News
Bridging the Gap
How to connect the existing Okanagan Rail Trail to the Armstrong to Sicamous Rail Trail (soon to be constructed).
This report, prepared by the Ribbons of Green Trails Society, examines several options of how the two important Rail Trails can be connected, creating an important off-road transportation corridor between Armstrong and Vernon.
Polson Park Naturalization Project
The City of Vernon is planning a Naturalization Project along Vernon Creek in Polson Park.
Click here to view the Project.
SILGA Delegates explore the Grey Canal Trail
During the annual SILGA (Southern Interior Local Government Association) Convention in Vernon, delegates signed up for a guided walk of the Grey Canal trail.
Approximately 40 representatives of municipal governments walked along the Bella Vista portion of the Grey Canal trail on April 25, 2023.
Ribbons of Green directors Ingrid Neumann and Bruce Mol led the walk, explaining the historical irrigation system’s creation and importance. Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming, a former Ribbons of Green Trails society president, also led the tour.
Historical news article about the
Grey Canal Irrigation System
INFOnews journalist Rob Munro wrote this comprehensive article about the Grey Canal irrigation system:
How 'Canada's biggest water system' took Vernon from cattle to fruit
Greater Vernon is now "Trails Capital of BC"
The Ribbons of Green Trails Society initiated the project to recognize Greater Vernon as the Trails Capital of BC, to emphasize the multitude and quality of trails in the area.
View the following news articles:
Ribbons of Green trail articles in local newspaper
The Morning Star, Vernon's local newspaper, features a regular article by the Ribbons of Green Trails Society which explores the numerous walking, hiking, and cycling opportunities in the Greater Vernon area.
To view published articles, click on the links below:
Scooting Around Vernon, Castanet News, September 25, 2021
Enjoy Worry-Free Hiking on Vernon Trails, August 19, 2021
Geoff Mulligan receives Ribbons of Green Commendation Award, May 16, 2021
Interactive Trail Map updated, April 14, 2021
Hiking Trails for People with Mobility Issues, March 10, 2021
Okanagan Rail Trail in Winter, Feb 10, 2021
Snowshoeing Trails, Jan 10, 2021
Ribbons of Green Celebrates 20 Years, Oct 31, 2020
Ellison Provincial Park, Oct 4, 2020
Kal Crystal Waters Trail addition, Aug 26, 2020
Grey Canal, The Kelowna Daily Courier, Aug 14, 2020
Grey Canal, Boss Creek Trails connection, August 3, 2020
Kal Crystal Waters Trail, June 15, 2019
A Year of Great Trail Progress in 2018, Dec 17, 2018
Palfrey Drive / Kalamalka Lake Park Loop, March 2018
Grey Canal, Turtle Mountain, Nel's Leap, August 30, 2017
Trail Etiquette, July 12, 2017
Longacre Trail, February 24, 2017
Okanagan Landing Trail, February 10, 2017
Kidston Road Trail, January 11, 2017
Swan Lake Nature Reserve, November 25, 2016
Middleton Mountain, October 20, 2016
Grey Canal, Bella Vista, August 17, 2016
Grey Canal, East Vernon, July 13, 2016
Grey Canal, Coldstream Valley Estates, May 27, 2016
Grey Canal, Swan Lake East, April 27, 2016
Ribbons of Green Trails Society Commendation Award
Geoff Mulligan is the recipient of the Ribbons of Green Commendation Award. This award is given to an individual, group, organization, institution or business whose actions and achievements have shown significant leadership and contribution towards public, non-motorized trails.
Geoff volunteered his time and expertise to create our online interactive trail map. The map displays all the local hiking trails in the Greater Vernon Area, allowing local residents and tourists to easily view and locate these trails on their smartphone, tablet, or computer. The map also provides descriptions and photos for each trail. To view the map click here.
Geoff, a City of Vernon employee in the Planning Department, states:
I really do appreciate this recognition from the Ribbons of Green. Our family has always been heavy users of trail systems so it's great to be able to contribute in some small way to the excellent work the Ribbons of Green is doing.
I'm really excited to see the interactive trail map is gaining more and more traction and I'd encourage everyone to get out and explore those trails they've never been on before.There are so many great trails in and around Vernon, each of them so different!”
Interpretive Signs at summit of Middleton Mountain
Three interpretive signs have been installed at the summit of Middleton Mountain in the Farnsworth Nature Reserve. Signage explaining the Geology, Animals and Plants of Middleton Mountain are dispersed along the hiking trails. Panoramic photos point out the local geographic highlights that are viewable from the signs.
Test your knowledge while hiking! Click on the link below to download a scavenger hunt using facts from the interpretive signs:
Scavenger Hunt Middleton Mountain2.docxDownload a brochure with trails, parks information, parking and maps by clicking on the link below:
Farnsworth Nature Reserve and Middleton Mountain trails Grand Opening Event
In celebration of International Trails Day on June 6, 2015, the Regional District in partnership with the Ribbons of Green Trails Society hosted a successful grand opening for the Farnsworth Nature Reserve and Middleton Mountain trails.
Enthusiastic hikers climbed the Middleton Mountain summit to experience the nature reserve and trails and to marvel at the 360 degree views encompassing Kalamalka Lake, Coldstream Valley, Vernon Hill, Swan Lake, City of Vernon, Turtle Mountain and the Commonage. Several new interpretive signs which describe the geology, wildlife, plants and surrounding landmarks are located along the loop trails.
Four generations of the Farnsworth family trekked to the summit to attend the celebration. Roy Farnsworth shared his family’s experiences of living and working on the land.
Farnsworth Family
Dignitaries Councillor Juliette Cunningham, District of Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick and RDNO Director thanked the Farnsworth family for their stewardship of the land and their foresight to preserve the area.
For a brochure of Middleton Mountain trails, parks information, maps, and parking; click on the link below:
Nel's Leap Trail grand opening
A new hiking trail was officially opened on June 7, 2014, which marks the historic spot where Nels Nelson, internationally renowned ski jumper, took his leap in 1929. The trail head is next to Venture Training at the top of 43rd Avenue and Alexis Park Drive.
This steep trail connects Alexis Park Drive to the Turtle Mountain portion of the Grey Canal trail, creating a loop for hikers. Several interpretive signs are located along the path and a bird's eye view of Vernon is achieved at the summit of the trail.
Ken Beall, Kal Rotarian and Ribbons of Green Trails society director, was instrumental in planning and creating this trail.
