Kelowna, B.C. – There’s something for everyone as the Okanagan Basin Water Board and its outreach program Okanagan WaterWise prepares to celebrate UN World Water Day and Canada Water Week, March 16 to 22. The theme this year: wetlands! There is a screening of several wetland documentaries, a guided wetland tour, the ever-popular – and free – public panel discussion, and a contest for kids with prizes including boat cruises!
“There’s a lot of great – and important – work being done around wetlands in the Okanagan. We wanted to share that with the community and celebrate it. What better time than Canada Water Week,” explained OBWB Chair Doug Findlater. “During the last few decades, as the Okanagan’s population has swelled, more than 85% of our wetlands and natural riparian areas have disappeared. Today, we understand the importance of wetlands,” he added, noting their ability to absorb storm water to prevent flooding and filter pollutants. “They’re also home to a diverse ecosystem with many rare and endangered plant and animal species. And then, of course, they’re beautiful places to visit.”
- Also visit the Okanagan WaterWise Events page