The Similkameen News Leader
Sports Page - April 3, 2007
NATURALISTS PLAN SERIES OF OUTINGS
The local naturalists group recently enjoyed a walk along the river up the Ashnola Valley. The caravan of three vehicles crossed the Red Bridge at Keremeos and enjoyed a lovely 15-minute drive up the road to a beautiful pull-off and then walked further in on the road for a couple of hours.
On return we sat by the bridge and river and enjoyed lunch. The sun tried to poke through the thinning clouds but never quite made it. Nonetheless, we didn't have rain and it was very pleasant.
We saw few birds, but at least, there was a dipper in the river, two mergansers sped away on our approach, and there were other species seen as well. It was a nice change, the area offering many other future hikes further up into the hills.
If we had walked a little further, we would have come to the parking lot for the vehicles that take clients, during the warm months, up to Cathedral Lakes Park.
The next hike is led by Doug Rebagliati to the Pleasant Valley Mine. Doug is well-versed in the history of the area past the Tunnel. He will lead the walk up the left side of the Tulameen River.
This will be a two or three hour circular walk. More information needed? Call Doug at (250) 295-6778.
Other hikes coming up for the Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists (any newcomers are welcome) will be to Kentucky Lake, Red Creek Area, Shinish Creek, and Allison Lake Circuit. The next evening meeting is April 9th at the Riverside Wellness Centre.
Rick Howie will speak on the return of birds and other wildlife to rehabilitated mine sites.
There will be a daytime workshop on the future of Swan Lake on Monday, May 14th and Lisa Scott, Biologist, will speak June 11th on Alien Invasions!
Please join us for great learning and outdoor experiences!
