Baiba Morrow has received the 2026 Ellen Zimmerman Award for her many years of environmental protection, conservation and community leadership.
The annual Wildsight award recognizes a woman who has made significant contributions to environmental conservation and education in the Upper Columbia Basin. It honours Ellen Zimmerman, a longtime advocate of the Columbia Wetlands and women’s rights.
Morrow’s conservation work began nearly 20 years ago. Long before she moved to the Columbia Valley, Morrow participated in conservation efforts in B.C.’s Stein River Valley and Alberta’s Bow Valley.
Morrow later spent 12 years as president of Wildsight Invermere and also served on the organization’s regional board.
Wildsight Executive Director Robyn Duncan, said Morrow’s approach brings people together, welcomes newcomers, and inspires everyone to contribute to environmentalism, in any way, shape or form.
“There could be no better recipient than Baiba. We are all very much richer for having you here, as part of the Wildsight community, and as an advocate and defender of this incredible place,” said Duncan.
Morrow helped grow the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, supported the restoration of a damaged local recreation lake and recruited many new volunteers to join Wildsight.
Current Wildsight Invermere President Tracy Flynn is one of Morrow’s recruits, and explained the lasting benefits that Morrow’s mentorship and knowledge provided.
“I’m one of the people Baiba brought in about five or six years ago. She kind of commandeered me and said, ‘Hey, you should be part of Wildsight. Thanks, Baiba, you continue to bring people in. We wouldn’t survive without Baiba’s influence.” said Flynn.
Morrow explained how traveling has helped her feel more appreciation for the area she calls home.
“I feel a very, very strong connection to this place. Having travelled for so many years… knowing the value of that connection to the place… it puts this area into perspective, how precious it is.” said Morrow.
Morrow also described how building community is just as important to her as protecting landscapes.
“I feel like we’re a team, and you just do what you have to do. One of my goals was to create a footprint where it makes it easier for the next person.” said Morrow.
Rather than focusing on her achievements, Morrow spent time crediting the entire Wildsight community.
“The roots go deep. That’s what we rely on. I’m surrounded by people who are doers. Who are part of the community. Who are passionate. It’s humbling, really. We all do our part.” Morrow said.
Morrow’s friends, and nominators, such as friend Joan Gallaway described her as a calm and dependable leader who works quietly behind the scenes but has made a lasting difference for conservation in the region.
“Baiba is one of those quiet people who just gets the job done. She has been a champion for environmental and conservation initiatives all her life and will continue as such in the future. The world needs more Baiba.” said Gallaway.
Morrow concluded the celebration by turning the attention of those gathered to the Columbia Wetlands outside her house.
“And of course there’s this place. It keeps us going. It reminds us of what we have and what needs to be protected.”
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