The Shuswap Naturalist Club is dedicated to the study, appreciation, and conservation of our natural world. It is an active and respected advocate for wildlife, natural areas, and the protection of the environment.
Founded in 1970 with a membership of about 40 people, the Club’s constitution states the following four objectives:
- to provide opportunities for persons interested in natural history to meet and exchange information;
- to foster an interest in nature, particularly among young people;
- to encourage naturalists to record and report observations; and
- to foster conservation and encourage all levels of government to do so.
To achieve these aims, early activities of the Club included encouraging hunting limits, establishing protected areas for migrating birds, participating in annual bird counts, enjoying natural history lectures at Okanagan College, and sharing programs at regular meetings. Outings explored local sites, and flower and bird checklists were created.
In the summer of 1990, a proposal made to the District of Salmon Arm was approved to create a nature trail and bird blind on “the old boat berm” west of the wharf in Salmon Arm Bay. With the help of volunteers, and support from local business who donated materials, the Bird Blind Project was completed in September 1990. It served as a viewing platform for those interested in observing local shore birds. The blind was destroyed by fire in 1998. A plaque at the trail head recognizes the work of the Club members who established and maintain this area.
In 1999 the City of Salmon Arm approved a Club initiative to create Peter Jannink Nature Park. Located on the marshy shore of the lake it is an excellent area for birdwatching.
The club established an endowment with Shuswap Community Foundation in 2008. Proceeds from the interest earned support a bursary for a student intending to pursue a career in environmental conservation and protection. The award is available to students at Thompson Rivers University entering their third year of the Bachelor of Natural Resources Science program, with priority given to students from the Shuswap area.
The Shuswap Naturalist Club welcomes donations to its fund at any time.
