A Transborder Ecosystem
The border between the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys cuts mid-slope across grasslands. Plants and animals pass freely across this important and endangered grasslands ecosystem.
The South Okanagan-Similkameen has three of B.C.'s four most vulnerable biogeoclimactic zones: Bunch Grass, Ponderosa Pine, and Interior Douglas Fir. These biogeoclimactic zones do not stop at the border. Animals migrate across the border as part of their life cycles.
The South Okanagan-Similkameen is part of an important corridor for species migrating between dry grasslands of interior B.C. and the desert areas of the Western U.S. Migrant birds move to the Similkameen River Valley habitats in July and August to take advantage of the rich food there; they molt and put on fat before moving south again.
Click to see a larger version of the transborder areas in the South Okanagan-Similkameen region.
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