It鈥檚 the earliest known start to the Kokanee salmon spawning season.

As a result the Regional District of Central Okanagan is starting its interpretive programming three weeks earlier than normal.

The land-locked salmon have already started moving up Deep Creek in Hardy Falls Regional Park in Peachland (off Highway 97 south at Hardy Street).  Usually the first Kokanee returning to spawn don鈥檛 show up until late August.

As a result of the unexpected early arrival, starting Sunday, Aug. 7, and continuing each weekend until Sunday, Sept. 11, a parks interpreter will be at Hardy Falls Regional Park between noon and 4 p.m. They鈥檒l have information about the life of the Kokanee and the importance of this annual rite of nature!

The interpretation program in Mission Creek Regional Park off Springfield Road will run during the same hours each Saturday and Sunday, from Aug. 27 to Oct. 2.

Weekday school tours and special presentations for community groups start Sept. 8 and may be booked by donation through the EECO (Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan).

For more information on this and other EECO and Regional Parks programs visit the regional district website or contact the EECO at 250-469-6140.