In 2014, the City of Kelowna approached the Central Okanagan Land Trust (COLT) with a request to work together on establishing a Conservation Covenant on a portion of the 9.82 ha Munson Pond Park. The goal was to establish a work plan that would help re-naturalize the area in order to strengthen the environmental values of the land.
Munson Pond began its life as a gravel pit that operated for about 5 years in the early 1960s. When it was abandoned, the area’s high water table quickly filled the pit. Since then, the site has become a favoured site for bird watching and a wonderful, quiet parkland retreat for visitors.
The goals of COLT’s initial project included the construction of a perimeter trail with two viewing platforms. In addition, the plans called for the placement of interpretive signage at various locations along the trail in order to build a wider public appreciation of and respect for the natural assets of the park and pond.
As the plan began to take shape, COLT made several successful applications for funding to support its efforts. At the same time, we were grateful to receive the help of a number of individuals, community groups and businesses to do the actual work of weeding, planting, and general site clean up to get the park ready.
The result is small but important ecological jewel that forms part of a scattered network of wetlands that provide important habitat for both flora and fauna – including some species at risk. It is also an important site for migratory birds.
The Okanagan Valley has lost well more than half of its low-lying wetlands to agricultural and urban development, and COLT’s work with the City of Kelowna demonstrates a tangible commitment to improving the area’s wetland inventory by quality and in number.
Like us on Facebook