2025 Norah’s Pond Revitalization Project
Starting mid-August this year, Norah Foord’s Pond will be undergoing a revitalization. This is a major project for us at the Nature Centre and it is an important one.
Oases in a Dry Land: Why Man-Made Ponds Matter for Okanagan Wildlife
In the Okanagan Valley’s sunbaked summer, water is life. Natural wetlands and vernal (seasonal) ponds—those shallow, temporary pools that appear in spring and vanish by midsummer—have always been vital to our region’s wildlife. Yet, as these habitats shrink and disappear, man-made ponds are stepping up as critical lifelines for countless species.
Vernal ponds are small, seasonal wetlands that fill with rain and snowmelt in spring, then dry up as the weather warms. While they may look like little more than muddy puddles, their ecological value is immense. Because these pools don’t last year-round, they remain free of fish, giving amphibians like the Spadefoot Toad, frogs, and salamanders a safe place to breed and lay eggs without fear of their young being eaten. Invertebrates—think dragonfly nymphs, water beetles, and aquatic insects—also thrive here, forming the foundation of a food web that supports birds and mammals.
But vernal ponds are unpredictable. In dry years, they may not form at all, or they might dry up before tadpoles and larvae have time to mature. In the Okanagan, where wetlands are already rare—making up less than 1% of the landscape—the loss of even a single seasonal pool can have ripple effects throughout the ecosystem.
That’s where man-made ponds like our Norah Foord’s Pond come in. Designed to mimic natural wetlands, these constructed oases provide reliable water, shelter, and breeding grounds for wildlife—especially during the parched summer months when natural wetlands have dried up. In the Okanagan’s hot, dry climate, our man-made pond act as magnets, drawing in everything from thirsty deer to dragonflies, songbirds, deer, coyote, and amphibians.
At the Allan Brooks Nature Centre, we’ve seen firsthand how our existing pond teems with life, even during the hottest months. That’s why we’re excited to announce that this August, we’ll begin a major project to enlarge our pond—making it three times its current size. This expansion will create even more habitat for local wildlife, support greater biodiversity, and provide new opportunities for education and stewardship.
This summer, as you visit the Centre, take a moment to watch the pond’s edge. Notice the dragonflies hovering, and the Cattails taking over. Both are a reminder of how, with a little help, nature can flourish—even in the driest of places.
Stay tuned for updates on our pond expansion and thank you for supporting wildlife stewardship in the Okanagan!
