Ancient Forests in Our Backyard

Sarah Jackson
Culture Editor

A hour and a half drive east

of Prince George, an ancient
inland rainforest has grown relatively
undisturbed for millennia. The park,
according to the Trail Peak website,
features an incredibly unique
ecosystem complete with looming 800-
2000 year old cedars, a waterfall,
and multiole mountain viewpoints. The
hour-long trail is well-marked with
signposts describing the local flora and
fauna, many of which are the only ones
of their kind found for miles around. In
fact, Ancient Forest is advertised as
the only temperate rainforest that exists
so far inland in all of North America.

The unique ecosystem has been the
focus of much attention from local
hikers, scientists and activists looking
to protect old-growth forests and the
many species which call them home.
Prince George hidden gem now
features a wheelchair-accessible

boardwalk built by the collective
volunteer efforts and donations of
the Caledonia Ramblers (one of our
regiors oldest hiking groups), residents
of McBride, the Dome Creek Forest
Information committee and people
from Crescent Spur and Walker
Road. The supplies for the "universal
boardwalk" were also donated by
local committees,organisations ,and
individuals. Four long years of effort
and altruism have made this local
wonder accessible fo just about
everyone.

Ancient Forest and the work that has
taken place to protect it and make it
accessible to everyone is a great
example of the willingness of citizens
of Prince George and surrounding
communities to contribute their time,
energy, and money to build a better
community for everyone. A spirit that is
supported and often exemplified in the

efforts of students and staff of UNBC.

A University “To Do” List: What to do now that you're here (or back)

Sarah Jackson
Culture Editor

hings to do now that you are at

university So it is your first year
of university, or you are returning for
another fall semester, and some of you
are probably wondering how to get
into the swing of things. Here at Over
the Edge, we thought we would come
up with some suggestions to try and
help you address those first day jitters,
find your niche at UNBC, or perhaps
add a boost to your resume:

1. Join. a Club

Clubs are a great way to meet new
friends and get involved with the
community at UNBC. Club members
often work together fo throw events
and fundraisers which support
worthwhile causes, and contribute to
making UNBC a fun, social place to
be. It also looks really good to have
a club (or two, or three.) on your
resume. It shows potential employers
and prospective graduate schools that
you are a well-rounded person with
a wide array of interests. Plus, UNBC
has enough clubs to fit everybodys
interests: from Dance Club, Cycling
Club, and Men's and Women’s
Rugby Clubs, to Students for a Green
University which works towards

making the campus more sustainable;
everything from the Nerdy Gaming
Club to clubs with a global impact like
WUSC and Free the Children. A great
time to check out all the clubs on offer
at UNBC and see what fits for you is
on Clubs Days from September Ith to
12th in the Winter Garden.

2. Attend events

Even if you do not want to commit

to joining a club, attending events

is a great way to find your feet at
UNBC. Whether you are focused on
academic gaming, socializing, local
foods, crafts, music, dancing, or all of
the above, there are events for you.

A few exciting events coming up in the
next month include the Backyard BBO
on September 6th, which takes place
on the lawn of UNBC just outside

the Thirsty Moose, featuring bands,
barbecue and beer (for those of you
over nineteen). It is a fun way to get to
know people and listen to some local
music. September 14th is Shinerama,
a cross Canada fundraiser that takes
place at more than 60 campuses,
raising money for Cystic Fibrosis
research. Students shine shoes, wash
cars, and host bottle drives. The event
is mandatory for UNBC clubs so if you
have just joined a club you might find
yourself shining shoes and making new

friends before you know it!

3. Volunteer

There are a lot of great opportunities
to volunteer at UNBC or around Prince
George. UNBC hosts a volunteer fair
every year so you can check out your
options then. Or, if you really want

to get involved right away, google
“Volunteer Prince George” and you
will find links to agencies and events
around town. There is also a volunteer
opportunities section on the UNBC
website for those of you looking for
ways to help out on campus. One
volunteer opportunity the we, the team
at Over the Edge, love to see people
take advantage of is writing for the
school paper (not that Over the Edge
is biased). It is a great chance to hone
your writing skills and see your name

in print. Just contact our volunteer
coordinator, Tyson Kelsall at ote-
volunteer@unbc.ca to submit your ideas
and get involved with Over the Edge.

4. Get a Job (you bum!)

Looking for a way to pay for groceries,
cover rent, or just go out on Saturday
night? Nuggs and UNBC offer a
variety of job searches that will boost
your resume, teach you valuable skills,
and line your pockets, all at the same
time. Plus, for those of you living in

dorms, it cannot get more convenient
than walking down the hall to work.
Working at the Thirsty Moose as a
cook, server, or security person; or
whipping up coffees as a barista at
Degrees Coffee Co.; getting a job

at UNBC is also a great way to be
front and centre for events on campus.
Check out wwwnugss.unbe.ca to see
current postings.

5. Join a Sports team

For those athletes attending UNBC,
the Northern Sports Centre is a great
place to stay in shape and avoid
essays or lab reports throughout

the year (not that Over the Edge
condones procrastination). UNBC also
offers a variety of team sports, such
as basketball, co-ed soccer, floor ball,
and volleyball.

Whatever you end up doing this

year, try to take advantage of the
opportunities you have now. Be young,
have fun, and make friends that you
can hold on to for life. The memories
and relationships you make today
may just last a lifetime. What you are
learning right now is not just how to
pass your classes; you are learning life
skills, and a new way of understanding
the world around you. Take chances,
dive right in, and learn all you can,
because it is easier than you think