An important organization involved in the conservation of Swan Lake and its surrounding natural areas is the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club (NONC). Founded in 1951, this group of volunteers works to preserve local ecosystems, promote environmental awareness, and encourage an appreciation for nature.
They are a great resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the area's wildlife and natural history.
As stewards of the Swan Lake Nature Reserve, one of the clubs’ most significant contributions is the construction of the observation tower.
Thanks to funding from the Regional District of the North Okanagan, NONC, and contributions by individual NONC members, the tower was built to provide visitors with a better view of the wetlands and a chance to experience the area's biodiversity from a bird’s eye view.
Since completion in 2021, the observation tower has become a favourite feature of Swan Lake Nature Reserve, bringing visitors from across the North Okanagan and around the world.
Equipped with scopes, chairs, information boards and a guest book, locals and tourists frequent the tower for a variety of reasons.
Families take their children to introduce them to nature, excited to help them spot their first great blue heron or osprey. Artists and photographers use the tower for painting and sketching the landscape and capturing stunning images of birds in flight.
School groups visit on educational field trips, using the tower as a hub to learn about wetland ecosystems, conservation, and bird identification. Nature lovers come for some peace, enjoying the view and listening to the sounds of the marsh.
To learn more about or to join the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club go to www.nonc.ca.
