1. pets
2. birds

The Central Okanagan Naturalists' Club
February 2015
www.okanagannature.org
Central Okanagan Naturalists' Club
Annual Banquet
6:00 pm. Potluck
(one hour earlier than our usual time)
February 10, 2015 at Evangel Church,
Gordon Drive.
To Know Nature
and keep it worth
knowing
Tickets ($5) at Second Tyme Around
(corner of Spall and Springfield)
On sale until 5 February
WEDNESDAY RAMBLERS.
Spring will be here soon – time to lace up
the hiking boots and get out and see nature.
WEDNESDAY – MARCH 4
Ramblers please come and join us for
tea/coffee at.
1915 Pacific Court, Kelowna.
© Pam
Laing
Suggestions
for Hikes – and ideas are
welcome.
WEDNESDAY – MARCH 11
Don't forget: Bring you own plate, bowl,
cup and cutlery.
Index
Club Information
December 2014
Minutes
The Birding Report
AGM Minutes and
Reports
Photo Contest Rules
Notices
January Minutes
Science Fair
CONC Conservation
Committee Report
Trip to Waterton
2
3
5
Presentations about hiking:
The Hudson Bay Brigade Trail, hut-to-hut
in Wells Gray Park, and Midsummer
Madness in Greenwood
OUR FIRST OUTING.
We will meet at the Apple Bowl at 9.30 am.
for car pooling to our starting point.
For further information Phone.
Shirley Fitzpatrick – 250-860-1576
Linley McKenna – 250-769-6461
Linley’s email [email protected]
6
8
8
9
9
10
12
PHOTO CONTEST
February 10, 2015
at the Pot-luck.
Contest details are
on page 8.
1
Central Okanagan Naturalists’ Club. www.okanagannature.org
P.O. Box 21128, RPO Orchard Park, Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 9N8
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Telephone
email
Representing
President:
Vice-President:
Secretary
Treasurer
Immediate Past
President
Linda Digby
Jorma Jyrkkanen
Mervyn Scott
Perry Jacobsen
250-300-0562
250-859-5330
250-762-9303
250-451-9042
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Craig Lewis
250-765-2511
[email protected]
BC Nature
Hugh Westheuser
250-769-6605
[email protected]
BC Nature Director and
Conservation Chair
Conservation
Hiking
Membership
Jorma Jyrkkanen
250-859-5330
[email protected]
New email
Sherrell Davidson
778-478-1956
[email protected]
Harvey and Elaine
250-764-1226
[email protected]
Abraham
[email protected]
Directors:
Peter Courtney
250-860-9765
[email protected]
Rick Gee
250-763-0124
[email protected]
Peter Green
250-765-1737
N/A
Botany
Ian Walker
250-807-9559
[email protected]
Programme
NEWSLETTER: Editor: Teresa Smith 250-860-9133 [email protected]. Deadline date for submissions is the
fourth Tuesday of each month. Send submissions to Teresa Smith, [email protected]. Mailing address is, 292
Rio Drive South, Kelowna, B.C V1V 2B1 or drop off at Second Tyme Around (front desk), corner of Spall and
Springfield. Mailing: Norma Coburn 250-763-4499
Email distribution: Harvey & Elaine Abraham. [email protected] or [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.okanagannature.org. Webmaster: Rick Gee [email protected]
MEMBERSHIP: Harvey & Elaine Abraham. [email protected] or [email protected]
ANNUAL DUES: single $30, family $42, students $14, includes Newsletter (except January, July & August).
Membership form and waiver form can be found on CONC website www.okanagannature.org.
Send your name, address, telephone number, email address, waiver form and dues to:
CONC Membership, Box 21128, Orchard Park P.O., Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 9N8.
Honorary Life Members: Brenda Thomson (2005), Harry Almond (2005).
REGULAR ACITIVITIES:
All activities are seasonal. If in doubt, check with the contact person. Or phone any of the
Please bring
executive.
nd
MONTHLY MEETINGS: Held on the 2 Tuesday of each month, September to June at
your own
7 p.m. in the Evangel Church, 3261 Gordon Drive, Kelowna. Visitors are welcome.
coffee mugs to
Hosts: Bev Thomas 250-762-7610, Liz Daley 250-764-2310.
the meetings.
Librarian:
Programme Coordinator: Ian Walker 250-807-9559 [email protected]
BIRDING: Howard Braun 250-768-4339 and Gwynneth Wilson 250-762-6876. TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Thursday birding trips meet 8 am (Apr-Sep) or 9 am (Oct-Mar) at St. Charles Garnier Church, 3645 Benvoulin Rd.
Saturday Birding: 2nd Saturday of the month 7:30 am Apr.- Sept. 8:30 am Oct. - Mar. Meet at the Apple Bowl*
BOTANY: Peter Green 250-765-1737. Friday Botany trips: Meet 9:15 am (departure 9:30 am) at the Apple Bowl*
HIKES. (Bring a lunch). General information Sherrell Davidson 778-478-1956. All Hikers meet at the Apple Bowl*
- Weekend Hikes: Saturdays and Sunday. Times as per schedule.
- Wednesday 9 am Hikes: Meet at 8:45 am.
