The Nature Trust of BC and the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club worked together to plant 300 native trees and shrubs at The Nature Trust property on the east side of Swan Lake near Vernon on September 14.

This property was acquired for conservation in 1992 to protect wetland and riparian habitat. Some of the species we planted included aspen, choke cherry, mountain alder, red-osier dogwood, Nootka rose and wild rye. This planting event will help to enhance important and endangered wetlands as well as increase species diversity for both plants and wildlife. Planting along the riparian zone is extremely important to control erosion and help filter the water.

We planted throughout the morning, and after a delicious lunch with the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club volunteers, Nick Burdock, Nature Trust Okanagan Conservation Land Coordinator, and Sammy Penner, Conservation Field Technician, returned to Swan Lake to finish planting at the site. With the help of Guy, owner of Canadian Airboats Limited, we were able to water the planting area with heavy duty machinery, helping to ensure that the plants will take root.

The event was a great success and we want to thank everyone who was involved!