Bird Conservation

Hello fellow Rotarians, We are members of the Summerland Rotary Club and are wildlife biologists involved with bird conservation activities at Vaseux Lake in the South Okanagan. We would like to share about a collaborative effort we are hoping the Rotary clubs in the South Okanagan will participate in, this includes the Oliver, Osoyoos, Penticton, and Summerland clubs. You may be aware of an ongoing project to rebuild the viewing blind at the end of the Vaseux Lake boardwalk. We are well-connected to the project leader, Eva Durance, who has been fundraising for this initiative for several years now and is nearing the end of the campaign. At this point, building plans have been produced and construction is planned for the near future. However, there is an urgent need for the remaining required funds to be raised. Vaseux Lake is one of the most important destinations for ecotourism in the Okanagan and gives visitors and locals alike a chance to experience one of the unique ecosystems in our region and the many birds and other wildlife that use it. Plans are also in motion to replace the boardwalk so having a new blind and boardwalk will go a long way to bring more tourists to the area and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. The new blind is designed to be very user-friendly and attractive for both young and old, and it will even be wheelchair accessible. I hope we can all come together to support this project because it would be a great asset to your community and those across the South Okanagan. Thank you, Jason and Matthias Bieber Summerland Rotary