- Wednesday 9:30 am Ramblers: Contact Shirley Fitzpatrick 250-860-1576 or Linley McKenna 250-769-6461,
or [email protected]
*1555 Burtch Road, the Apple Bowl parking lot, corner of Burtch and Bernard.
OTHER COMMITTEES and KEY CLUB REPRESENTATIVES
BC Nature Director and Conservation Chair
Library
Mildred Wardlaw Nature Trails
Young Naturalists’ Club of Kelowna (YNC)
Publicity
Hugh Westheuser 250-769-6605
[email protected]
Don Wilson 250-763-8036 and
Fiona Flook 250-860-9751 and
Carole Courtney 250-860-9765
Rick Gee 250-763-0124
Pat Westheuser 250-769-6605
[email protected]
2
MINUTES - CONC MEETING TUESDAY 9 DECEMBER, 2014, HELD AT EVANGEL CHURCH
MEETING TO ORDER: Jorma Jyrkkanen called the
meeting to order at 7:01 pm.
DETERMINATION OF QUORUM: As there were well in
excess of 30 members present a quorum was present.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING NOVEMBER 4, 2014: It
was moved by Roland Gebauer and seconded by Don
Guild that the November 4, meeting minutes be adopted.
Approved.
NEW MEMBERS AND GUESTS:
Elaine Abraham
introduced five new members, Dixie and Ken Churchman,
Deborah Hopkinson, Carol Millar, and Laura Weir. There
were three guests present. We now have 236 members.
NATURE SIGHTINGS OF INTEREST: Long-eared owl, bald
eagles on the Greenway, and Buffleheads.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETING:
Fascieux Creek: Peter Courtney advised that the project
is over for the season. There will be further planting in
the spring. The creek has been diverted to the original
channel and some wildlife has returned. There may be
some new funds available for the future work.
Potluck Banquet: This will be held February 10 starting at
6:00 pm., one hour earlier than our usual start time. The
tickets are $5.00 which pays for tablecloths and use of the
kitchen. The tickets are available at this meeting and the
January 13 meeting. From January 14 on, the tickets will
be available at Second Tyme Around. Thanks to Rick Gee
for producing the tickets and Ian Walker for organizing
the photo contest. Rick Gee will be looking after the
programme.
NEW BUSINESS:
Viewing Platforms: Platforms at Thomson Marsh North
and Munson Pond are being given top priority by the City.
Munson Pond is still in the ALR1 and so there could be
some delay. For the platforms and signage we can apply
to the BC Nature Foundation for a grant. The deadline
would be January 31, 2015. It seems they should be kept
under 10ft. x 10ft. for approval. Another consideration is
the trails and platforms should be wheelchair accessible.
We have $2,000 already awarded by BC Nature to spend,
and if we need more we would need a motion for the
members to decide. Jorma will contact the city about
costs and who would do what. He will also check on the
status of the Robert Lake viewing platform. This will then
be discussed further at the January 13 meeting.
1
Central Okanagan Trail Alliance(COTA): Sherrell and
Craig attended the Alliance Meeting on November 24 at
the ECCO Centre.
• President – Jay Darby; Treasurer – Ken Wickland
• Phil Cadorette (Search and Rescue) spoke on the need
to complete an inventory on all trails, names, locations,
routes (GPS), etc. to facilitate rescues.
• COTA needs CONC (and other groups) to inventory trails
and detail the construction and maintenance we do, and
also what we would like to do.
• Jorma suggested trails be colour mapped BC wide and
ranked by use type.
• Museum Birds in Flight Statue: The directors agreed to
support the competition for a metal sculpture in front of
the Military Museum as proposed by Linda Digby. There
is an invitation for creative members to participate,
including someone from CONC. We plan to participate,
but as this is a few months off there is no rush to have
someone formally named for this. (It was suggested that
Joanne Beaulieu would be a good candidate but she is not
a CONC member.)
• Dues overpayment: Elaine Abraham said the problems
for membership dues regarding the extra charge for
newsletter mailings has been resolved with the new
membership application form.
• Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Program (OCCP):
Jorma provided OCCP with a report of CONC activities.
CONC has been a member since OCCP's early formative
days in 2006. Our involvement is to be decided and/or
confirmed. OCCP is mainly concerned with wetland
conservation. Our membership may provide access to
funding opportunities for trail maintenance.
• Jorma announced that Linda Digby will let her name
stand for President at the AGM.
• Hugh Westheuser suggested that the real work is
beginning at the Johns Family Nature Conservancy. He
suggested we organize a "Friends of the Johns Nature
Conservancy". He noted an inventory of birds, animals,
flowers etc. will have to be done. This suggestion received
support from the audience. The Museum requested to
house the insect collection and archive of the inventory as
the collection goes forward.
COMMITTEE/DIRECTORS' REPORTS:
Agricultural Land Reserve
3
• Treasurer: Perry Jacobsen gave a brief report noting we
have a total of $23,280.00 in the bank and no liabilities.
We are in good financial shape.
• Bird Counts: Ian Walker gave a presentation on the
upcoming Christmas bird counts:
Events:
Dec. 14: Lake Country; Penticton
Dec. 20: Kelowna
Dec. 21: Salmon Arm; Vernon;
Vaseux Lake
Dec. 27: Oliver-Osoyoos
Dec. 28: Peachland
Dec. 30: Big White
Long-eared Owl
Jan. 03: Kingfisher; Bridesville
There is also a swan and eagle count, but we don't have
the details.
