News Release March 10, 2011

March 10, 2011

This spring Allan Brooks Nature Centre Society will be installing interpretive signage along the BX Creek Trail in North Vernon Park. Recently the Regional District of the North Okanagan completed a concept plan for this park that includes development of a teaching wetland. This demonstration wetland will become a centre piece for interpretive programs that will facilitate public learning about this crucial Okanagan ecosystem. With assistance from our partners and volunteers, wetland construction will commence once the wetland design is completed and site conditions allow for excavation. This work should begin in early April and be well underway by Earth Day on April 22nd.

In addition to preparing the trail signage and the creation of the teaching wetland, Allan Brooks Nature Centre Society is developing resources for school classes and events to engage the public in this exciting project. This project is being undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through the Department of the Environment. In addition to the funds and resources from Allan Brooks Nature Centre, this project also received funding from the RBC Blue Waters Community Grant, the Public Conservation Assistance Fund and the Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Program. The total project funding to date from these sources is approximately $135,000. In-kind supporters include the Regional District of the North Okanagan, the City of Vernon, Golder Associates Ltd., the North Okanagan Naturalists Club, Ducks Unlimited, Outdoor Discoveries, SDL Environmental Consulting, UBCO, Beachcomber Spa & Leisure and KISS FM.

Be on alert for notices about our upcoming public events scheduled for Earth Day, April 22; for International Trails Day, June 4; and during Environment Week from June 5-11, 2011. Everyone is welcome to attend. Come celebrate nature with us!

Should you wish to learn more about this exciting project and ways that you too can participate, please contact the Allan Brooks Nature Centre or the project coordinator at projectcoordinator@mail.com.