Vernon, BC is home to a unique heronry of approximately 52 nests. In 2018, 120 adult Great Blue Herons were recorded in the location of 5204-20th street. These birds are BLUE listed, which means they are an indigenous species considered to be vulnerable in their locale.

Currently, there is an application submitted to the City of Vernon by Scotland Constructors Ltd to build apartments adjacent to this protected Blue Heron Bird Sanctuary, where other wildlife also rest. To effectively protect these sensitive animals, they need an undisturbed buffer zone around them to shelter them from noise pollution and human activity. This area is an important habitat with a fragile ecosystem that needs defending if these birds are to survive.