Past Events

On Saturday 5 September dawned clear and bright as six hardy Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists headed out on what is becoming an annual trek up to Jim Kelly Mountain. We always plan this trip for the first week in September because the huckleberries and blueberries are at their peak. Last year, for example, we picked enough for several pies. Our early summer, however, confused the berries so that this year, not only were the berries absent but some bushes were trying for a second crop. No matter, the weather was fine and the views were spectacular.

On the way up we saw a big black bear on the blueberry bush-infested ridge opposite us. We hoped there were berries there so he could fatten up for the winter. As we climbed out of the forest and into the alpine we saw fresh snow covering Jim Kelly peak and nestling in shady spots along the trail. We had lunch on a warm heather meadow in the sun, but as soon as we began climbing onto the ridge a cold wind sucked the warmth out of us. We climbed to a sheltered bowl just below Kelly Peak in which nested the first of several lakes in the area. After some photo ops we headed up along the ridge with spectacular views to the southwest of Cascade peaks with Coast Mountain peaks shimmering in the distance. The views were stunning, the sun was bright but the wind was cold. We met a group of rock climbers who had been scaling one of the faces of Jim Kelly. How they managed to hold onto the rocks in that biting wind is a mystery.

We hiked to the farthest and biggest of the lakes that shimmered turquoise in the sun and stopped for a snack. Unlike previous years, no one went in for a dip. Rather than retracing our footsteps we decided to loop back over the meadows, scree and among the lakes to the downward trail. This proved more difficult than in previous years because the snow patches that usually cover the steepest scree slopes had melted. Instead of having fun slipping and sliding downhill we were obliged to pick our way carefully over steep slopes and loose rocks.

The air was fresh and cool when VFFN members set off on our Aug. 22nd “Lost Cow Trail” trek, as the wildfires’ smoke was barely discernible on the horizon. Joan Kelly led ten of us through the woods on a trail just off China Creek Road – a path that led to a great viewpoint looking across the valley to the south. We stopped at this spot and found a log on which to perch and relax. We spent some time exploring the area and admiring the vista, while spotting turkey vultures soaring overhead. A lone merlin also flew above us, harassed by a flock of ravens. As we made our return journey, shedding jackets when the sun began to warm us, we heard the flat, drawn-out caws of Clark’s nutcrackers, as well as the high, piping peeps of pygmy nuthatches. It was another companionable outing filled with laughter, exercise, and the tantalizing fragrance of pine. Our field trips are perfect opportunities to meet new people – two of our ten were out of town visitors: a young woman from Arizona and a 92-year-old from Metro Vancouver!

Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists enjoyed an easy hike along the Hedley Creek trail on Saturday morning, August 8th – a perfect outing for a hot summer day, as the trail is shaded and cool. Hedley Creek, aka Twenty Mile Creek, runs between rock walls of a box canyon, and flows south into the Similkameen. Years ago the creek was dammed by mining companies to provide water for a reduction mill, and subsequently domestic water was supplied through wood stave pipes, remnants of which are still evident below the trail. Four wooden plank bridges existed at one time, as well, to allow access further up the creek, but all crossings and the dam have since been destroyed by spring floods. Fifteen of us, led by Margaret Hale, walked along a footpath paralleling the creek until we reached the first bridge washout area. The bridge still lies relatively intact, but positioned on the opposite bank. This turnaround spot makes a great place to sit and rest, enjoy a snack and the spectacular scenery before heading back. The rock formations of the canyon and lush foliage along the water make for a unique and lovely landscape – cedars, willows, ferns and Oregon grape are abundant. Our 2 ½ hour hike ended with lunch at Hedley’s Hitching Post, a treat any day of the week!

Hiking and gold panning replaced Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists’ customary fishing trip on a recent field trip along the banks of the Similkameen River in the Allenby area. Six of us, led by Peter Antonick, slogged through rain, forest and wet grasses as we climbed to a craggy ridge high on the cliffs, overlooking the river and offering spectacular views. As we traversed the ridge, heading north and then east, our outlook changed from steep canyons and the Copper Mtn. Mine site, to an isolated resort, extensive green meadows, and intriguing formations along the river bank itself. We hiked 2 ½ hours before gradually descending to a secluded spot along the shore, where we enjoyed intermittent sunshine as we ate our lunches and panned for gold. Although flecks of gold and platinum were discovered, we left these treasures behind!

The riches that we did enjoy that day included a Bald Eagle standing sentry over us while Canada Geese swam nearby, two coyote pups romping through the woods, a Cooper’s Hawk, a Raven family vociferously protecting their young, and several Blue Grouse lurking in the grasses. We sampled sweet salmon berries, wild raspberries and the less palatable Oregon-grape berries. The fitting finish, however, was sipping Peter’s cherry wine at his home after our 5-hour field trip had ended!

A field trip to the White Lake Grasslands Protected Area rewarded us with great views, plenty of birds, familiar flowers and plants, and two adult black bears! The area was teeming with interest. The moderate 7 km hike from White Lake to Mahoney Lake passed quickly as we stopped to admire the wildflowers; the Mock Orange bushes, in particular, were blooming gloriously. Here and there were clumps of Giant Wildrye Grass, the ubiquitous Big Sagebrush, and tall Ponderosa Pines that provided wonderful shade. Numerous butterflies and dragonflies flickered around us. Cathy and Jason Lahaie helped us identified 34 species of birds. Stopping at one small lake someone spotted 2 adult black bears on the other side. Being a sufficient distance from them, we admired them without feeling that we were encroaching on their territory. After a quick lunch at a man made dam in the shade of trees, we continued to Mahoney Lake. Mahoney Lake is an Ecological Reserve. “An ecological reserve provides the highest protection for the maintenance of physical and biodiversity while allowing for research and educational activities.” Mahoney Lake is one of few meromictic lakes in BC, which means that the water remains unmixed with the main water mass during normal circulation period. Mahoney Lake is particularly noted for its purple sulphur bacteria, which needs H2S & CO2 to develop. Go online and read more about this fascinating lake. Reaching Green Lake Road, we boarded our cars and went off to Tickleberry to enjoy a much needed treat!