NCW Audubon Society donates $50,000 to support Bonaparte Meadows conservation project

OKANOGAN COUNTY — The NCW Audubon Society has donated $50,000 to support conservation and restoration efforts at Bonaparte Meadows in partnership with the Okanogan Land Trust, according to an announcement from the organizations.

The contribution will help advance efforts to conserve Bonaparte Meadows, a landscape in Okanogan County recognized for its biodiversity, wildlife habitat and ecological significance in North Central Washington. The project is focused on preserving native ecosystems, improving habitat connectivity and supporting the long-term health of the region’s natural resources.

“We are proud to support the Bonaparte Meadows project and the important work led by the Okanogan Land Trust,” said Art Campbell, president of the NCW Audubon Society. “Protecting this unique habitat aligns directly with our mission to conserve and restore natural ecosystems for the benefit of birds, wildlife, and future generations.”

According to the organizations, the rarity of the wetland type and its importance to wildlife diversity in Okanogan County are among the main reasons conservation groups are working to preserve Bonaparte Meadows.

The area’s soil and water chemistry support a variety of rare plant species, including uncommon sedges, willows and asters. The wetlands also provide habitat for amphibians such as the Columbia spotted frog and numerous resident and migratory bird species, including Barrow’s goldeneye.

Large mammals including mule deer, moose, Canada lynx, wolves and badgers also use the property as habitat and as a migration corridor between surrounding public lands.

The Okanogan Land Trust said the donation will support land conservation work, stewardship activities and community engagement efforts connected to the Bonaparte Meadows project. The funding is also expected to help leverage additional support from conservation partners and stakeholders.

“NCW Audubon Society’s contribution is a meaningful investment in the future of Bonaparte Meadows,” said Kate Miller. “Their support strengthens our ability to protect this remarkable landscape and ensure it remains a thriving habitat for wildlife and a valued resource for our community.”

More information about the Bonaparte Meadows project is available through the Okanogan Land Trust.

The NCW Audubon Society is a local chapter of the National Audubon Society serving Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan and Ferry counties. The organization focuses on conservation, restoration, advocacy and education efforts supporting birds and native ecosystems in North Central Washington. More information is available at NCW Audubon Society.