You can see the results of the groundhog’s prognostications here. Though British Columbia is lacking its own furry celebrity forecaster, it would seem we’re not missing much: an analysis of the accuracy of predictions by legendary groundhog forecaster Punxsutawney Phil using meteorological data from 1969 onward revealed a success rate of only 36%. Besides, BC’s groundhogs are still likely to be fast asleep, typically waiting to emerge from their deep winter slumber until March, or even later. Their cousins, the endangered Vancouver Island Marmot, often don’t emerge until May!

While it may be fruitless to go searching for groundhogs at this time of year, there’s no reason not to get outdoors and celebrate World Wetlands Day. February 2^nd also marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands, back in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that provides a framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Wetlands make up approximately 6% of BC, and provide critical habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife. Indeed, most of the province’s wildlife use wetlands at some stage their life cycle, and many of our at-risk species are wetland-dependent. Each year, HCTF provides grants to many projects working to restore wetlands in BC, including the Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Wetlands Partnership Program.

Here are some more of our favourite photo contest entries:

Congratulations to Hal Mitchell, the Grand Prize winner of HCTF’s first photo contest!

HCTF understands that extenuating circumstances may occasionally prevent a project from being completed within its original timeline. That is why we give proponents the opportunity to apply for a contract extension if they won’t be able to complete their project by March 31^st. Today, emails went out to all HCTF proponents with active 2014-15 projects, providing detailed information about submitting a contract extension request. Here are some highlights:

• The deadline to request a contract extension is February 15^th, 2015.
• If you do not complete your project by March 31st, 2015, and you do not request a contract extension, unspent funds will be re-allocated towards other HCTF project priorities.
• Submitting a Contract Extension Request Form does not guarantee that an extension will be granted; only that it will be considered

HCTF assembles a special committee to review the requests, so it is important that they are submitted on time.

As 2014 comes to a close, we would like to thank everyone who helped make BC a better place this year by contributing to conservation. Your licence purchase, conservation project, educational initiative, volunteer contribution or donation has truly made a difference for the province’s freshwater fish, wildlife and habitats. Our best wishes for a happy, healthy holiday season, and we look forward to working with you in 2015!

Please note the HCTF office will be closed December 23^rd through 28^th and New Year’s Day. Happy Holidays!