The trail head at Swan lake Nature Reserve (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

Trails and Natural Spaces Grants

$12K to support natural space improvement projects

Jan 16, 2026 | 11:49 AM

Two organizations are benefitting from a program aimed at improving and enhancing trails and natural spaces in the North Okanagan.

Through the Greater Vernon Trails and Natural Spaces Grant Program, the Regional District of North Okanagan is providing a combined $12,126 to two organizations planning natural space improvement projects in the area.

The Invasive Species Council of B.C. was named a recipient and will be provided $5,126 for natural space improvement work at Middleton Mountain Trail and McKergow Meadows. This project aims to protect water quality, biodiversity and ecosystem health through holding community workshops on removing invasive plants, replanting native species, and teaching best practices. The project will also see educational signs installed along the trail and at the meadow to help prevent future spread of invasive species.

The North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club will also receive $7,000 for similar improvement work at the Swan Lake Nature Reserve Park. This work would involve ongoing habitat restoration by planting trees, shrubs, forbs and grasses; managing invasive species such as Reed Canary Grass; removing old agricultural debris; and adding new wildlife features such as bird perches and a bat house tower.

The successful applicants were part of four groups seeking funding through this program.

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The Caetani Cultural Centre Society requested $5,000 to develop a Creative Community Green Space, and the Monashee Trail Society asked for $7,000 to hire a consultant for planning a trail connection between Suntower Development on Cedar Ridge Street and Coopers Launch Trail in Lumby/Area D.

The RDNO staff report said the Caetani project would create a climate-adaptive, water-wise green space, but did not fit with the intent of the program, while the Monashee Trail proposal was for a “worthy project” but did not meet the criteria as it would be located outside of Greater Vernon.