Great Basin Spadefoots like this one depend on wetlands and their surrounding upland grasslands to survive. Photo by Sara Ashpole.
Reconnecting Wetlands for Healthy Habitats and Beautiful Spaces
October 28 9 a.m. to3 p.m., Wetland Trail, 87th Street, Oliver, B.C.
OLIVER, B.C. – Join the Town of Oliver, The Land Conservancy’s South Okanagan – Similkameen Stewardship Program, the Forbes Family Farm (TLC’s Conservation Partner), and the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance on Wednesday, October 28 to restore, enhance, and beautify the Forbes Wetland Trail. This trail connecting 87th Street to the Okanagan River channel is a critical area for community members wishing to recreate along the river channel. In addition, the trail skirts along an important wetland which is home to many animal species including the endangered great basin spadefoot, a desert-adapted amphibian that relies on both wetlands and shrub-steppe habitats.
This informative event will start at 9 a.m. with a talk entitled “Wetland Wonders: The important role that wetlands play for our community”. Afterwards, participants will be invited to assist with the restoration of the trail by planting a variety of native riparian and grassland water-wise plants. Please wear sturdy shoes, bring leather gloves, water and a shovel (if you have one). Refreshments will be provided. At 11:30 a.m., learn about the amazing great basin spadefoot that calls this trail its home. This talk will be followed by more planting, and then at 2 p.m., there will be a session entitled “Gardening with Water Wise Native Plants”.
The Trail is located just south of the Forbes Family Farm at the intersection of 87th Street and 85th Street. Everyone is welcomed! Come help us make this a better place to walk and to share experiences with nature.
The Forbes Wetland Trial Enhancement Project will also continue next spring, with the installation of a bench and interpretive signs, as well as a weeding event. This project is made possible thanks to funding from the Habitat Stewardship Program, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, and the Town of Oliver, as well as contributions from the Forbes Family Farm, the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance, and The Land Conservancy’s South Okanagan- Similkameen Stewardship Program.