Contacts:
Lake Country – Tanya Seebacher (250-859-2502) & Les
Gyug (250-769-5907)
Kelowna – Chris Charlesworth (250-718-0335)
Peachland – Brenda Flood (250-767-2472)
Big White – Chris Charlesworth (250-718-0335)
• Botany: Peter Green noted it is a little hard to see the
snow drops at this time of year.
• Conservation Committee: Don Guild, outgoing Chair,
made a detailed and informative report on many of the
issues they have dealt with over the past ten years with
some successes and some failures. He noted some issues
are ongoing and stressed the importance of the
committee. We are looking for a new Chairperson for the
Conservation Committee in 2015. Don received a round
of applause for all his dedicated hard work. There will be
a Conservation Report presented in February highlighting
some of the work.
The Hardy Pond turtle basking log was replaced. Don said
Gorman Bros. were very helpful. The operation was quite
difficult because of the ice on the pond.
The turtles at the Kelowna landfill will need to be
relocated in the spring out of harm's way.
• Hiking, Skiing: There is not much to report.
CORRESPONDENCE: There was no correspondence.
SPEAKER'S PROGRAMME:
Ian Walker introduced our guest speaker Murray Kopp,
the Director of Parks and Police Services for the Regional
District of Central Okanagan (RDCO). A lifelong advocate
for parks, Murray’s passion for the outdoors led to his
completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography
from the University of Calgary which was followed by a
Masters of Landscape Architecture at the University of
Guelph. Murray, his wife Christina and two children have
lived in the Okanagan since 1996. In addition to his duties
with RDCO, Murray is also the Past President of the BC
Recreation and Parks Association and currently sits on the
Board of Directors for the Canadian Parks and Recreation
Association (CPRA). He is Chair of the CPRA’s Parks Task
Group. Murray and his colleagues are currently working
with Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministries, local
government federations, as well as park practitioners
across Canada to encourage Canadians to get out into our
parks and connect with nature.
His presentation was "Regional Parks in the Central
Okanagan - Connections to Nature”. The presentation
reviewed the Regional Parks system in the Central
Okanagan which celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2014.
From a humble beginning on the shores of Kalamalka Lake
at Kaloya Regional Park, the Regional Parks programme
has been a very successful partnership of local
communities that now manages 5000 acres of regionally
significant parkland throughout the Central Okanagan.
The RDCO Regional Parks system vision and mission
statement:
"RDCO Parks Services will provide a legacy of parks and
community recreation amenities while conserving the
unique ecological and cultural values of the Okanagan
Region. RDCO Parks and Community services inspire our
residents and visitors to discover, enjoy, celebrate and
protect the places and experiences that help to define our
special Suknaqinx or Okanagan sense of place."
This presentation highlighted the history of the RDCO
Regional Parks programme and showcased some of the
steps that are being taken to ensure that our
communities are connected to nature. The members
really appreciated the review of the many parks that
RDCO has acquired and managed in that time. Murray
left copies of a photo summary of them. He took a
number of questions. He noted that RDCO probably will
not be acquiring any more parks in the next few years,
because of the need to pay off the debt incurred for prior
acquisitions.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm. The next meeting will
be January 13, 2015.
4
THE BIRDING REPORT BY MARGARET BRYAN
November 13 was a clear, calm day. We headed north to Wood Lake to
see diverse Waterfowl including Horned Grebe, numerous Western
Grebe, Pied-billed Grebe and Hooded Merganser. As we traveled along
we added Red Head, Red-necked Grebe and Common Merganser. A
Bald Eagle surveyed the scene from a snag above the road. We stopped
at the view point above Beasly Park to survey a large flock of Gadwall
and American Coots. Further west a large flock of Canada Geese
included several Cackling Geese.
Photo by Pam Laing
November 19 started well with Great Blue Herons at the parking lot.
End of year coffee
We stopped at Maude Roxby where a Bald Eagle watched us from a
break for the birders
nearby tree. A group of Tundra Swans were feeding off shore. Other
at Gwynneth's home.
birds present included American Widgeon, Ring-billed Gulls, Herring
Gulls, Black-capped Chickadees and Northern Flickers. We travelled on
to Rotary Marsh to see American Coots and Horned Grebes. Our final
stop was Munson’s Pond where we saw a Red-tailed Hawk, Rubycrowned Kinglet and Dark-eyed Juncos. The bird of the day was a Great Horned Owl in the woods by the ditch.
On December 4, we headed to the West Side where we started at the yacht club. A Downy Woodpecker was busy in a
tree by the parking area. Among the birds sighted on the lake were Common Merganser, Common Goldeneye, Horned
Grebe and Hooded Merganser. A Muskrat was also swimming in the area. We spotted a Common Loon as we drove to
Sunnyside. Birds seen at Sunnyside included a Ring-necked Pheasant and a Merlin. After coffee we stopped at the
pond behind MacDonalds where we saw Bufflehead and two more Muskrats.
