Private property on Swan Lake secured for nature reserve

VERNON — The Regional District of North Okanagan has secured a nature reserve property.

The RDNO said it has acquired a lakefront property on the east side of Swan Lake, solidifying its status as the Jordan Nature Reserve.

The 1.8 hectare property, located at 7710 Lockdale Rd., was originally purchased by Dr. Laurance Jordan in 1968 , and after his death his sons decided to honour the late-doctor’s passion for nature and bird watching and establish the land as a nature reserve for public use.

The Jordan Nature Reserve property will also remain accessible to the Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club, which has operated in that area for decades.

“We are thrilled to have acquired the Jordan Nature Reserve to ensure its protection for generations to come,” said Bob Fleming, Chair of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, RDNO.

“This acquisition highlights our commitment to environmental stewardship and showcases the spirit of collaboration between the RDNO, the Jordan family, and the Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club in achieving a common goal.”

Swan Lake is considered an area of high conversation value. However, it is not covered under the Greater Vernon Trail and Natural Spaces Master Plan, so the RDNO has stepped in to maintain the wetlands that are home to ducks, waterfowl, marsh birds, mammals and amphibians.

The RDNO, in partnership with Ducks Unlimited, also owns the Swan Lake Nature Reserve.

The property was signed over to the RDNO at a small gathering held by the Jordan family on May 31, 2023.