James Grant Memorial Fund

(Many of our members may not know much about James Grant although we often mention his name at meetings and seek out donations for the “James Grant Memorial Fund.” Here are some information about the man, James Grant.)

James Grant was born in Trinity Valley, near Lumby, on May 25th, 1920. He went to school in the North Okanagan and became a farmer and logger before enlisting in the Canadian Army in 1941. He served in the Signal Corps in Europe until 1946.

On his return to Canada he was employed by the Federal Forest Entomology Laboratory in Vernon. His work took him throughout the Province and enabled him to increase his expertise in ornithology, entomology and botany.

In 1970, he was appointed Field Studies Co-ordinator for the Vernon School District (22) and remained there until his retirement in 1978. His dedication and extensive knowledge of natureal history made him a mentor and inspiration to many naturalists and students in the Okanagan area, until his death in 1986.

He was a founding member of the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club. He published at least thirty articles on birds and their biology and operated a hospital for injured hawks and owls from his home in Lavington.

Following his death, the “James Grant Memorial Fund” was established to acquire property at the south end of Swan Lake for a Nature Sanctuary and for educational purpose, to continue the work he fostered throughout his life.