TNCC 2025 Fall Partner Field Tour Highlights Connectivity
On October 9, 2025, TNCC and conservation partners from across the Thompson-Nicola region gathered for the Fall Field Tour — a full day of collaboration and hands-on learning focused on connectivity, restoration, and species recovery.
The tour began at Swel’áps Market with introductions and carpooling before heading into the field to explore four key sites: Cinnamon Ridge, Tranquille Wetlands, Dewdrop Trail, and Lac du Bois Grasslands. The field tour stops showcased how local governments, First Nations, and conservation groups are advancing landscape connectivity and ecological resilience through on-the-ground action.
City of Kamloops Corridor Work
City staff shared how ecological corridors are being integrated into municipal planning and zoning, supporting wildlife movement within and from urban to regional landscapes.
TNCC Partner Fall Field Tour 2025: Brandon Djordjevich, City of Kamloops, discusses the incorporation of corridors for wildlife into the City of Kamloops’ planning processes.
Tranquille Wetland Restoration
The Kamloops Naturalist Club highlighted reed canary grass removal and native vegetation restoration techniques that are improving habitat for birds, bats, and pollinators.
TNCC Fall Partner Field Tour 2025: Group walking to view wetland restoration
TNCC Fall Partner Field Tour 2025: Jesse Ritcey shows the group the benthic barrier restoration work
TNCC Fall Partner Field Tour 2025
TNCC Fall Partner Field Tour 25: native plants including willow growing in the foreground next to benthic barrier (invasive grass in background)
Bighorn Sheep Connectivity
The Wild Sheep Society of BC discussed disease and habitat challenges, railway mortality, and collaborative efforts to maintain safe movement routes for wild sheep.
TNCC Fall Partner Field Tour 2025: Greg Nalleweg, Wild Sheep Society of BC, addresses the group
First Nations-Led Connectivity Projects
Representatives from Simpcw Resources Group, Skeetchestn Natural Resources, and Neskonlith Indian Band shared Indigenous-led initiatives to map, restore, and protect wildlife corridors using both traditional knowledge and data-driven monitoring.
TNCC Fall Partner Field Tour 2025: Ceryne Staples, Simpcw Resources Group, addresses the group
TNCC Fall Partner Field Tour 2025: Shaun Freeman, Skeetchestn Natural Resources Corporation, addresses the group
TNCC Fall Partner Field Tour 2025: Larissa Denault, Neskonlith Indian Band, addresses the group
Field Tour Conclusion
The day closed with reflections on shared priorities — invasive species management, road-related wildlife mitigation, wetland restoration, and coordinated landscape planning — and a commitment to continue collaborative field-based meetings.
“Seeing the projects on the ground together, with ample time for questions and discussion, really helps connect our work — across ecosystems and species,” said Danielle Toperczer, Program Director. “It’s where joint efforts make a visible difference on the landscape.”
TNCC extends sincere thanks to all presenters and partners who made the day a success. The next partners meeting will take place in spring 2026, with continued opportunities to share updates through the TNCC e-newsletter.