Nature centre secures grant for building upgrades

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The centre, which has been operating for nearly 25 years, is housed in a former upper air weather station run by the federal government, where scientists used to launch weather balloons to track upper atmosphere conditions and predict future weather.

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The site provides one of the best panoramic views in Vernon, showing five lakes and three ecosystems as well as wildlife sightings such as yellow-bellied marmots, red-tailed hawks, prairie falcons and snowy owls.

“In 2018 the centre recorded almost 9,000 visits and that number is growing each year,” Popowich said.

Centre officials say the building, which opened as a weather station in 1972, is showing its age and requires major upgrades to continue offering the centre’s programs. The updates include an HVAC system for the loft, classrooms, discovery room and habitat room, replacement of three old single pane windows in the interpretive centre, replacement of the reception area flooring and painting of the that area and repair and painting of the outside stucco.

“Our club has been involved with the Allan Brooks Nature Centre for almost two decades,” Kal Rotary President, Dr. Carmen Larsen said. She added that includes “donations, onsite club meetings and work parties where club members donate their time to assist with projects at the centre.”

The enthusiastic public support of the Kal Rotary Dream Auction has allowed the club to make more meaningful donations, according to local donations chair Mike Nolan, who noted “these make a real difference to the success of these groups’ projects.”