December 11 was our last Thursday outing before the Christmas bird count
season. After seeing a Red-tailed Hawk and a few male Red-winged
Blackbirds that were actually singing because it was an unusually mild day,
we headed for a short trip up the lakeshore. At Maude Roxby we saw
American Widgeon, Gadwall and an Adult Bald Eagle but the stops south of
the bridge were quite quiet. When we reached Sutherland Bay we found
out where the birds were hiding, Here we got both Tundra and Trumpeter
Swans, Horned Grebe, Hooded Mergansers Common Mergansers and large
Photo: Wikipedia
numbers of American Coots. Our final destination was Gwynneth's home
American Goldfinch, left, male, right
for coffee and treats. We were treated to both cakes and large numbers of
female.
birds visiting the feeders . The best of these were Western Bluebirds, a
Downy Woodpecker and many American Goldfinches. Many thanks for the special coffee break Gwynneth.
IN WINTER we are visited most years by large flocks of Bohemian Waxwings. We are thrilled by
their coordinated flight displays swirling and diving in unison accompanied by the trilling calls.
These dusky coloured birds are about 8.25 inches long, They have a crested head and a black eye
mask. Their undertail coverts are rufous and they have short yellow tipped tails. The name Waxwing
is derived from small red dots on the wings that resemble drops of sealing wax. In Summer these
birds breed in the boreal forests where both sexes work to raise 4 to 6 young on a diet of fruit and
insects.
Photo ©Pam Laing.
Bohemian Waxwing
If you look closely at the swirling flocks you may spot a slightly smaller bird with yellow undertail
coverts. This is a Cedar Waxwing. These birds are about 7.25 inches long. They also have crests and black masks but have a
brown tone to their body colour. The share the yellow tail band and red wing spots. These birds are summer breeders here. Both
sexes share the work of raising three to five young on a diet of fruit and insects. They occasionally raise two broods in a season.
They usually winter in the south sometimes as far away as Panama.
5
Central Okanagan Naturalists' Club Annual General Meeting Tuesday January 13, 2015
held at the Evangel Church, Gordon Drive, Kelowna.
Call to order. 7:03. Financial statements and AGM
2014 Minutes on the table on side.
Determination of Quorum – by Fiona Flook. Minimum
of 20% of membership was in attendance.
Minutes of the 2014 AGM were read. Moved to adopt
by George Scotter and Seconded by Fiona Flook,
Carried.
President Report 2014. Club doubled membership and
attendance was up. Hikes, picnics, Stewardship
opportunities increased.
 Acquisitions in 2014: Goats Peak, 52 hectares.
Black Mountain Regional Park 529 Acres. Phase 3
Greenway to increase wildlife corridor. Munson's
Pond. 10 hectares of wetland. John’s Regional
Park 800 Acres for nature. Habitat conservation
corridor. 2500 Acres total.
 Planning and Stewardship in the future. Hikes,
RDCO, Friends of South Slopes (FOSS), Okanagan
Trail Alliance, Okanagan Wetlands strategy. Rail to
Trail going ahead. Add OCCP membership.
 Received President's Report. Thanks given to Cecil
Dillabough, George Scotter, Don and Fiona Flook
for their contribution to the Club.
Treasurer's Report Received – Perry Jacobsen. Full
assets $22,463.00 at end of 2014. Net assets
$1,6471.25. General Equity $9,920.85. Deficit $5,144 $4,777.68. General equity as at December 31, 2014.
Total members equity end of 2014 Fiscal year,
$16,471.25.

Books inspected by CA Dick Scott and approved as
properly done.
Other Directors' reports will appear in meeting
minutes.
There were no questions forthcoming.
Election of Officers:
Past President – Craig Lewis
President – Linda Digby
Vice President – Jorma Jyrkkanen
Secretary – Merv Scott
Membership – Elaine and Harvey Abraham
Conservation – Jorma Jyrkkanen
Hiking – Sherrell Davidson
BC Nature – Hugh Westheuser
Directors:
- Peter Courtney
- Peter Green
- Rick Gee
- Ian Walker
Finance - Open…No Candidates. Later Jagdish Goel
offered to help with the books.
Craig Lewis thanked Fiona Flook, Don Guild and Perry
Jacobsen for all of their efforts over their many years
of club service.
The Meeting was adjourned at 7:20 pm.
Annual General Meeting - President's Report for January 13, 2015
T
he Central Okanagan Naturalists' Club and Mother
Nature have enjoyed a very good year. Our club has
almost doubled its membership in the past year. As well
our attendance at our regular meetings is significantly up,
as is the number of participants in all of our events such
as hikes, picnics and Midsummer Madness. We were all
delighted to hear about a number of announcements
regarding stewardship and protection of our natural areas
around the Okanagan. Many years of our submissions by
our club and other similar minded groups have resulted in
protection of:
Goats Peak Regional Park – 52 hectares or 132 acres
containing unique flora, fauna and historically significant
remnants of our indigenous people. As well as 900
metres of lake shore.
Goats Peak Regional Park
Black Mountain/Sntsk‘il’ntən Regional Park – 529
hectares or more than 1300 acres of land containing a
diverse habitat including sensitive grassland habitat will
now be protected and preserved.
6
Phase III of the Greenaway – the announced plan to
extend the linear park bordering the largest supplier of
fresh water to Okanagan Lake will create a wildlife
corridor linking up with Black Mountain/Sntsk‘il’ntən
Regional Park and crown lands to the east of the
Okanagan.
