California Bighorn Sheep. Photo credit: Paul Graham
South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program
July 2016 Newsletter
|
|
|
 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 |
|
|
|
|
Program Manager's Message
|
As our beaches heat up this summer, so does the proposed South Okanagan Conservation Fund.
Tomorrow, the bylaw to establish a Conservation Fund for the South Okanagan, will be brought forward at the RDOS Board table for third reading.
The readings were deferred at the July 16th meeting to allow all members in the South Okanagan time to consider participating in the sub-regional service. Since that time, two more municipalities have decided to join in.
SOSCP partners came together in July to learn more about the proposed fund, what is involved in establishing a fund in BC from our colleagues in the Kootenays, and the potential benefits to conservation and biodiversity protection in our region.
The fund has the potential to raise $450,000 annually for conservation and sustainability projects in the South Okanagan.
Stay tuned.
Bryn White, SOSCP Program Manager
|
|
|
|
|
Partner News
|
 EXPRESSION OF INTEREST - Temporary Assignment: Fisheries Biologist, Fish and Wildlife Section, Resource Management Division, Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations
The Okanagan Fish and Wildlife Section has an opportunity for a 7-month temporary assignment with the Fisheries Team starting September 2016 and running until March 31, 2017. The position will assist the Okanagan Fisheries Team in delivery of their 2016 workload including project administration and oversight, regulatory permitting and approvals, drought management, water use planning/flows for fish, kokanee enumeration, small lake stock assessment work, implementation of large scale restoration projects, facility operation and maintenance, as well as data compilation, analysis and reporting. For a complete job description or to apply for this opportunity, please contact Tara White at Tara.White@gov.bc.ca by 4 pm, July 15, 2016 with your resume and a one-page expression of interest indicating your interest in the position; how this opportunity meets objectives in your career planning; how your skills match this position; and your availability starting Sept 7, 2016 for 7 months. Photo courtesy Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations.
 OSSS publishes Summer 2016 newsletter The Summer 2016 edition of the Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Society newsletter has just been release. An update from Margaret Holm, Okanagan Community Bat Project Coordinator, information on attracting pollinators and a collection of inspiring before and after stories of habitat restoration can be found. One such success story was the Kambo Pond project as pictured. In 2009, Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship partnered with landowners Ranbir and Shinder Kambo to excavate a pond in a frost-pocket on their Osoyoos orchard. Water in the pond helps to regulate temperature and late frosts while also providing valuable wildlife habitat. To read more click here for an online version of the newsletter. Photo courtesy OSSS.
Help manage the propogation of cheatgrass 
Dogs like Archie are prone to having cheatgrass seeds lodge in their paws, ears and even burrow through their skin. Okanagan residents commonly refer to this invasive plant as spear grass due to its sharply pointed seeds. For humans, the seeds can be mildly annoying but for our beloved dogs, it's far worse. The seeds can lodge themselves in their paws, ears and can burrow through their skin resulting in both internal and surface abscesses. Lisa Scott, Program Manager, Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society (OASISS) writes about how to protect our furry friends. Read more here.
 Mobile Quagga and Zebra Mussel Prevention Trailer Takes to the Road
The Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society (OASISS) is taking to the road in their newly constructed educational trailer. This highly visual addition to the existing aquatic invaders prevention program is a collaboration between the RDOS and OASISS that worked to design, procure and customize the mobile unit as well as the outreach materials for the program. The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB), through their Don't Move a Mussel Program, is also a significant partner on this project. OBWB supplies annual funding to OASISS to assist with hiring three Canada Summer Job students who conduct outreach throughout the valley and monitor the local waters for mussels. Details here.
|
|
Upcoming Events and Workshops
|
 July 7, 14, 21 and 28
Osoyoos Desert Centre Night Tours
Experience the magic of the desert at night. Take a guided tour along the Desert Centre's 1.5 km boardwalk and get the inside scoop on our desert's "wild" night life. Learn fascinating facts about the many nocturnal animals that call this habitat home. Owls, bats, deer, snakes, black widow spiders, or maybe a coyote - you never know what might go bump in the night! Nights tours run Thursdays until July 28 from 7:30 to 9 pm. Tickets are $10 and advance registration is required. For more information call 250-495-2470, email mail@desert.org or click here. Great Horned Owl p hoto by Mangus Manske/Wikimedia Commons.
 July 16 and 17
Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the SUMMERLAND ORNAMENTAL GARDENS
Join the Friends of the Gardens along with local community groups, businesses, artisans, artists, performers, food producers and chefs as they celebrate the Gardens' centenary July 16 and 17 from 10 am to 5 pm. Activities include a Heritage Arts & Crafts "sheep to shawl" demonstration, quilting, rug hooking, and pottery; Beekeeping Educational Display; Interactive Potting Shed; Apple Box Art Display; Botanical Drawings Exhibit; Garden Tours; Local Food Vendors and musical performances. More information and a full schedule of events here.
 July 16 and 17 Art in the Desert Formerly called Art in the Garden, this popular art show has chosen the Desert Centre as its new venue. The event showcases paintings, pottery, jewellery and photography from local artists. In addition to viewing and/or purchasing original art, you can enjoy a wine tasting courtesy of Oliver Twist Estate Winery. A full schedule of tours will also be available throughout the day, as well as the Centre's hands-on Interpretive Centre. The show runs each day from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Last year's show featured artists Jane Scheffler and Ilene Steele (pictured here), among many others. Photo by Richard McGuire, Osoyoos Times. Details here.
August 13 Romancing the Desert 
The beauty of the desert from sunlight to starlight is showcased at the Osoyoos Desert Centre's annual Romancing the Desert. The evening starts at 5:30 and features an outdoor dinner followed by a twilight tour through one of Canada's rarest habitats. Tasting stations are en route to sample local wines and enjoy a variety of after-dinner treats, plus there's live music, a silent auction, door prizes and more! Proceeds support the habitat conservation, restoration and education efforts of the Osoyoos Desert Society. Tickets are $70 per person. Advance registration required. Call 250-495-2470 or mail@desert.org. More information here. Photo courtesy Osoyoos Times.
 October 18 and 19 Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied EcologyRegistration is now open for Bio-engineering: A Restoration Course. The two-day course is offered by instructor David Polster covering soil bioengineering and the applied uses of live plant materials, rocks, soil and landscape elements to perform engineering functions such as slope stabilization, soil erosion control or seepage control. The course is designed for anyone interested in restoring the natural functioning of damaged ecosystems. Registration is $395 and includes catering and a course manual covering all materials discussed in the class. Registration and more information here. Photo courtesy Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology.
|
|
Funding Opportunities
|
July 8 Vancouver Foundation - Environment and Animal Welfare Test and Grow Grants Stage One: Project Overview
The Foundation grants of up to $75,000 for organizations with innovative projects in our four fields of interest: Arts and Culture; Education and Training; Environment and Animal Welfare; and Health and Social Development. Details here.
July 15 Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation
HCTF's new Land Stewardship Grants, made possible through an endowment provided by the Province of British Columbia for operations and management costs on conservation lands is now r equesting letters of intent from eligible organizations requesting funding from this program. The deadline for submitting letters of intent is July 15th, 2016 at 4:30PM PDT. Details here.
July 15 TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
The Foundation supports a wide range of environmental initiatives, with a primary focus on environmental education, urban greening and enhancing biodiversity, and energy conservation. Details here.
|
|
Local Government Events
| |
Link to upcoming events and meetings scheduled by south Okanagan municipalities and the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen.
|
|
|
Bryn White
The South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program
102 Industrial Avenue, Penticton V2A 7C8 250-490-8225
|
|
|
|
|
