The sign shelter along Road 22 has been given a face lift.
The shelter was originally erected in the 1990s by the province of British Columbia.
The original signs have aged and become out of date over the years. Conservation partners who own properties along Road 22 and Black Sage Road want to raise awareness about the importance of the Osoyoos Oxbows to birds and other wildlife.
The Osoyoos Oxbows and surrounding wetlands, grasslands, fields, trees and thickets all support a rich diversity of birds. The area is famous among birdwatchers in British Columbia.
In fact, this area is so valuable for birds, particularly the endangered yellow-breasted chat, that it has earned an international title – “Osoyoos Oxbows Important Bird Area.” It is one of about 600 sites across Canada, and 10,000 worldwide to earn this recognition.
BC Nature secured over $21,650 from Environment Canada to replace nine sign panels at the Osoyoos Oxbows sign shelter.
Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada contributed an additional $2,000 to complete a 10th panel.
Numerous other organizations and individuals contributed in kind support to help develop sign content and install the signs, including the province of British Columbia, the Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen, The Nature Trust of British Columbia and volunteer IBA Caretakers.
With new sign panels done, attention turned to the area around the kiosk.
Led by Bryn White, program manager for the South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program, a plan is underway to improve landscaping around the kiosk with support from Black Hills Winery, Burrowing Owl Winery, BC Nature and the Cottages on Osoyoos Lake.
Other supporters include the Regional District of the Okanagan-Similkameen, South Okanagan Naturalists’ Club, Oliver-Osoyoos Naturalist Club, Town of Osoyoos, Oliver Rotary Club, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Sagebrush Nursery, and Osoyoos Aggregates.
BC Nature coordinates the Important Bird Areas (IBA) program in British Columbia with support from Bird Studies Canada, Nature Canada and many other organizations like Environment Canada, the Province of BC, naturalist clubs and other non-government organizations.
The goal of the program is to support efforts by local communities, landowners, individuals and organizations to ensure that birds can coexist with people in these areas.
Birds need Osoyoos Oxbows and other IBAs like Vaseux Lake area, Kilpoola Lake area, White Lake area and Chopaka Customs to feed and rest during their long migrations, or to stay and raise their young.
Volunteer caretakers for each IBA help to monitor birds and their habitat, raise awareness and assist with the ground projects, like developing new signs.