Munson's Pond – a move by the City of Kelowna to
purchase 10 hectares of land within our city limits which
contains valuable wetland potential as well as providing
sustainable habitat for insects, fish birds and plants.
Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park - over
800 acres of land has been set aside for Nature,
strategically located to provide habitat as well as further
wild life corridors linking Cedar Mountain Park and
Okanagan Mountain Park.
In all approximately 2500 acres of precious Parkland. In
the years to come we will be required to contribute to the
planning and stewardship of all of these new parks.
Throughout the year the club has continued to provide
our members with terrific speakers and interesting
monthly meetings, twice per week hiking events, weekly
birding outings, horticulture related hikes and field trips
to various locations in our beautiful province.
We continue to liaise and partner with the Central
Okanagan Land Trust, the RDCO, the City of Kelowna
Parks, Friends of the South Slope and the newly formed
Central Okanagan Trail Alliance. We will participate in the
Okanagan Wetlands Strategy and we hope to play a role
in the Rail to Trail Initiative.
All things considered, a very successful year. It has been
my privilege to be your president for the past two years
and I thank our executive committee for their guidance
and support. Finally, I must thank this membership for
their trust, support, encouragement and patience.
Submitted by Craig Lewis
AGM MEETING - JANUARY 2015 - Director's Report for 2014
In the past Rick was involved with the scheduling of
weekend hiking. Now Sherrell does the scheduling for
Wednesday and weekend hikes. Rick has now taken on
the role of gadfly, parliamentarian, and webmaster. In
those roles he asks questions, reviews agendas and
minutes, and has responsibility for maintaining the
website at www.okanagannature.org. He is in the process
of learning the software to maintain the website; the
next task is to learn how Sherrell can update the hike
schedule herself.
Submitted by Rick Gee.
AGM MEETING - JANUARY 2015 - Hiking Report for 2014
It is time to reflect back on the hiking period for 2014. It
seems like only yesterday that we started the 2014 hikes
and now it is time to report of the events of the year.
Hiking for 2014 had a regular attendance each
Wednesday and Saturday. We had an average of around
15 or more hiking each week. There were hikes that had
over 40 in attendance and some with a small group. No
matter how many came along on a hike the enthusiasm
was great and new friends made as we seem to see new
CONC members joining.
Listed below are some of our hikes and events for the
year.
 The beginning of each year would not be complete
without Bitten Tisdale leading a hike to Knox Mt.
 A stop at the Neighborhood pub for the next hike.
 Our first bike trip of the year was to Skaha Lake
organized by Bill and Peg Emigh.
 May brought us to Myra-Bellevue Park to do the
annual Adopt A Trail clearing for FOSS. Very little
clearing was needed.
 The end of May was the annual Critter Count
organized by Les Gyug. This is a weekend event that
includes our Birding Group.
 June and September was the time to check out
Goode’s Basin for wind-falls and brushing. There were
four trees that needed to be cleared and this was
completed by FOSS recently which was reported to
CONC.
 Also in June we did trail clearing on the Highlands Trail
in the McCulloch area.
 October 25, we joined the Peachland Sportmen’s
Association, Oceola Fish and Game and Okanagan Trail
Riders’ Association along with Bartlett Tree Services
and grasslands ecologist Don Gayton to work together
for restoration of the grassland area on the Bald Range
pocket grassland off Bear Main Forest Service Road in
West Kelowna, and reduce the risk of wildfire there.
7
 June 21st weekend was Midsummer Madness in
Greenwood which was very successful and we were
very impressed with the hospitality of the people
there. A wonderful potluck was shared with the
Greenwood volunteers.
 In August there was a trip to New Denver for hiking
and a bike trip.
 September 6-8. Forty-four members from CONC went
on a wonderful four day trip to Whistler, and did three
levels of hiking.
 Thank you to all the volunteers who make our hiking
possible, as this would not happen if we did not have
leaders who guide us.
 Yes 2014 was a great memory and I look forward to
April 2015.
Submitted by Sherrell Davidson
Central Okanagan Naturalists' Club
Photo Contest 2014-15
Entrants may submit up to four (4) total photos
maximum - with more than per category.
There are four categories:
1. Flora (plants, lichens, mosses, algae, fungi)
2. Fauna (animals of any sort, big or small from weevils
to whales)
3. Landscapes
4. People in Nature.
Entry is open to all CONC Members.
Entries must:



Coffee Committee Needs A Few More Members

I would like to thank everyone on the Coffee Committee for
2014. Many thanks to Liz and Andy Daley, Bitten Tisdale,
John and Anita Carpenter and Rayne Jacobsen.


Rayne, has a conflicting meeting on Tuesdays, so I would like
a few more people to help take turns preparing the coffee for
our meetings. Everyone usually enjoys taking on this little
job, as long as it isn't required at every meeting. If we all
take a turn it will be fun, and a great way to get to know
some of the others in the club. Something that is often
forgotten is that if you sign up to bring goodies to the
meeting, you should be helping put the goodies out and
offering to help tidy up at the end of the meeting. This isn't
always possible, of course, so if you cannot help up just
mention it to the person that is 'in charge' that night.
Many of us are away quite a bit, travelling, looking after
elderly parents or grandchildren. If we have a group that is a
little bigger, we won't have any trouble having someone else
in the committee to take over if necessary. If you would like
to give this a try, or have any questions, just give me a call.
