Creek trash cleared out

Photo: Harold Sellers

Members of the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club are encouraging others to join the Adopt-a-creek program.

Members of the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club have 'adopted' their first stream.

The club has adopted a section of BX Creek, near Walmart and Rona, at the north end of the city. 

Thirteen club members plus 11 adults and children from the NatureKids of BC program, spent two hours collecting trash and debris along the creek shoreline as well as in the adjacent parkland.

By the time the volunteers were done, a mountain of garbage had been collected.

“The area is now much cleaner and enjoyable, ready for the lush growth of vegetation that is now emerging for the spring and summer,” said Harold Sellers, with the club. “In addition to taking action to help protect our natural spaces, the club also provides many opportunities for enjoying nature.

Anyone interested in joining the club on its monthly nature walks or having youngsters interested in getting outside for some nature-based fun with NatureKids, should visit the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club website.

The Adopt a stream program was started in 2009 to support the health of local waterways. 

Since then, it has successfully established a list of local stream stewards who, twice a year, ensure that their stretch of stream is clean.

Through this program, the Regional District and City of Vernon offer training opportunities.

Anyone interested in adopting their neighbourhood stream can contact Jennifer Miles, RDNO Adopt-a-Stream co-ordinator, at [email protected].