Join us for the 2026 bctws conference!
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The 2026 BCTWS Conference
September 23 - 26, 2026 Harrison Hot Springs, BC. The theme for the 2026 conference is: Conflict and Coexistence: Wildlife ecology and management along the wildland-urban interface |
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REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Register here
Abstract submission is now closed.
For those who submitted an abstract - we will be in touch by the end of the July!
Register here
Abstract submission is now closed.
For those who submitted an abstract - we will be in touch by the end of the July!
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Our action-packed program will include:
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Important Dates:
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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE A detailed schedule is forthcoming, as we continue to develop conference programming. Check back here for updates!
The registration desk will be open from 5:00 - 5:30 PM on Wednesday and from 8:00 - 8:45 AM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. |
REGISTRATION FEES
Fee Category |
Early Bird |
Regular |
BCTWS Member |
$350 |
$425 |
Student |
$225 |
$290 |
Indigenous |
$225 |
$290 |
Non-member |
$400 |
$450 |
Single day (Member/Non-member) |
$200 |
$200 |
Single day (Student/Indigenous) |
$125 |
$125 |
ACCOMMODATION
A group code is available for guests of our conference at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa.
The group code is 266719.
Visit www.harrisonresort.com and follow these steps:
The group code is 266719.
Visit www.harrisonresort.com and follow these steps:
- Select Specials
- Select Book Now (upper right corner)
- Select Add Code
- Click on Discount Code and select Group Attendee. Enter the group code: 266719
- Click Add, then Select & Go To The Next Step
- Choose your dates
Plenary Speaker
Friday, September 25, 2026
"The UBC Urban Wildlife Project: Integrating Urban Carnivore Behaviour, Cognition, Ecology, Physiology, and Management" Dr. Sarah Benson-Amram (she/her) Associate Professor Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences University of British Columbia |
Sarah Benson-Amram is an associate professor in the Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences and the Department of Zoology at the University of British Columbia. Sarah earned her B.A. from Cornell University in the U.S., her Ph.D. from Michigan State University in the U.S., and conducted her postdoctoral research at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, UK. Prior to joining the University of British Columbia, Sarah was an assistant professor in the Department of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Wyoming. Sarah investigates how cognition facilitates adaptation of wildlife to urban environments and how urbanization affects the behaviour, ecology, and cognition of wildlife through her field studies of urban carnivores, especially raccoons, skunks, and coyotes. Her work is also heavily focused on understanding drivers of human-wildlife conflict in urban environments and on applying the results of her work to help mitigate conflict and improve co-existence with wildlife in urban spaces. She has also studied behaviour, cognition, personality, and communication in other diverse taxa, including Asian and African elephants, spotted hyenas, Tasmanian devils, zebra finches, prairie dogs, and lemurs. Sarah’s research has been published in top international journals, such as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and the Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Articles about her work have appeared in many news publications, including: the New York Times, The New Scientist, the BBC, National Public Radio, and Nature News.
