Jan Bos is being remembered as a visionary.
Bos, who died March 3 at age 76, was best known for refusing to develop his land on 24th Street because of the blue herons that nested there.
“Jan is no longer with us but his legacy is alive as the herons have returned once again to the cottonwood grove,” said Harold Sellers, with the North Okanagan Naturalists Club.
“Thanks to Jan, this special sign of spring carries on in Vernon.”
Bos purchased the property in the 1980s, partly to store vehicles. But his focus changed when the herons showed up near the end of that decade and established nests.
“I have been told that it’s the only place in North America away from the ocean where there is a heronry,” said Bos in a 2013 interview.
“I have a number of people who come from all over to photograph the birds. I want to preserve a blue listed species (at risk).”
Bos would collect sticks and branches and then pile them up so the herons had easy access to material for nests.
In 1991, Bos signed a restrictive covenant with the Regional District of North Okanagan to protect the site and ensure no development would occur as long as the herons nest there.
“It’s among the very rare occurrences where there’s a heronry with so much development around it,” said Aaron Deans, Allan Brooks Nature Centre executive director.
For Deans, Bos should be considered an inspiration for those wanting to protect the environment.
“Let’s get on with the good work that Jan did. We need to do this work,” said Deans.
Chris Siddle, an avid birder, spent a lot of time at the colony in the early ’90s and got to know Bos.
“I have never met anyone who did what he did. He gave his property to the herons,” said Siddle.
“I have met a lot of conservationists but he put his money where his mouth is.”
Developers and realtors often tried to purchase the property, but Bos refused.
“We told them we don’t need the money, the money means nothing. You think of your grandkids and future generations (with the herons),” said Rita Bos, Jan’s wife.
The herons returned to their nests two days after he died.
“They were late this year because of the weather. But they’re back now and they will build up their numbers day by day,” said Rita.
Bos’ legacy will continue as the family remains committed to the property and the covenant.
“We don’t plan to do anything with it,” said Rita.