The Mildred Wardlaw Trails

The Mildred Wardlaw Nature Trails were developed at the McCulloch Nordic Cross-Country Ski Trails to utilize part of this area in the off-ski season. Two of the flower, shrub and tree signed trails were named for Mildred Wardlaw, daughter of Dave Wardlaw who was employed by the water district to control the water outlet on McCulloch lake.

Mildred continued his tradition while living on the nearby family ranch. She recorded basic daily weather data and still found time to get to know the flowers and birds in the area. She was also an artist. Mildred died in 1995.

The extensive cross-country ski and snowshoe trail system has been used for years by hikers, mtn. bikers and back country horse riders in the spring, summer and fall months. It seemed a good fit for the Central Okanagan Naturalists Club, many members of which also belong to the Nordic club, to develop a nature trail system for the use of club members, school groups and the general public.

In 1997 an educational program began. Identification signs for some of the common flowers, shrubs and trees were developed. The former two groups are attached to stakes and are placed out next to suitable specimens on the trail every spring and summer. Initially, 4 species of tree signs were developed and were attached to appropriate trees along the trails.

From that beginning, a large kiosk was constructed to house two large signs utilizing photos to show many of the common birds and mammals resident in the area. In 2006 a panel depicting the ecology of the Mountain Pine Beetle and another similar sized panel illustrating all of the conifer tree species and most of the major deciduous tree species were added to the kiosk. Six more small-sized tree species signs were designed and are now...late 2006 and 2007...being attached to trees along the nature trails as well as other cross-country ski trails. Benches and bird boxes ..the latter built and erected by members of the Young Naturalists have been added to the trails.

A beautifully carved sign advertising the Nature Trails was erected a few years ago to lead to the> entry kiosk where a large scale map and history of the trails is located.