(Kaleden, BC) Carl MacNaughton and Nick Burdock of The Nature Trust of BC received a special holiday gift from the South Okanagan Naturalists' Club: a cheque for $2,414 for the Twin Lakes property.

"This club and its members have really worked hard to make this gift possible," said Carl. "We want to applaud them for their leadership and contribution to helping us save this conservation treasure in the Okanagan."

The Nature Trust is fundraising to acquire the 2,000-acre Twin Lakes property south of Penticton. Adjacent to The Nature Trust White Lake Biodiversity Ranch, this property features grasslands and riparian habitats. It is home to many rare and endangered plants and animals, and is ranked as a top priority by the South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program.

"We are very excited since this is by far the largest single donation our club and its members have made to a single organization," said Doreen Olson, the Naturalists' club representative.

The South Okanagan Naturalists' Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2012. It was formed to help stem the loss of important habitats in the Valley. Unfortunately, despite the many successes of conservationists over the past decades, habitat is still being destroyed at an alarming and it seems, ever increasing rate. The club recognizes the importance of The Nature Trust of BC's purchase of the Twin Lakes property for conservation in the White Lake Basin and hopes the donation will help bring this purchase to reality.

Habitat is the most crucial element in maintaining healthy wildlife populations and biodiversity.  The Okanagan Valley has been losing important habitat of various types at an alarming rate with a devastating impact on wildlife. Interior grasslands such as occur in the White Lake-Twin Lakes area are essential to maintaining healthy ecosystems. The Nature Trust of BC has been in the forefront of the struggle to conserve the small amount of remaining grasslands.

If you would like to help The Nature Trust save Twin Lakes, please call 1-866-288-7878 or visit www.naturetrust.bc.ca

The Nature Trust of British Columbia is a leading non profit land conservation organization dedicated to protecting BC's natural diversity of plants and animals through the acquisition and management of critical habitats. The Nature Trust has invested more than $70 million to secure over 61,000 hectares (150,000 acres) across British Columbia.

Conserving BC's Natural Beauty.