Nighthawk Hill Grasslands

The Nature Trust of BC has purchased and protected 11 hectares (27 acres) of wild, native grasslands in the South Okanagan within the traditional territory of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band (Sməlqmix) and Okanagan Nation (Syilx People).

The project was made possible by the Government of Canada, through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund. Thanks also goes to the dedicated donors and the Okanagan community, whose generosity and passion for nature made this conservation milestone possible.  

Known as the Nighthawk Hill Grasslands, the area is an important wildlife corridor that allows animals to access the river from the South Okanagan Grasslands Provincial Protected Area – a massive conservation complex that encompasses 9,364 hectares over five discrete locations. Once purchased, this biodiversity-rich area will be protected with a conservation land designation, ensuring that it will never be sold or developed.  

Temperate grasslands are considered to be one of the most altered terrestrial ecosystems on the planet and are endangered on most continents. Low elevation grasslands are the rarest land cover in British Columbia, the very hot dry Bunchgrass ecosystems in the South Okanagan are in particular danger of being lost as only 6.9% have been protected in either parks or conservation areas.

Common Nighthawk

A hotspot for biodiversity, the Nighthawk Hill Grasslands are home to a diverse range of imperiled species. Within one kilometer of the area, 17 species have been identified as at-risk or endangered.  Commonly found mammals include the at-risk Pallid Bat, American Badger, Western Harvest Mouse, and Nuttall’s Cottontail.

The property is home to eight at-risk birds, such as the Sage Thrasher, Barn Swallow, Common Nighthawk, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Chat, Bobolink, Bank Swallow, and Lewis’s Woodpecker. The hot and dry climate attracts a plethora of reptiles and amphibians, such as the Western Yellow-bellied Racer, the Western Tiger Salamander, the Great Basin Spadefoot, the Western Rattlesnake, and the Great Basin Gophersnake. Protecting this area is one of the ways we can help ensure these species are not lost to extinction.

Nighthawk Hill Grasslands

Nighthawk Hill Grasslands is of particular importance to conservation as it includes over 100 meters of river corridor. By purchasing this land, animals will have unimpeded access to the river from the adjacent conservation area.

Ranking very high in its ecological value, purchasing Nighthawk Hill Grasslands will protect rare species, conserve imperiled ecosystems, and help mitigate the effects of climate change. We need your help to ensure this critical land is protected forever – donate today!