Photo: William Eaton
Flora & Fauna.
The Illecillewaet Greenbelt is a small but important conservation area which supports resident wildlife, fish, songbirds, waterfowl, plants and insects.
Photos by William Eaton
Wildlife
The Illecillewaet Greenbelt is a diverse ecosystem that is home to many species of native animals including birds, deer, coyotes, bears and garter snakes. While these animals might not always be visible on the trails by conserving the environment on the Greenbelt we are protecting their home.
Remember that while these animals are exciting to see, it is important to watch from a distance and do our best to not disturb their activites. You can read more about responsible wildlife viewing in this guide from the Province of British Columbia.
Flora
The area protected by the IGS is home to many important native plant species found in the Revelstoke area. While exploring the Illecillewaet Greenbelt you will find many species of trees, wildflowers and shrubs that play an important role in this ecosystem.
While there are many native plants there are also several invasive species that inhabit the area . These invasive plants are aggressive and difficult to remove, damaging infrastructure and eroding riparian areas. You can find more information about invasives on the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society website.
Bears
Revelstoke is located in prime bear habitat. Bears will hopefully always be part of our natural landscape and their nature will always lead them to search for food within our town. The fact that bears are large and powerful animals means that public safety depends on us learning to live in a way that reduces conflict with them. When hiking on a trail remember to make noise, be alert, stay together and watch your pets. The IGS works hard to keep trails brushed in the summer to allow for clearer sightlines so bears are easier to spot from a distance.
For more information on what to do should you encounter a bear:
