Bluebird by Ernst Schneider
South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program
April 2016 Newsletter
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 Link to SOSCP web site
SOSCP accepts organization or individual donations and issues tax receipts. Send
"Contribution to SOSCP"
RDOS 101 Martin Street, Penticton BC V2A 5J9 |
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Program Manager's Message
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Judging from the balsam-root flowers and Saskatoon blossoms spring is here! As soon as the ground would allow, habitat enhancement projects got underway with the Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Society unleashing hundreds of native plants to repair sensitive riparian areas from Vernon to Osoyoos. At the north end of SOSCP's range, the Province is working with SOSCP, the local sportsmens' clubs and OBWB to protect and restore important habitat for ungulates like mule deer and other wildlife.
Spring can't be all work and no play so make sure you take time to enjoy the Summerland Earth Week events and get your tickets for Meadowlark Festival early to avoid disappointment when they sell out!!
Bryn White, SOSCP Program Manager
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Partner News
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 New Water Sustainability Act -
 Kootenay Conservation Program Seeks Program Manager
The Executive Committee of the KCP is seeking proposals/resumes from qualified contractors/individuals to fulfill the role of Program Manager. The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day administration, coordination, and implementation of the KCP and for direct supervision of two sub-contractors. The incumbent will be an integral part of the organization and report directly to the Executive Committee Chairperson (or designate). Details here. Photo credit: Kootenay Conservation Program
White-nose Syndrome detected in Washington 
Sadly, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced confirmation of white-nose syndrome in a little brown bat from King County, Washington, about 30 miles east of Seattle. The bat was found unable to fly near a forested trail, collected for rehabilitation, and then submitted to USGS National Wildlife Health Center for diagnostics after rehabilitation was not successful. See the full media release for more information. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons, USFWS/Ann Froschauer.
Interpretive Tour Guides Wanted 
Want to learn more about Canada's only pocket desert? The Osoyoos Desert Society is seeking interpretive guides to lead tours at the Osoyoos Desert Centre and provide habitat and wildlife information to visitors. They are looking for candidates with a friendly, outgoing personality and an interest in ecology and the environment. Training is provided so previous experience not required. Full-time and part-time positions are available starting in May. Details here. Photo credit: Osoyoos Desert Society.
New name for Okanagan Region Wildlife Heritage Fund Society
Okanagan Region Wildlife Heritage Fund Society has changed its name to Southern Interior Land Trust (SILT). Formed in 1988 to purchase land for wildlife in the Okanagan Region, SILT aims to conserve and restore wild land as habitat for wildlife under increasing pressure from development. SILT currently owns 15.5 acres in Cawston called Ginty's Pond, which is co-managed with the Ministry of Environment; 50 acres of wetland and ponds in Grand Forks called Edward's Pond; a 1.5-acre property overlooking Wards Lake in Grand Forks; and 50 acres of Similkameen River frontage and access to steep upland Crown lands which are habitat for Bighorn sheep, goats, deer and many other animals and plants. More information about SILT and its projects is on their website.
 2016 International Unconference
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Upcoming Events and Workshops
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 April 9 Osoyoos Desert Society presents
SAGEBRUSH SEA - Movie & AGM
Explore the immense sea of sagebrush that once stretched 500,000 square miles across North America. Sagebrush Sea tracks the Greater Sage-Grouse and other wildlife through the seasons as they struggle to survive in this rugged and changing landscape. After the film, attend the Desert Society's annual general meeting for an update on activities over the past year and upcoming plans. The event takes place at the Watermark Beach Resort, 15 Park Place, Osoyoos BC from 2:30 to 4:30 pm. Admission is by donation. For more information contact the Osoyoos Desert Society at 250-495-2470 or email mail@desert.org. Details here. The Centre officially opens for the season on April 23. Details here. Photo credit: Gerritt Vyn, Cornell Lab.
 April 12 and 13 Similkameen Watershed
The health of the Similkameen Watershed is important to all of us - now and for the future. Plan to attend one of the informative presentations on the phase 2 results of the Similkameen Watershed Plan. Hear first-hand from the Consultants about water quality and how it has trended over the years, water quantity and flow, and the impact of water usage on our watershed. A question and answer period will follow the presentation. Presentations take place April 12 in Keremeos and April 13 in Princeton. Details here. Photo courtesy infotel.ca.
