Lac du Bois Interpretive Site

Lac du Bois Grasslands Park is located near Kamloops, BC, and is one of the largest grassland parks in Canada. It is unique because visitors can see three major grassland communities (upper, middle, and lower grasslands) within 15 kilometres. Nowhere else in BC can you find these communities in such close proximity. However, the grasslands of this park are heavily used by the residents of the nearby town of Kamloops, and are threatened by urban expansion, abusive recreation and invasive weeds. 

There is a well recognized need to raise awareness and appreciation about the rare and significant ecological values of this park. 

The Lac du Bois Interpretive Site is a series of three educational signs. These signs are located in a new pullout near the first cattle guard on Lac du Bois road. Each sign has a different educational theme; Sign Panel 1 educates park users about the geological history and historical land uses of the park; Sign Panel 2 features a Lac du Bois Grasslands cross section and descriptions of wildlife species such as the Western Rattlesnake and their habitats found in the park; and Sign Panel 3 provides users with a map of the Lac du Bois Grasslands (including road and trail access), as well as a stewardship message that tells users how to 'Tread Lightly' when in the park. 

By providing park visitors with an interesting and educational rest stop, the GCC and its partners will raise awareness about the importance of the Lac du Bois Grasslands; increase understanding about grassland plants, animals, and their habitats; encourage users to be responsible and help minimize the spread of invasive weeds and the impacts of recreation; and foster a better understanding about ranching, range management, and the ongoing range management and grassland ecology research that takes place in the Lac du Bois Grasslands Park.

To read about the Lac du Bois Sign Unveiling Ceremony, held on June 29, 2002, click here.

The Lac du Bois Grasslands Interpretive Site Project is funded by:

• BC Parks
• Grazing Enhancement Fund - Kamloops
• BC Ministry of Forests
• TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
• Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection
• Chasm Sawmills 
• City of Kamloops 
• Kamloops Naturalists Club
• Cattle Horn Fund
• Greater Kamloops Motorbiking Association
• Integrated Wood Services

Photos from top: Arrow-leaved Balsamroot blooms in the Lac du Bois grasslands in late Spring - Bob Needham, the Western Rattlesnake - Bob Scheer