Photopoint Citizen Science
Okanagan Stewardship Society (OSS) has launched a Photopoint Citizen Science project to engage the public in tracking wildlife habitat restoration progress. At key restoration sites, OSS has installed photopoint monitoring stations, which provide clear instructions for visitors to take photos from a fixed position using their smartphones or cameras. These images, when submitted, will be compiled into a timelapse sequence, allowing our biologists, partners, and the community to visually document changes in habitat conditions over time. By participating, citizen scientists help create a long-term record of ecosystem recovery, providing valuable data to support ongoing conservation efforts.
Swan Lake Nature Reserve
Swan Lake Nature Reserve consists of a 1.8km trail with a 3-story wildlife observation tower on the shores of Swan Lake. Since 2021, OSS has been partnering with North Okanagan Naturalists Club to restore habitat in the nature reserve, through planting of indigenous trees and shrubs.
Access: Drive north on Old Kamloops Road, 2.3 km from the intersection of 43rd Avenue and Alexis Park Drive. Turn right at Swan Lake Regional Park signage at Stawn's Honey, then follow gravel road 0.7 km to parking area at trailhead.
Want to help us track vegetation changes over time? It's easy! Visit the photo point monitoring stations along the trail in the Swan Lake Nature Reserve. Place your phone in the bracket at photo point monitoring stations (HUGE thank you to volunteer handyman Len Bzdel who constructed these for us) and submit your photos using the submission forms below.
*NOTE: Dogs are not allowed in the Nature Reserve.
Sample station from Capitol Land Trust