One of our favorite places for a nice afternoon stroll with the family. This cache was imagined, filled and placed by kids with a few fun items to enjoy on March 1st, 2022. Our whole family hopes you enjoy this cache and the views that go with it.
Watch out for cactus when hunting with little ones!
Some info on the area:
Prior to European settlement, Haynes Point consisted of antelope-brush shrub-steppe, riparian and wetland ecosystems. This dry region was home to amphibians, reptiles and at least 16 now-rare plants that grew along the beaches, wetlands, and upland vegetation areas.
A History of change since then, lake water levels, water quality, and development have changed the landscape. There has been an increase in both tree cover and invasive trees, which compete with native species for light and nutrients. The worst offenders are Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra), Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia), Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) and tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima).
About 84% of the Okanagan's low-elevation wetland ecosystems have been lost, with similar loss in riparian and antelope-brush ecosystems. The antelope-brush ecosystem is one of the most endangered ecosystems in Canada. If allowed to persist, invasive species will eliminate the natural species of the region.
The Ministry of Environment has identified the wetland, riparian and antelope brush ecosystems as priorities for restoration and preservation. As a result, BC Parks initiated a multi-year project to remove invasive trees and re-introduce native vegetation at Haynes Point. The expected benefits include: a return of native species, resilience to climate change, a reduction of invasive tree species, and improved habitat for rare plants and animals.
The large shrubs on the hill you are standing on are antelope-brush (Purshia tridentata). If you look around, you'll see many that are dead or nearly so. Antelope-brush is a native plant, naturally adapted to the full Okanagan sun. Now Siberian elm grow here and are shading out the antelope-brush and native bunch grasses.
In fall of 2012, BC Parks and local volunteers removed the Siberian elm and planted 125 antelope-brush. Continued restoration efforts and monitoring will help bring Haynes Point closer to its native state.