Have been taken in 2014 or 2015
Be printed for display in 8" x 10" or 8.5" x 11" size, or
emailed to [email protected].
Have the entrant's name, category and title/location
printed on the back (or included with emailed
submissions)
Be unmounted (no surrounding matte or frame - but
may be printed with a narrow white border)
Be received (Digital submissions) by
[email protected] no later than 10:00 am, 6 Feb.
2015
Be received (Paper submissions) by Ian no later than
5:30 pm at the Potluck venue, 10 Feb. 2015.
Any digital manipulation of a photo before printing, other
than lightening or darkening must be clearly printed on
the back of the photo (paper submissions), and will be
printed out and posted with the photo for display and
judging.
For electronic submissions, this information must be
included in the email.
Photos will be displayed at the CONC Annual Banquet, 10
February 2015, where members will cast ballots in each
category. The winners and two runners-up in each
category will be announced and displayed at the CONC
meeting on 10 March 2015 when all photos will be
returned.
Thank You Bev Thomas, 250-762-7610
8
MINUTES - CONC GENERAL MEETING TUESDAY JANUARY 13, 2015 HELD AT EVANGEL CHURCH
The Meeting called to order at 7:22
Business Arising from Previous Meeting:
 Robert Lake - RDCO just never came up with plan for
platform.
 Pot-Luck Banquet: 10 February, starts at 6 pm.
Tickets for the Pot-luck are $5.00. The money is for
tablecloths, coffee and punch. Fiona Flook has tickets
or they are available at Second Tyme Around.
 Request from Bev Thomas for help with setting up
because she does all the setup by herself. She would
like to thank those who have helped her.
 Annual Photo Contest at February meeting. Details
will be in the Newsletter.
 Email from Betty Davidson about the Tofino Camp.
Closing date to register is 14 January. More details are
in BC Nature Magazine which every CONC member
receives. Registration can be made by phone
 Sherrell spoke about Wednesday Snowshoeing at
Thunder Mountain. Meet 8:45 am. at the Apple Bowl.
The new president, Linda Digby, introduced herself and
gave members information about her background in
ecology, as a Naturalist, and her Museum background.
Hugh Westheuser suggested we recognize members for
their contributions to the Club. Directors to pick up this
role. Civic Leader Celebration honouring Robert Hobson
and others: $100 a Plate.
BC Nature Award: Nominations for BC Nature award
must be received by February 28. Pat Westheuser has the
applications. This prestigious award has been given to
Judy Steeves and last year to Rick Gee.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm. by Don and
seconded by Cec Dillabough
Speakers' Programme: Ian Walker Ian introduced our
speakers.
Shimsian Obodia. Spoke about the "Daylight in the
Classroom" project. The mandate of this project is to use
eco art to re-envision education and the role of the
natural world in school curricula.
Gerald Arsenault, MSc, RP.Bio spoke about wetlands in his
talk entitled "A Forest, A Field, A Ditch - A Wetland.”
We have received a request looking for CONC members to volunteer to judge entries for the SD 23. Science Fair.
CONC members have been judges in previous years and have enjoyed their participation in this event.
This year our School District 23 fair will be held at UBC Okanagan Campus. The Science Fair
will be held on March 3rd and March 4th. On March 3rd between 4pm and 7:30pm we will
need 80-100 judges to judge our competitive students to determine which projects will move
on to the regional fair. We are all very excited for our students, and would really appreciate
you taking the time from your busy schedules to be a part of this experience. You will be
asked to judge three or four projects as a part of this commitment, which will require
approximately 1.5 hours of your time (you can decide which time to judge between 4 and 7:30
if you cannot attend at 4pm).
Pizza dinner and snacks will be provided and your parking costs will be taken care of with a special parking code. If you are willing
to judge, please visit our website at www.sd23sciencefair.com and click on the Registration Tab and then "Judges for Competitive
Students". On this page you will find more details, the rubrics you would be using to judge and a button to click to register. To
register, you will be going to the site www.sd23sciencefair.sfiab.com . On our website we have made a video to help you register
to be a judge at the fair. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Thank you so much for considering! The students will really appreciate the opportunity to share their learning! I look forward to
meeting you on the 3rd (if you decide to join us)!
Thank you again! Tobias Blaskovits (District Science Fair Coordinator)
A former member of CONC, Helen Bazett, passed
away in December. Her husband Dick was treasurer
of CONC for many years.
Helen was a volunteer at KGH leading the
kindergarten tours and later working at the baby
clinics at the Health Unit. She and Dick were avid
gardeners. Both attended the CONC monthly
meetings regularly.
Condolences to the family
COLT (Central Okanagan Land
Trust) has been asked to
participate in soliciting interest in a
Civic Leader Celebration,
particularly as it honours Robert
Hobson a great friend of the
environment.
Tickets $100 or $800 for a table of
eight.
If anyone is interested, they can contact Hugh Westheuser
via email at [email protected] or telephone him at 250769-6605. If there is enough interest we will obtain a table.
9
Central Okanagan Naturalists' Club - 2014 Conservation Committee Report
This is a summary of the Club's conservation activities and
issues during 2013 and 2014. Active Conservation
Committee members numbered only seven, so there was
very limited capacity for them to do all of the work.
