National Earth Day is on April 22nd, and there is so much to celebrate when you live in such a beautiful place like Anarchist Mountain.
But do you know what’s growing around you and the difference between an invasive weed and a native wildflower?
We have many varieties of native plants in our back yards and across the mountain. However, with the disturbance of soil through building and bringing in other materials, invasives weed species are brought in and can spread.
Did you know that Anarchist Mountain isn’t just home to some really cool people, but also an incredibly cool endangered species?
Some of us on the mountain may have noticed that they have had an American Badger take up residence on our properties. Count yourself lucky if you have seen one or more, as they are an endangered species in B.C.
By Anarchist Mountain Fire Rescue – Wildlife Safety Program
One careless act can result in a forest fire that destroys wildlife habitat, homes and personal property, and, in the worst case, could take the life of someone we care about.
Cigarette butts are not only a serious fire risk but are one of the most littered man-made products on the planet.
British Columbia is currently facing the worst wildfire season on record, with more than 1.5 million hectares of land lost to the fires burning across the province. As fires continue to burn and spread, preparation has never been more important.
Credit: BC SPCA | August 2023
Every year wildfires devastate lives and communities in British Columbia, putting wildlife and humans at risk. Wild animals have developed strategies to fly, run or bury themselves to escape from fires, but the change in habitat and food resources will have a lasting impact for generations.
The Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society (OASISS) is warning pet owners about two invasive plants with spiked seeds that are back out again throughout the valley.
Cheat Grass
Puncture Vine
Cheatgrass and puncture vine are a “big risk” to pets, especially dogs out on a walk that can find themselves having a seed embedded in their paw or fur.
Continue readingBy Selena Cole
Forests in the south Okanagan, like much of BC, have been severely impacted by mountain pine beetles, one of 15 kinds of bark beetles in the province. Mountain pine beetles attack ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, western white pine, and even ornamental pine trees planted in our yards.
Reprinted from OASISS Facebook post | May 2023
The Lyall’s Mariposa Lily is at risk from being GONE FOREVER from the Okanagan-Similkameen!
The Okanagan-Similkameen is the only place in Canada this fire-adapted lily exists.
Reprinted from Destination Osoyoos | June 2, 2023
Osoyoos is home to a unique and fragile desert ecosystem of antelope brush and cacti, set against rolling hills, with acres of lush green vineyards and orchards. It’s what’s known as a “semi-arid shrub-steppe” desert, and it’s absolutely breathtaking. It’s incredible to
explore, but when heading out on our trails and walkways, it’s important to keep in mind a few trail tips.
Continue readingBy Selena Cole
What is knapweed and why should we care?
Here on Anarchist, you can find both species of knapweed – spotted and diffuse – which are considered invasive species throughout BC’s southern interior.
Spotted Knapweed Diffuse Knapweed
Continue reading