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 Scout Island Nature Centre - Williams Lake, BC Posted by:  T0SHEA
N 52° 07.208 W 122° 07.206
10U E 560243 N 5774765
A nature preserve, Scout Island Nature Centre was set aside as a preserve and educational centre by the Nature Trust of British Columbia nearly 50 years ago.
Waymark Code: WM119FQ
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Date Posted: 09/11/2019
Views: 1
Situated on two islands in Williams Lake, the Scout Island Nature Centre encompasses about 8 hectares of primarily wetland which is home to a wide variety of terrestrial, avian and aquatic species. One of the mandates of the centre, beyond the preservation of this habitat, is education though a Nature House, in which one may " get up close to aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, snakes, salamanders, watch a bird in the marsh through the scope, you can see swallows feeding their young on the webcam or watch the hummingbirds up close at the feeders." The Nature House has an extensive Natural History library, open to the public for reference purposes. The centre offers nature exploration programs throughout the year, both Public Programs and School Programs and MORE!.
A nature sanctuary and park, Scout Island’s unique, largely undisturbed, environment has come under the management of the Nature Trust of British Columbia in order to retain it as a sanctuary for native species of wildlife of all types. In the early '70s, the Scout Island property was purchased by the Nature Trust of BC to be conserved as a nature area. In 1977, the Williams Lake Field Naturalists Club took on running the property, starting in the winter of 1978.
Scout Island Nature Centre
Scout Island, located on the west end of Williams Lake off South Mackenzie Avenue, is a nature sanctuary and park area comprised of two islands connected to the mainland by a vehicle causeway. In addition to a beach area, picnic ground and boat launch, Scout Island contains a series of nature trails that take visitors through a relatively undisturbed natural environment, rich in bird and small wildlife habitat.
Features of Scout Island
A key feature of Scout Island is the Nature House which strategically overlooks the extensive marsh adjacent to the island. The Nature Centre is operated by the Williams Lake Field Naturalists and offers displays, programs and information interpreting the diverse and sensitive environment of Scout Island.
The Nature Trust of British Columbia is the owner of this 9.69 hectares which was purchased in 1973 - 1988 and is leased to the City of Williams Lake.
From the Williams Lake
Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 8 hectares
Is there a trail system?: Yes
If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.:
Six trails totalling 2.5 kilometres, mostly boardwalk over wetland and grassland. Some trails and the Nature House are wheelchair accessible.
What points of interest are there?:
Nature!
What activities are available?:
Taking it easy and learning about conservation and native species.
A tranquil oasis to view and learn about nature
Hours of accessibility?: Accessible year round
List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.):
Dangerous hat stealing crows habituate the area, as do noisy birds, often interrupting sleep in the park.
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Is a permit/fee required?: No
Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link]
If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!
Recent Visits/Logs:
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