However, they were involved in the larger club projects
and activities mentioned here and some of the ideas for
these were incubated by the committee. Thanks to all of
those who devoted time to nature on these activities.
Chichester Park: many invasive plant species need to be
replaced by native plants to re-naturalize the riparian
zone to a healthy state.
 Some invasive plant species were removed and
indigenous ones planted by CONC members. Trees
were planted along Sumac Road and all but the
cedars took well.
 Work yet to be done: find funding for signs/develop
signage; install metal plates around opening of bird
boxes so intended species use them; move the duck
boxes to metal poles on the water so squirrels can't
occupy them; install turtle basking logs.
Fascieux Creek Daylighting/Renaturalization Project:
 Work began in October to remove the concrete slabs
over the half culvert that has contained the flow of
Fascieux Creek for decades. At École KLO Middle
School, teacher Michelle Hamilton is responsible for
students in the Environmental Club doing such
restoration work as planting vegetation, erecting
fencing and placing bird boxes along the creek flowing
through their school yard. CONC supported the
restoration efforts with $5,000 in funding coupled
with volunteer time doing environmental monitoring
and assisting the students.
Hardy Pond Concerns: The turtle basking log is sinking,
introduced goldfish and Eurasian Water Milfoil are
choking the water.
 A new basking log was placed on November 13 by
Gorman Brothers Lumber employees Stefanie Bulmer
and Shawn Clerke, in a boat, assisted by Jorma
Jyrrkanen and Don Guild, on shore.
 Arrange an on-site meeting with MOE to determine
what, if anything, to do about the unwanted flora
and fauna.
Hall Road Ponds: Water level drops perilously during hot
summers
 Water would need to be supplied by South East
Kelowna irrigation district
 Current water levels are good due to several wetter
years.


There is concern that a single property could impact
water flow to many of the ponds.
Use covenants to protect wetland riparian areas on
private land.
Robert Lake Observation Platform: Facilitates better
viewing of the shorebirds
 Awaiting a viewing platform design from Regional
District Central Okanagan (RDCO) parks staff in 2015.
Goats Peak: Create a new park to preserve a very
sensitive, rare ecosystem/ecotypes.
 This is a small area with high biodiversity due to
aspect, slopes, lakeshore, cliffs, sagebrush flat. Lewis's
Woodpecker, Canyon Wren, Turkey Vulture, Redtailed Hawk, American Kestrel to name a few of the
birds. Snakes: Western Rattlesnake, Gopher Snake,
Western Rattlesnake, Garter Snake, Alligator Lizard,
likely Western Skink (seen on Mt Boucherie),. likely
Western Long-toed Salamander.
 The (RDCO) purchased a 52-hectare (128-acre)
property along the West Kelowna shoreline south of
Pebble Beach Park to establish the new Goats Peak
Regional Park. This property includes almost 900meters (2,955-feet) of waterfront, which has
extremely high spawning habitat value for Kokanee
salmon. On October 10, Craig Lewis, Ian Walker and
Don Guild attended the unveiling ceremony on a
houseboat off the shore from the Goats Peak
property.
 In 2005 Conservation committee member John Huby
proposed that a 162 hectare area of Goats Peak
become a park. Since then he has devoted tireless
time and energy to see the achievement of park
status on 52 hectares of some of the most
ecologically sensitive land in this area. CONC worked
jointly with the Gellatly Bay Trails and Parks Society
for several years engaging the community, local civic
leaders and politicians to push for a park on the
private property in most of the Goats Peak area.
Finally seeing park status conferred on this area was
very rewarding for both organizations, who applaud
the vision and wisdom of the RDCO.
Meadows at km 2 on Jackpine FSR (Upper Powers
Creek): Create a new park around meadows with great
plant diversity and protect several kilometers of
terraced steps on benchland above Powers Creek.
Pincushion and Beyond: Park proposal to capture
diversified terrain above Peachland which is valuable
wildlife habitat and popular with hikers.
10



Keith Fielding, Mayor of Peachland, had been
appraised of the new park proposal.
Roland Gebauer has also contacted Hon. Steve
Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural
Resource Operations.
Roland wrote a park proposal letter to Hon. Mary
Polak requesting that she, as Minister of Environment, consider this area for park status, but her reply
rejected any additional park land in the area.
Proposed path along the north side of Robert Lake:
 Would violate a Central Okanagan Land Trust
covenant on lakeside property that CONC is a party
to.
 UBC wants a safe bicycle/walking route to get
students and staff to Campus.
 Birders have major concerns about disrupting the
birds if people and dogs are too close.
 The environmental covenant will not accommodate
man-made disturbance to the property, so a pathway
is prohibited there.
Lower Powers Creek Canyon (recently added to the
existing RDCO Park): Rich wildlife area with good trails:
 Has Coyotes, Mule Deer, Turkey Vultures. Bears, and
Great-horned Owls.
 A new footbridge across the creek affords access off
Brown Road and safety will be dramatically improved
with the construction of new timber staircases along
Powers Creek, coupled with new boardwalks over wet
areas.
Wind farm proposals on the ridges and mountains along
both the east and west sides of the entire Okanagan
Valley.
 Some could have significant impacts on birds, bats
and other wildlife as well as parks and visual quality.
