Natural plants added to Rail Trail gateway

Sep 29, 2020 | 10:06 AM

Two local groups have started work on re-creating natural landscaping at the northern gateway of the Okanagan Rail Trail.

The Friends of the Rail Trail and Ribbons of Green Trails Society said the process will take several weeks and involves converting what was previously a rail car shunting yard into the Kilometre Zero trailhead in Coldstream.

“Long term plans for Kilometre Zero include a plaza and seating areas, hilltop viewpoint, and art and interpretive installations,” a news release from the groups said. “Interpretation will share stories of the historical and contemporary place of the Syilx Indigenous peoples in this area. The first phase of development is to surround the plaza and trailhead with native plant landscaping.”

In May, this steep slope at Kilometre Zero was hydro-seeded with native grassland seed mixture, and covered with natural fibre matting. Four months later, there is a healthy growth of grasses that will diversify over time and include the iconic Arrowleaf Balsamroot, or Okanagan Sunflowers. (photo credit: Friends of the Okanagan Rail Trail)

The groups received grants for the work and are accepting public donations. Grants came from TD Friends of the Environment, the Okanagan Basin Water Board, and Regional District of North Okanagan.

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The Ribbons of Green Trails Society has been an advocate for the Greater Vernon trail network for 25 years, and with much of the original vision now accomplished, the group has turned more attention toward trail management.

“Much of our group’s recent discussion has focused on trailside amenities,” said Harold Sellers, president of Ribbons of Green. “This includes native vegetation that both provides habitat, and connects trail users with nature. We are concerned about the proliferation and spread of weedy invasive plants along our trails, and the TD Friends of Environment grant will get this new trailhead off to a good start with a coverage of diverse native plants.”

Registered professional biologist, Carrie Nadeau with Associated Environmental (part of Associated Engineering Group of Companies) working with Sagebrush Nurseries, has developed a plan to enhance soils by incorporating RDNO Gro and creating the best conditions for native plants to thrive. The palette of native plants that will adorn this site are typical of what would be found in local grassland natural areas, and include plants that are culturally important to the Okanagan Indian Band.

Native plant restoration and weed management is difficult, especially in dry climates and with the challenges of climate change. The restoration work at Kilometre Zero and elsewhere along the rail trail will create the best chances for nature to thrive, and this is especially important along the shorelines and waterways. Trail users can help ensure success by staying on the trail and avoiding disturbance to restoration areas.

The Okanagan Basin Water Board has also contributed toward native plant restoration.

“It is our hope that environmental restoration at this creekside trailhead area, which has high visibility, will continue to promote best practices for other areas along the rail trail,” Anna Warwick Sears, executive director of Okanagan Basin Water Board, said. “It will also serve as a model to local residents who visit the area to choose WaterWise native plants for their landscaping needs.”

Planted areas will only need supplementary watering for the first year or two until they are established. The plants will also thrive without fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, which is important since these chemicals can contaminate soil and pollute creeks and lakes, creating water quality issues such as algae blooms.

For more information on the project, visit the rail trail website.

by Pete McIntyre

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