 April 17 Working towards Healthy Shoreline Habitat - Waterfront Tour
Join three South Okanagan experts and learn how waterfront property owners can use landscaping to protect their shorelines and help improve local water quality and habitats. Don Gayton will talk about riparian function and healthy ecosystems; Alison Peatt will discuss the topic of riparian regulations and their importance; and Eva Antonijevic will illustrate which hardy plants are suitable for our shoreline areas. The event is presented by Friends of the Gardens, Keen to be Green and SOSCP and takes place from 1:30 to 3 pm. It's free and everyone is invited! For more information and to register contact Eva at evaantonijevic@gmail.com. See details. Photo credit: Eva Antonijevic .
 April 21 Demonstration Rain Garden Tour
by Eva Antonijevic
Rain gardens are a sustainable solution for storm water management and many are being installed by municipalities and on private properties from coast to coast. A rain garden is a vegetative depression that collects and filters storm water. Rain gardens allow water to temporarily pool, then slowly spread and sink into the earth returning clean water back into the environment. Join Eva on this Rain Garden tour as a part of the Summerland Earth Week events and learn about how our rain garden was created to deal with storm water issues at the Gardens. The event is free and takes place from 10 to 11 am. Meet at the Superintendent's House Summerland Ornamental Gardens, 4200 Hyw 97S, Summerland. Everyone is invited! Presented by Friends of the Gardens, Keen to be Green and SOSCP. More information here. Photo credit: Eva Antonijevic.
 April 22 (Earth Day!) Turning a New Leaf Conference and AGM
The College of Applied Biology is hosting its 2016 Conference and AGM, Turning a New Leaf, at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel. The Conference features presentations on climate change and federal science policy, as well as a panel discussion on collaborative resource management with participants in the Great Bear Rainforest initiative. Registration is open to non-College members, and participants can register for a live online webcast or attend in-person. Click on the links to view the event schedule, register online, or learn more about the event.
 April 26
INVASIVE SPECIES AMONG US:
On the Land and in the Water
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society (OASISS) at this open public forum. Learn about the successes of the past two decades, how things have changed, and what the future holds. There will be presentations on biological control, cross-border collaboration, zebra and quagga mussels, invasive fish, escaped ornamental plants, new technologies and the anticipated impacts of climate change. The event is free of charge but space is limited and you MUST register. More information here.
 May 1 SORCO Open House
Join the South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls (SORCO) - Raptor Rehab Centre for their 28th annual Open House. Typically closed to the public, this is a rare chance to tour the facility, take part in interactive education centres and the Kiddies Corner, support the organization through a Silent Auction and help celebrate Houdini's 17th birthday. Also taking part is the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society who shares the site with SORCO. Learn about their breeding facility and meet Pluto, their new Education Owl. The Open House runs from 10 am to 3 pm and admission is by donation. Organizations wishing to set up a display table are also welcome. Contact SORCO to book a space. For more information about the Open House, click here. Houdini photo courtesy SORCO.
 May 9 and 10 The Human Dimensions of Conservation Management workshop
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is pleased to present a 2-day professional development workshop, The Human Dimensions of Conservation Management with international Human Dimensions expert Dr. Alistair Bath. This intensive and interactive workshop offers an applied introduction to the field on Human Dimensions in Biodiversity Management, which seeks to understand how to work with people to achieve conservation. Dr. Alistair Bath is an associate professor at Memorial University with more than 25 years experience in human-wildlife conflicts and human dimensions in natural resource management issues. The workshop takes place at Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC. For details and more information click here. Photo courtesy: Quebec Centre for Biodiversity Science.
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Funding Opportunities
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May 6 Telus Community Board Grants
Thompson - Okanagan Community Board members choose programs that focus on youth, demonstrate social or technological innovation in program delivery, and involve arts & culture, education & sport, or health & well-being in our environment. Details here.
May 16 Public Conservation Assistance Fund (PCAF)
PCAF provides small grants to organizations and individuals for on-the-ground conservation projects such as hands-on, community based and public awareness initiatives. Details here.
November 1 OQO Capacity Development Funding Program
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has announced the OQO Capacity Development Funding Program. Funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada under the Natural Areas Conservation Program, and administered by NCC, the OQO Capacity Development Funding Program provides up to $125,000 in support of conservation in communities across Canada over the next three years. Click here for more information.
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Local Government Events
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Link to upcoming events and meetings scheduled by south Okanagan municipalities and the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen.
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Bryn White
The South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program
102 Industrial Avenue, Penticton V2A 7C8 250-490-8225
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