 Favorable investigative meteorological monitoring
results will be necessary before any of these proceed.
 Mt. Kathleen above Peachland has already had such a
study conducted but the winds were insufficient to
justify the large investment required so the project
was abandoned.
Current applications pending approval are:
Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) Park
Announcements
The Regional Parks Legacy and Park Land Reserve funds
were heavily tapped to make some outstanding additions
and improvements to the Regional Parks system, as
follows:
Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park
Through an announcement on 10 April 2013, the public
learned of a new 323 hectare property donated by the
Johns family becoming the Johns Family Nature
Conservancy Regional Park. The Central Okanagan Land
Trust holds the covenant on the land while the RDCO will
cooperatively manage the area with them. When
amalgamated with adjacent Cedar Mountain Regional
Park, the area totals 402.5 hectares.
On April 8, 2014, the consulting team for the Johns Family
Nature Conservancy Regional Park Management Plan
hosted the project’s introductory workshop and open
house on behalf of the RDCO and the Central Okanagan
Land Trust (COLT). Several CONC members attended this
meeting to contribute to the future management vision
for this nature conservancy, which will protect the flora
and fauna by allowing only very limited recreation and
access.
Okanagan Board and the Chair, Robert Hobson.
Black Mountain/Sntsk‘il’ntən Regional Park- The creation
of the 510 hectare (1,260 acres) Regional Park was
achieved through $7 million in funding from the Regional
Parks Legacy and Park Land Reserve funds, a $2.3 million
donation through the Federal Government Ecological Gift
Programme and a co-tenure/management agreement
between the Regional District and Westbank First Nation
for a License of Occupation on 121.5 hectares (300-acres)
of Crown Land, with a sponsorship value of $1,024,350.
Craig Lewis and Ian Walker attended this opening
celebration.
Before its creation, CONC arranged an on-site meeting to
bring the Regional District staff together with Don
Gayton, a noted grassland ecologist, to learn about the
health of the soil and vegetation between Black Knight
Mountain and Highway 33 (it was in generally poor
condition, with Sulphur Cinquefoil taking over from the
biologically controlled Knapweed being a major concern).
In Glen Canyon Regional Park a new property purchase
and two key partnerships will enhance the trail network
there. A 1.59 hectare (3.9 acre) property at 2240 Scharf
Road in West Kelowna was purchased for $132,000 and
will allow completion of a trail through the upper section
of Glen Canyon Regional Park. When complete, the
continuous trail will run along the west side of Powers
Creek, upstream from Highway 97 to Smith Creek Road.
The Mission Creek Greenway Regional Park trail
upstream from Scenic Canyon Regional Park is slated to
soon be extended beyond where it presently ends. The
Friends of Mission Creek Society is providing $223,000 to
11
fund a small pedestrian bridge over KLO Creek, sections of
crib steps and over two kilometers of new and upgraded
trails on the east side of KLO Creek. Work on the trail that
will lead to a destination picnic/rest/swimming site along
Mission Creek is scheduled to begin this fall.
The second announcement is that a five year sub-lease
agreement has been reached between the Regional
District and a private landowner for access to lands along
KLO Creek for future connection to the Mission Creek
Greenway. The access will connect the existing trail from
McCulloch Road, upstream to Myra-Bellevue Provincial
Proposed Pincushion & Beyond Park Map
Park. Ian Walker and Don Guild represented CONC at this
announcement.
Grassland conservation
Bald Range (June 8 and September 6, 2014). The Bald
Range ecological restoration project with the Peachland
Sportsmen's Association, the Okanagan Trail Riders
Association (OTRA), horseback riders and CONC. Two
work parties were out to repair erosion damage from
errant motorized recreation, arrest forest encroachment
on the small grassland and remove ladder fuels as well as
thinning denser areas of stands on the edge.
Proposed Upper Powers Creek Park Map
TRIP TO WATERTON, SUNDAY JULY 26TH TO THURSDAY JULY 30TH (FOUR NIGHT
ACCOMMODATION)
Initially an invitation was sent to anyone that had hiked
with the Wednesday or Saturday hiking Group. The
intention of this was to make it easier to organize the
hikes.
We want to extend an invitation to all members of CONC
that would like to join us in Waterton for lighter hikes and
botany. We will try to have a leader to organize this.
Bookings have been made with, “The Bear Mountain
Motel”. If you wish to book with this facility contact:
http://bearmountainmotel.com/rates/
There are shared rooms so find someone to share with.
The motel has an area that you can Barbeque plus this
area has microwave.
Some rooms have kitchenettes. You can bring a cooler
and do breakfast and lunch and eat out for supper also.
It is your responsibility to book and we will plan the
hiking.
I looked for some other lodging and found: Aspen Lodge
and Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort
The Townsite Campground for those that wish to RV or
tent. To reserve a campsite, visit the
https://reservation.pc.gc.ca/(24hours/day, 7 days a week)
or phone the toll-free number (within North America) at
1-877-737-3783 (1-877-RESERVE) (8 am to 6 pm local park
time).
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this
service, please call 1-877-737-3783 or email us. I believe
you cannot book here until after April 2015.
I would appreciate it, if those that have booked or are
going to book would let me know so I have an idea how
many are coming to Waterton.
Sherrell [email protected] or call 778-478-1956
12