Swan Lake Nature Reserve
The Swan Lake Nature Reserve in Vernon was established in 2005 as an undeveloped area where wildlife can roam free and people can enjoy nature. There is a 1.8km trail that meanders through grasslands, wetlands and riparian areas. In 2021, there was an observation tower installed so people can view the lake and all the wildlife that call this place home.
Swan Lake has been an ongoing collaborative project with the wonderful people at the North Okanagan Naturalist Club (NONC) who have been stewarding of this property for years. The observation tower, Osprey nesting platform, bird nesting boxes and T-posts were all projects lead by NONC. Over the last several years, OSS have assisted them with many of their planting projects in order bring more biodiversity to this wildlife oasis.
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The first planting took place in 2022, and each year since, more plants have been added to the property. During all these plantings, we've had help from various volunteers including Associated Environmental, the Awaken Inquiry & Adventure Okanagan school, and many other locals. More than 600 native plants have been planted at this nature reserve over the years and work will continue in the future to try to restore this place into the best wildlife sanctuary we can.​​​​​​​​​​​
2022
The goal for the first planting year was to enhance the riparian area of the nature reserve. We planted 100 trees and shrubs in 4 separate clusters. Plants included: Red-osier dogwood, Black cottonwood, various native willow species and more.
2023
The goal was to expand the 2022 planting area by planting more trees between the clusters. We added 130 more plants to the riparian area. Plants were chosen based on the success of the previous year.
2024
The goal was to add more native plants to the grassland area of the reserve. 252 plants were planted in 5 patches along the south end of the trail, 1 patch near the observation tower and 1 patch near the pond. Plants included: Saskatoon, Chokecherry, Blue elderberry, and native wildflowers.
2025
The goal was to add to the 2024 planting areas as well as adding more patches of native grasses and wildflowers near the observation tower. In total we planted 120 shrubs, grasses, and flowers.
Swan Lake Planting Projects over the Years
Monitoring Restoration
After all the plants are in the ground, the project is not actually done yet. Restoration requires frequent monitoring, especially during the first couple of years after the projects completion. We want to know what is working in the area or what might require some more assistance. The main way we monitor these projects is through photo-monitoring. This is where we take pictures of the planting from the same spot and angle each year so that we can compare growth and survivability.
In 2025 we incorporated a citizen science initiative, where people can help us with monitoring the growth of the plants at Swan Lake. We installed 4 photo-monitoring stations in various spots along the trail where people can take pictures of the different plantings and send them in to us. This will not only help us monitor the plants each year, but it will also let us see what is happening through the different seasons. Thanks to all those who have already participated in these monitoring efforts!
