After several years of work, the restoration of Ginty's Pond in Cawston is entering its second phase.
The pond, which is historical nʔaʕx̌ʷt wetlands, has been the focus of restoration efforts by the B.C. Wildlife Federation from as far back as 2019.
In 2021, Kelly Terbasket of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band helped organize a group of locals to provide additional restoration support.
The pond, which was originally an oxbow and part of the Similkmaeen River, was separated by a dyke decades prior. The pond is located within the traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan people.
The first phase restored two hectares of wetland habitat, revitalized another 0.8 hectares of riparian habitat and seeded 0.8 hectares of ground cover.
Areas of the wetland were also deepened to create pools, 1,700 trees and shrubs were planted and 500 metres of fencing was installed.
The second phase will continue to work to improve the diversity of the wetland habitat to support a range of species.
Aquatic species such as the Painted Turtle and a variety of waterfowl use the wetlands as their habitat.
Prior to restoration, Ginty’s Pond had become monopolized by cattails and canary reed grass, making it undesirable for wildlife due to a severe loss of habitat diversity.
Phase Two of the project will focus on creating an additional two hectares of open-water habitat and 0.5 hectares of upland riparian habitat, featuring species such as cottonwood, woods rose, red osier dogwood, and milkweed—all of which have successfully taken root in the Phase One area.
The next phase of restoration efforts are focused northeast of the initial project site, between VLA Road and Wooden Road.
Community input from Cawston highlighted the need for water storage, wildlife conservation, and cultural uses, including skating in the winter and kayaking in the summer.
Phase Two partners include the B.C. Wildlife Federation, Southern Interior Land Trust (SILT), Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship (MWLRS), LSIB, and Rewilding Water and Earth.
For more information on the Ginty’s Pond wetland restoration project or to get involved, contact Alyssa Purse, BCWF Restoration Project Coordinator at alyssa.purse@bcwf.bc.ca.
