Phil Harvey, Chair

Phil grew up in rural Nova Scotia exploring in the forest and hasn’t stopped since. With long time ties to the Creston Valley, he and his wife now live full time in the Town of Creston where they host frequent family gatherings. In between those times he has managed to gain education, work and volunteer experience that enables him to introduce to others the value of “getting out there”.

His initial education included a B. Eng. (Mining) degree from the Technical University of Nova Scotia (now part of Dalhousie University). Heading out west in the early 80s he accepted employment with Shell Canada as an engineer. Experience then included a secondment to the British Columbia government in Victoria and obtaining a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Calgary. Later he was employed as an executive with both public and private oil and gas companies headed up by J.C. Anderson. More recently he completed the core curriculum portion of the Certified Financial Planner program. He still retains his professional engineering (life membership) designation.

Phil’s volunteer experience includes involvement with the The Alpine Club of Canada, Cochrane Search & Rescue, minor hockey, not-for-profit boards and major fund raising by university alumni. He believes that the Discovery Centre has a key role to play in Creston Valley eco-tourism and environmental education for many decades to come.

Jim Kuemper, Vice Chair

Jim was born in the small farming community of Humbolt Sask. and at the age of 5, his family moved to Calgary. He remained in Calgary, married his wife Michele, and raised 3 children and currently have 6 grandchildren. H retired in January 2020, after working primarily in the electronics industry and most recently as Manager, Engineering (Western Canada) for a worldwide audiovisual firm. They moved to Creston in 2014, where they enjoy a wonderful work / life balance with many new friends and experiences.

His interests include photography, fishing, outdoor activities, woodworking and motorcycling.

Paityn Kuiper, Treasurer

Paityn is a new resident of Creston and has quickly developed a strong connection to the area’s landscape, community, and people. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Commerce and holds a diploma in Business Administration with a focus on Management.

Paityn brings valuable experience from her volunteer work in Alberta with WILDNorth, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organization, as well as from her professional role with the Edmonton Valley Zoo Development Society (EVZDS). Through these experiences, she developed a deep passion for wildlife and nature conservation, along with a strong appreciation for conservation education and community engagement as tools for long-term impact.

An avid outdoor enthusiast, Paityn has developed a deep appreciation for various nature-based activities and looks forward to exploring all that Creston has to offer. Her interests include bird watching, hiking, paddleboarding, and snowshoeing, which further reinforce her personal connection to conservation and the natural environment.

As a board member, Paityn is motivated to apply her business education and conservation experience to support the organization’s mission and contribute to its continued growth and success.

Signe Miller, Director

Signe has lived in the Creston Valley for over 35 years and is a long-time community volunteer and advocate. After arriving in Creston as a journalist with The Advance, she went on to own and operate several small businesses, including a driving school, and worked as a naturalist at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. She has served extensively on local boards, including the Creston Community Foundation, Hospice, and the Creston and District Society for Community Living, and has supported numerous non-profit organizations through writing and volunteer service. Signe has also contributed to community planning through the Official Community Plan and advisory housing committees, and currently serves as Secretary of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29. In recognition of her volunteerism, she has received both the Queen Elizabeth II Medal and the Governor General’s Medal.

Alana Higginson, Executive Director

After growing up in the Lower Mainland, Alana recently traded city life for mountain views and chose to settle in the Creston Valley. Drawn by the region’s incredible wetlands, rich biodiversity, and passionate community, she is eager to build both her career and her life in a place where nature and community are so deeply connected.

With a degree in Resource and Environmental Management and nearly a decade of experience in environmental education and conservation, Alana has dedicated her career to helping people connect with the natural world. Before joining the KCDCS, she managed the Wetlands Education Program with the B.C. Wildlife Federation, where she built partnerships with First Nations, governments, conservation organizations, consultants, and community groups while developing hands-on education programs and stewardship initiatives across British Columbia.

Alana believes that some of the best learning happens outdoors, where curiosity can turn into appreciation and appreciation into stewardship. She is excited to help the Discovery Centre continue inspiring residents and visitors of all ages to discover the remarkable ecosystems, wildlife, and stories that make the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area such a special place.

When she’s not talking about wetlands, you’ll usually find Alana working on her new house, exploring local trails and waterways, learning how to garden, or trying a new recipe.

Seasonal Wetland Naturalists

Wetland Naturalists join us seasonally to assist in the delivery of wetland education and awareness programs. 2026 brings us three enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and fun Naturalists: Kyla, Ainslee, and Deeba!