Phase two of a wetland habitat restoration project is getting underway at a small-scale certified organic farm in the Slocan Valley.
Crooked Horn Farm, in partnership with the Slocan River Streamkeepers (SRS) and the BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF), will restore an area of wetland, riparian, and floodplain habitat along the Slocan River.
This will be done by excavating two shallow wetlands, where ditches used to be, to improve the existing wetlands and create higher-quality wildlife habitats, said Birch Matkowski, senior field technician with BCWF.
Crooked Horn Farm and SRS completed phase one in 2017, restoring a 0.5-hectare area of the 5.2-hectare farm. The project was aimed at helping hold water longer and providing valuable species habitat.
“[The owners] were delighted to witness the restoration of ecological balance to sections of the farm that had once been wetlands before being drained and ditched for farmland,” said Matkowski. “These areas have rapidly transformed into thriving habitats for various wildlife, including frogs, toads, dragonflies, salamanders, and other creatures.”
Phase two will continue with a further quarter of a hectare.
“BCWF is working with the SRS on the second phase… amplifying collaborative efforts and making this project a role model for responsible environmental stewardship within the community,” said Matkowski.
Located near Winlaw, Crooked Horn Farm began in 2009. The owners embrace opportunities to preserve, conserve, and enhance natural and sensitive areas on the farm.
“The owners take great pride in growing vegetables while respecting their land, soil, and the creatures they share this beautiful place with,” said Matkowski. “Natural spaces will help keep the soundtrack of their farm as bird songs, buzzing bees, and croaking frogs.”
Funding for the project comes from the Province of BC’s Watershed Security Fund, the Regional District of Central Kootenay’s Local Conservation Fund, and the Slocan Valley Legacy Fund, as well as in-kind support from SRS and Crooked Horn Farm. Okanagan Nation Alliance and the Sinixt Confederacy are also providing input on the project.
