WPCIB Nature Trail

Right of the Beaten Path...

Trail Description The Pellt'iq't Nature Trail is located at the north end of the Whispering Pines Reserve of the Secwepemc (Shuswap) people. The Ministry of Forests' biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification (BEC) has identified this area as an Interior Douglas Fir forest (IDF). This area is further subzoned as "very dry, hot" (IDFxh), which means that the growing season is fairly long, and, especially in the summer, there is usually very little rainfall. Although the whole trail is within the IDFxh subzone, you will walk through four distinct ecosystems.

You will be able to distinguish the different ecosystems by the types of plants that you will find there - these are called indicator plants. This brochure will give you a brief overview of these ecosystems and some of their indicator plants.

Plant and ecosystem knowledge is an integral part of the Secwepemc culture. Within all of the ecosystems are plants that have been used for thousands of years by the Secwepemc people. These plants continue to be an important source of foods, medicines, art, and spirituality.

For thousands of years, the Secwepemc have treated their ecosystems and plants with respect. We ask that you share this respect. Be aware, too, that some of the plants in the area are poisonous, and that it is possible to misidentify or misuse plants.