Habitat Stewardship at the Allan Brooks Nature Centre

  • Naturescaping

Landscaping around Nature Centre buildings uses native plants adapted to conditions in this grassland area so very little water, and no pesticides or fertilizers are required. Come find out how you can use naturescaping in your yard to provide food and shelter for wildlife while decreasing cost and labour.

  • Native Grassland Restoration

Although the grasslands at the Nature Centre were altered by cattle grazing and motorized recreation in the past, the site is being restored by volunteers, and becoming a grassland showcase.

  • Stewardship Resource Centre

Inside, there is information on how you can play a role in stewardship – from taking care of wetlands and watersheds, to making sure your pets do not become predators of birds and wildlife.

Stewardship

The Allan Brooks Nature Centre is working to take care of nature on our small site, and in our community.

Habitat Stewardship in the Community

The Allan Brooks Nature Centre has been working in partnership with government agencies and other community organizations to support and encourage conservation and stewardship of important habitats in the North Okanagan. This has included the following projects:

Ongoing

2005-06

  • NORHA – Coordination of a web-based mapping tool that brings together information about natural and cultural attributes and resources of the N. Ok. region to assist rural and urban planning.

2003-06

  • Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory and Growth Management SEI mapping completed for Bella Vista – Goose Lake Range and Commonage to identify priorities for conservation and demonstrate balanced urban growth. Coldstream SEI to begin in 2006.

2003

  • Coordination of a Calling Amphibian Survey (Frogwatch) in the Greater Vernon area.

2002

  • Mud Lake Stewardship, funded by Environment Canada Ecoaction. One of the few vernal ponds in the Vernon area, Mud Lake on Middleton Mountain is particularly important as breeding habitat for amphibians, including the Great Basin Spadefoot Toad (a nationally vulnerable and provincially threatened species). The project included distribution of educational materials stewardship agreements with neighborhood residents, displays, puppet shows and programs at the nature center, provision of an interpretive sign and fencing at the park.

For more stewardship resources check: