The South Okanagan-Similkameen Invasive Plant Society received $5,000 and a Canon PowerShot camera, from Canon’s Take Root Program, to restore a section of riparian habitat along Penticton Creek. Supported by Canon Canada and led by Evergreen, Take Root is a national community tree planting and greening initiative in support of National Tree Day.
The Penticton Creek restoration project is being conducted in partnership with the City of Penticton, and will involve the removal of invasive plants and the addition of over 350 native trees and shrubs. Nest boxes for western screech owls, an endangered owl known to occur in the area, will also be installed in key locations.
“Penticton Creek is a wonderful recreational corridor and it provides homes for wildlife, including some very rare species,” said Lisa Scott, co-ordinator of the South Okanagan-Similkameen Invasive Plant Society. “This project will enhance the natural creekside habitat for wildlife and will also make the area more picturesque for walkers and cyclists.”
The Penticton Creek restoration project will take place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interested members of the public are asked to meet behind McNicoll Park School, where they can register for the event. Participants are asked to bring a rake and shovel if they have one. Gloves, coffee and water will be provided.
“We are pleased to partner with SOSIPS for this worthwhile event and we encourage the public to participate”, said Jeff Lynka, parks supervisor with the City of Penticton.
Canon’s Take Root Program, presented by Evergreen, will provide a $5,000 grant and a PowerShot digital camera to 30 local groups across Canada every year for the next three years. Canon’s Take Root Program aims to add more than 7,500 trees to the Canadian urban landscape annually and encourage community engagement in public spaces through native tree-planting events, invasive-species removal and other community stewardship, monitoring and developmental activities.
“Sustainable urban greening happens when deeply committed community groups across Canada take action to naturalize urban spaces,” said Geoff Cape, executive director, Evergreen. “Evergreen is pleased to be able to direct funding and support to where it can make the most effective change.”
Canon’s partnership with Evergreen helping empower local groups to make a lasting environmental impact is in its first year.
Apply for funding online at www.evergreen.ca.