Wendy Kotilla – Founder

Dec 15, 2021 | Staff

Wendy Kotilla created YER in 2004 based on her own youth experiences of being constantly outdoors, surrounded by the healing powers of nature. She has a Restoration of Natural Systems Diploma from University of Victoria, and Negotiation and Mediation Certificates from the Justice Institute of BC. Her experience includes thirty years in Ecological Restoration and Restorative Justice. She received the UVic 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award for the YER program.
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Wendy Kotilla – Founder

Wendy Kotilla created YER in 2004 based on her own youth experiences of being constantly outdoors, surrounded by the healing powers of nature. She has a Restoration of Natural Systems Diploma from University of Victoria, and Negotiation and Mediation Certificates from the Justice Institute of BC. Her experience includes thirty years in Ecological Restoration and Restorative Justice. She received the UVic 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award for the YER program.

Photo taken by Viable Options Photography.

Watch the Trailer for the film Ecology Transforms Youth below..

View the full YER film (35 mins)
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LATEST NEWS & EVENTS AT YER

YER Celebrates 20 years of service

YER Celebrates 20 years of service

Jun 20, 2024 |

On July 1, 2024, Youth and Ecological Restoration (YER) achieves a twenty-year milestone of youth service in the Comox Valley.  Since 2004, four hundred and seventy-six youth aged twelve to eighteen have benefited from the one-on-one work experience program.  Through ecological restoration, ecotherapy and mentoring, they gain a sense of worth, belonging and place.

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The YER vision is to engage youth in a wider circle of community relationships, in both the human and natural worlds. Involving them with meaningful work and caring adults supports them in building self esteem and has the ability to transform their lives. In YER, youth travel a journey together with their community and experience a better relationship with the people and place called home.

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