Tall Stories 418: Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park, Kelowna
Jul 22, 2024
auto_awesome
Discover the significance of urban nature reserves as an escape from city noise; learn about the Johns Family Nature Conservatory in Kelowna, BC, Canada's third nocturnal preserve; explore the Regional Parks Program's cultural focus on dark skies and wildlife conservation.
The Johns Family Nature Conservatory in Kelowna is Canada's third nocturnal preserve, emphasizing the importance of protecting dark skies for wildlife and habitats.
The nocturnal preserve designation at Johns Family Nature Conservatory benefits nocturnal animals, ecosystems, and community involvement in advocating for dark sky protection.
Deep dives
Creation of Nocturnal Preserve at Johns Family Nature Conservatory
The Johns Family Nature Conservatory in Kelowna was established as a nocturnal preserve, becoming Canada's third. This 400-acre park was generously donated by siblings Alfred and Nancy Johns in 2011 to the Central Okanagan Land Trust. The Regional District pursued obtaining a nocturnal preserve designation from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada to safeguard the park and its wildlife, given its significance as a natural habitat. The initiative required efforts to monitor light pollution levels, assess habitat protection, and prove the importance of preserving dark skies for wildlife and habitats, culminating in the park earning its prestigious status.
Benefits of the Nocturnal Preserve Designation and Community Engagement
The nocturnal preserve designation at Johns Family Nature Conservatory brings benefits to nocturnal animals and broader ecosystems. By reducing light pollution, the park ensures the well-being of creatures like birds, frogs, and insects that rely on dark skies for navigation and natural behaviors. Additionally, the community's involvement in advocating for dark sky protection contributes to raising awareness about the importance of preserving natural night environments. The park's initiatives, such as guided walks and stargazing events, encourage individuals to appreciate the beauty of dark skies and reconnect with nature's nighttime wonders, promoting conservation and environmental education.
Mandy Sinclair takes us to a nocturnal preserve not far from the city centre of Kelowna, British Columbia, to find out why protecting the dark sky is so important.