SILT Bioblitz – Snakes & Amphibians with Mike Dunn R.P.Bio

Watch our video on Reptiles & Amphibians. Learn more about the habitat value at SILT’s R.E. Taylor property thanks to Lindsay Lalach and Mike Dunn R.P.Bio.

SILT BioBlitz a Success

The Southern Interior Land Trust (SILT) held its first ever BioBlitz last month at its Cold Creek property near Keremeos. We had 17 attendees, including six national and provincial experts in plants, mosses, butterflies, bats and birds. More than 200 species were documented.

The information gathered will be used to help SILT plan for further long-term conservation of this remarkable land. We appreciate everyone who volunteered their time and experience and thank Telus and Argo Road Maintenance for supporting the event.
Our Cold Creek property is 20 hectares of Similkameen River frontage with mature cottonwood thickets extending through to sagebrush, dry cliffs and a year-round spring-fed creek. It is habitat for bighorn sheep, mountain goat, deer, rattlesnakes and falcons, to name just a few.

SILT owns four properties outright and is working on prospects in the Similkameen, Okanagan, West Kootenay and Thompson-Nicola areas. Tax receipts may be issued for donations of cash or land.

Click here to support SILT or email: apeatt@siltrust.ca

Cold Creek BioBlitz Planned

Hi everybody!!

First and foremost, I want to thank everyone that is planning to participate in our upcoming BioBlitz to be held on Saturday, June 2nd. It is going to be an excellent day of outdoor fun and species identification! The BioBlitz will run from 6:00 am until 11:00 pm. Download the Agenda

This will be a small BioBlitz consisting mostly of experts, generalists and participants that are keen on learning and developing their ID skills!! We look forward to seeing you all there!

Each of the organizers will be present on the property for the day and will be happy to assist you in any way possible!!

Getting to the property:

Cold Creek is located ~9kms west of Keremeos on Highway 3.
We will have “SILT BIOBLITZ” signs posted on the highway from both directions to help you find us.
Below, is a link to a google maps point so you can use GPS if you desire
https://goo.gl/maps/69vZTfqDr

Parking for the event will be in the pullout section on the side of the highway. Signs will be posted to help guide you to the parking area.

Once you Arrive:

We ask that you register when you arrive and collect your species ID report cards.
Once registered, you are free to go about the property and ID…ID…ID!

You are welcome to stay as long as you like and to participate in identifying as many species as you like!

Meals will be provided to the participants who are present at those times
Attached is the preferred “Schedule of Events”

Experts are welcome to come whenever, and stay for as long as you like.  We do however ask that you are present during your allotted time in order for less experienced participants to have you around while they are working & learning!

Accommodations:

If anyone is in need of places to stay, there are camp sites, motels and hotels within reasonable distance from the property. Email me directly for suggestions. 

Materials & Equipment:

As SILT is not a science-based organization, we have limited equipment and therefore ask that if you are able, please bring your own equipment for your own use:

• Binoculars
• Butterfly nets
• Traps
• Field guides
• GPS

etc.

General Things to Bring:

• ID materials (ID books, keys, hand lenses etc)
• Clip Board
• Water bottle- refill station available
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Other sun protective gear

If you have any more questions or concerns, please feel free to email, text or call me by responding to this email address carlymariescott@gmail.com, or reaching me at 613-340-5722.

We look forward to seeing you all there!!
Warmest regards,

Carly Scott