Vancouver, WA. – Official Release: Columbia Springs, a vital resource for environmental education and community engagement in Vancouver, is preparing for a significant funding shortfall following the City of Vancouver’s proposed budget recommendation. The budget includes a $50,000 cut in annual support from the City’s Solid Waste Fund, which has provided crucial financial backing for years. This reduction accounts for approximately 10 percent of Columbia Springs’ overall operational budget.
This funding has historically supported a variety of Columbia Springs’ key community programs, including summer camp, Nature Days, guided walks, and scholarships for children from low-income families. Without it, Columbia Springs will be forced to reevaluate the scope of its offerings, including removing scholarships that allow about a dozen children to attend summer camp each year.
“We have always been dedicated to making our programs accessible to everyone in the community,” said Katherine Cory, Executive Director of Columbia Springs. “This funding has helped us offer affordable experiences and scholarships to children who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend our summer camps. The cuts will significantly limit what we’re able to do going forward.”
Columbia Springs has provided the community with hands-on learning opportunities, such as nature walks, environmental science workshops, and school field trips for nearly 6,000 students annually, for many years. The organization’s mission to foster a connection to nature and inspire environmental stewardship is more important than ever, yet this funding reduction will undoubtedly impact the breadth of Columbia Springs’ services at a time when outdoor education is in high demand.
Columbia Springs is urging anyone whose child has attended a field trip, camp, or event at Columbia Springs to reach out to Vancouver City Council and share their personal stories. “We’re asking families and individuals to speak up about the importance of Columbia Springs and the programs we offer,” Cory said. “With enough voices, we hope the City Council will reconsider and find an alternative funding source.”
Without restoration of the $50,000 in city funding, Columbia Springs will be forced to scale back its offerings, including community programs and scholarship support. The loss of funding will leave a lasting impact on the organization’s ability to serve the community.
For more information on how to contact City Council, please visit https://www.cityofvancouver.us/government/mayor-and-city-council/
About Columbia Springs: Columbia Springs is a 100-acre natural area and nonprofit organization that provides educational opportunities for the community to learn about nature, the environment, and sustainability. Our mission is to provide a unique setting and educational experiences that foster a greater awareness of the natural world and inspire stewardship.
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