BCWF Watershed Team

In the heart of Winlaw, B.C., Crooked Horn Farm has transformed a portion of its farmland into a vibrant wetland habitat through a partnership with the Slocan River Streamkeepers, the B.C. Wildlife Federation, and two organic farm owners. 

This initial project, introduced in 2016 and carried into 2017 by local conservationist and Program Manager for the Slocan River Streamkeepers, Gregoire Lamoureux, quickly took root, reclaiming a piece of the farm’s natural ecology and creating a sanctuary for native wildlife. 

In the following years, Lamoureux and the farm owners Gord and Ange reflected that the wetland had come alive with frog songs, signaling the return of species such as painted turtles, salamanders, and dragonflies. 

Building on Success: Phase Two 

Phase Two of the project was launched in October 2024 with support from the B.C. Wildlife Federation, the Regional District of the Central Kootenay Conservation Fund, the Slocan Valley Legacy Fund, and the Province of B.C. Watershed Security Fund.

This phase expanded on earlier successes by adding three new pools and a riparian area spanning 4,311 m². The enhancements were made possible through excavation by Sutherland Excavating. 

Native plants—including multiple species of native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials as well as 200 common camas bulbs—were planted in the riparian zone to provide improved habitat for local wildlife. 

Supporting Agriculture and Conservation 

In addition to wetland and riparian restoration, 2,743.82 m² of farmland was reclaimed using soil excavated from the wetlands. This effort elevated nearby fields, enabling Ange and Gord to extend their growing season, which is often disrupted by seasonal flooding. 

“We’re expanding the wetland project significantly, and it’s been very successful so far,” said Gregoire Lamoureux, a long-time advocate for sustainable land stewardship. “By expanding the wetland, we’re attracting more wildlife while also supporting the landowners—small organic farmers—who have benefited from the elevated soil created from the excavation.” 

A Model for Private Land Restoration 

Restoring ecosystems on private land, as seen with the Crooked Horn Farm project, plays a crucial role in regional conservation. In the Slocan Valley, private farmland covers a significant portion of ecologically valuable areas. Restoration efforts on these properties are essential for maintaining biodiversity, strengthening resilience to drought, floods, and wildfires, and improving water quality. 

Community-supported projects like Crooked Horn Farm’s restoration serve as a model for other private landowners interested in sustainable stewardship. Through collaboration with conservation groups and funding partners, landowners can contribute to reversing wetland loss and providing essential habitat for amphibians, birds, and other species that depend on these areas. 

Crooked Horn Farm Phase 2 (2024): BC Wildlife Federation

Thank you to the RDCK Local Conservation Fund, Slocan Valley Legacy Fund, and the Province of B.C.’s Watershed Security Fund for supporting this project.

To learn more about wetland restoration, including projects on private land, visit https://bcwf.bc.ca/wetland-restoration or email wep@bcwf.bc.ca.