Restoring nature, supporting agriculture: The journey of a wood chip

What began as a wildfire recovery effort in two of the Central Okanagan’s beloved parks has turned into an unexpected lifeline for a local farm.

Tree chipping operations took place last month in Rose Valley Regional Park and Stephens Coyote Regional Park, where crews are working to clear trees and wood debris left behind by the 2023 McDougall Creek Wildfires. The goal is to reduce fire risk, protect air quality, and help the land heal.

But the story doesn’t end there.

Instead of burning the chipped wood, the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is sending it to a nearby farm, where it’s being put to good use, as bedding for cattle.

Local farmer Don Vanderwyth has seen firsthand the impact of the change.

“We had a big problem with dust and dirt where the cows were living, so we spread wood chips to help,” Vanderwyth explains. “The chips were generously donated, and they’ve made a huge difference. Sadly, we lost five cows before making the change, but now the space is much healthier and better for the rest of the herd.”

“It’s a win-win,” adds Wayne Darlington, Manager of Parks Capital Planning at RDCO says. “We’re restoring our parks and supporting local agriculture at the same time. It’s a great example of how recovery efforts can ripple out in positive ways.”

As the two-year anniversary of the McDougall Creek Wildfires approaches, restoration efforts at both Rose Valley and Stephens Coyote Regional Parks remain ongoing. While much progress has been made, the work to heal these landscapes continues, guided by a commitment to safety, sustainability, and community resilience. From clearing debris to supporting local farms, every step forward is a reminder of how recovery can bring people and places together in meaningful ways.

For more information about RDCO fire damaged parks, the recovery process and progress visit Wildfire Recovery in Parks.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan offers more than 2,100 hectares of parkland including 86 kilometres of designated trails in 30 regional parks for visitors to explore. Visit rdco.com/parks to plan your next outing.