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Public Talk: iNaturalist - Nathan Earley
September 23, 2026, 5:30 - 8:00 PM Harrison Memorial Hall Kick off the BC Chapter of The Wildlife Society’s annual conference with a public talk by Nathan Earley. Learn how to use iNaturalist to document species, improve your ID skills, and contribute meaningful data to conservation in British Columbia. Stick around for a guided hike the next day, where we’ll put these skills into action as part of a conference-wide bioblitz—working together to record local biodiversity and support real science. |
Register Here |
CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
Sign up for workshops on the conference Eventbrite page
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Human-Bear Coexistence in the Wildland-Urban Interface
September 23, 1:00-4:00 PM ***Almost full -2 spots left*** Join representatives from the Harrison Hot Springs Bear Project and WildSafeBC for an interactive workshop exploring the challenges and opportunities of human–bear coexistence in a rapidly developing landscape. Participants will learn about local conflict mitigation efforts, Bear Smart principles, wildlife corridors, landscape connectivity, and community-based conservation initiatives aimed at reducing human–bear conflicts. The workshop will also highlight emerging research using conservation detection dogs, genetic sampling, and diet analyses to better understand bear ecology and the role of anthropogenic food sources in shaping bear behaviour at the wildland–urban interface. |
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WildCAM Camera Data Exploration
September 23, 2:00-4:00 PM Hosts: Chris Beirne Camera traps are transforming wildlife monitoring, but turning thousands of images into meaningful insights can be challenging. This hands-on workshop introduces participants to practical tools for managing and analyzing camera trap data using R, while exploring resources such as WildCAM's Camera Trap Data Exploration Shiny App. Whether you're new to camera trap data analysis or looking to learn new tools and workflows, this workshop will guide participants from camera trap processing platforms (e.g., Wildlife Insights, WildTrax, or Migrations) to meaningful summaries and data exploration. Participants are encouraged to bring their own camera trap dataset to work through with the instructor, or use a sample dataset if they don't have one. Plenty of time will be available for questions and one-on-one support. |
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CONFERENCE FIELD TRIPS
Sign up for field trips on the conference Eventbrite page
Bioblitz and Guided iNaturalist Walk
September 24, 1:00-3:00 PM
Take your iNaturalist skills into the field during a guided biodiversity walk led by Nathan Earley. Explore the natural areas surrounding Harrison Hot Springs while documenting plants, animals, and fungi as part of a conference-wide bioblitz. Whether you're new to iNaturalist or an experienced user, this hands-on field trip offers a fun opportunity to contribute meaningful observations to science while connecting with fellow wildlife professionals.
Plant and Animal Health Centre Tour: Wildlife Disease and Diagnostics
September 24, 1:00-5:00 PM
Explore the science behind wildlife health, disease surveillance, and diagnostic testing during a behind-the-scenes visit to the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food's Plant and Animal Health Centre in Abbotsford. Through a series of short presentations and a guided laboratory tour, participants will gain insight into the diverse research, diagnostic, and biosafety work conducted at one of British Columbia's premier animal health facilities. This unique opportunity highlights the critical role of disease monitoring and laboratory science in wildlife and ecosystem management.
Greenway Restoration Project: Community Stewardship in Action
September 24, 1:00-3:00 PM
Discover how local stewardship groups are restoring and protecting critical salmon and riparian habitat in the Harrison Hot Springs area. Hosted by the Miami River Streamkeepers Society, this field trip will showcase ongoing restoration efforts along the Miami River, including invasive species management, native vegetation planting, fish habitat enhancement, and salmon monitoring programs. Learn how community-led conservation can support ecological resilience in landscapes facing increasing pressures from urban development.
September 24, 1:00-3:00 PM
Take your iNaturalist skills into the field during a guided biodiversity walk led by Nathan Earley. Explore the natural areas surrounding Harrison Hot Springs while documenting plants, animals, and fungi as part of a conference-wide bioblitz. Whether you're new to iNaturalist or an experienced user, this hands-on field trip offers a fun opportunity to contribute meaningful observations to science while connecting with fellow wildlife professionals.
Plant and Animal Health Centre Tour: Wildlife Disease and Diagnostics
September 24, 1:00-5:00 PM
Explore the science behind wildlife health, disease surveillance, and diagnostic testing during a behind-the-scenes visit to the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food's Plant and Animal Health Centre in Abbotsford. Through a series of short presentations and a guided laboratory tour, participants will gain insight into the diverse research, diagnostic, and biosafety work conducted at one of British Columbia's premier animal health facilities. This unique opportunity highlights the critical role of disease monitoring and laboratory science in wildlife and ecosystem management.
Greenway Restoration Project: Community Stewardship in Action
September 24, 1:00-3:00 PM
Discover how local stewardship groups are restoring and protecting critical salmon and riparian habitat in the Harrison Hot Springs area. Hosted by the Miami River Streamkeepers Society, this field trip will showcase ongoing restoration efforts along the Miami River, including invasive species management, native vegetation planting, fish habitat enhancement, and salmon monitoring programs. Learn how community-led conservation can support ecological resilience in landscapes facing increasing pressures from urban development.
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PHOTO CREDITS: SOOTY GROUSE, KIIRSTI OWEN; HARRISON HOT SPRINGS, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Harrison_Hot_Springs.jpg CC by SA 2.0; MOUNTAIN GOAT, JT FISHER; BLACK BEAR and CARIBOU, JULIE THOMAS