Flicker and Bluebird photo by Trevor Reeves | |
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Dear Readers
Eagerly awaited, spring has sprung! Predictably, the southern hemisphere let go of the sun and, equally predictably, the sun followed its age-old track and is slowly warming up the north. Not too much, we hope. With this annual cycle, came new energy, green shoots emerged, leaves unfurled and the landscape delighted us, a sudden rush from dreary winter greys to green of every shade. Migratory animals tracked north, hibernating ones emerged, and so the cycle of life continues, sometimes against great odds but the life force is strong and enough individuals survive.
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This spring is a very special one for the Osoyoos Desert Centre and Society. With the rebirth of Romancing the Desert, we are celebrating 25 years of operating the Centre. We have great pictorial evidence of its transformation from mostly crested wheat grass, other invasive plants, occasional stunted antelope and sage brush, and a few indigenous bunch grasses. We can thank the founding members for their tenacity in securing the Crown lease to protect an area of rapidly disappearing antelope brush and its associated species. They had many hurdles to jump over and less tenacious people may have given up. A stroll along the ‘new’ boardwalk is testimony to the tenacity of Earth’s energy and twenty five years of dedicated effort by staff, volunteers and researchers has helped Nature do her stuff. Securing the site provided a wonderful opportunity for research and to invite the public in to explore and learn about nature in general and just how unique this particular ecosystem is.
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Let’s not forget the Society! Incorporated in 1991 it oversees the well being of the organization and ensures we uphold our vision and mission and do not lose sight of the founding members’ dreams. It took eight years of tenacity for them to realize their dream and following dedicated volunteer Board members have carried the dream forward. Hats off to you all. | |
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I hope you can come join us at Romancing the Desert on August 17th to celebrate our accomplishments, to celebrate biodiversity, to celebrate tenacity. Bring friends, new and old, have fun, enjoy fine food and a touch of fantasy. And don’t forget the online raffle with spectacular prizes.
Last, but not least, oh how we treasure our volunteers and members. We could not function without you.
On behalf of the Osoyoos Desert Society Board
Lee
Lee McFadyen
President, Osoyoos Desert Society
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Meet the ODC Conservation Guides | |
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We are so pleased to have Vriti back at the Osoyoos Desert Centre this summer. Vriti started as a volunteer in high school two years ago and now takes the role as our ODC Team Lead. She is currently studying economics and environmental studies at the University of Victoria. She loves to travel and can often be found driving to explore a new city in her free time. A self-professed social butterfly, Vriti loves to interact with visitors at ODC and talk about our antelope-brush ecosystem with everyone that comes through. She's lived in Osoyoos for eight years and can be your go-to guide for recommendations on fun things to do in the area.
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Anika joins us as a co-op student currently studying biology and environmental studies at the University of Victoria. Anika grew up in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island and is in awe of how gorgeous and very different the desert ecosystem is from the coast. A life-long nature lover, Anika also enjoys synchronized swimming, hiking and photography and when she isn’t at the ODC you'll find her exploring the back country or swimming in the lake. So far, Anika says her favourite part about working at the ODC is the diversity of the ecosystem and the amazing adaptations of the animals.
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Ripley is a new tour guide joining us for the 2024 season. He is currently studying ecology and conservation biology at UBCO. Ripley enjoys rock climbing and is often scouting out various climbing spots in his free time. So far, Ripley loves learning about the plants in the antelope brush ecosystem and often helps with identifying grasses. We look forward to a wonderful season with him.
We feel so fortunate to have this talented group joining us this year. Be sure to stop by and say, "Hi!" or jump on a guided tour with one of them! Guided tours now run daily at 10 am and noon. See you in the desert!
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Welcome Hayley!
We are also so very happy to welcome Hayley McMillan to our team. Hayley joins the Osoyoos Desert Centre as our Special Events and Communications Coordinator and will be helping to coordinate many of our 25th anniversary season special events and overseeing our social media. Hayley graduated from the University of Northern BC last May with a Bachelor's degree in Conservation Science and Practice and has a background in conservation public engagement. Hayley is an avid outdoor recreationist who is passionate about conserving the natural areas she has grown to love through her adventures in our natural spaces. Whether hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, rock climbing or camping, Hayley says she loves to get outside and connect with nature whenever she can! We look forward to an exciting 2024 season with her.
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Celebrate 25 years at the ODC with our spectacular anniversary raffle!
Looking for your next great adventure?! Our 25th Anniversary Raffle prizes promise to whisk you away to exciting destinations with three unforgettable experiences. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies with a gold-leaf service two-day journey aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. Set off and explore a destination of your choice courtesy a return trip for two on any scheduled Westjet flight. Bask in the warm glow of the south Okanagan at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery with a $500 gift card that can be used in their guest house, Sonora Room Restaurant or in their wine shop. Mark our milestone anniversary with a chance to win an extraordinary experience and contribute to a great cause. Tickets are available online or call us at 250-495-2470.
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Many thanks to our 25th Anniversary Raffle Sponsors | |
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For the Birds!
We were delighted once again to take part in the Meadowlark Nature Festival on the May long weekend. Luckily, the rain held off for our fledgling carpenters who constructed their own nest boxes and also learned about bluebird ecology, the bluebird life cycle, and the recovery of blue bird populations in North America! Tons of fun was had by all.
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Oliver Roots and Fruits Festival
Come on out to the Oliver Roots and Fruits Festival June 20 to 23 taking place at the Oliver Community Park. The fun starts Thursday night (see the full event info here) and we'll be on site on Sunday June 23 with an ODC booth from 11 am to 6 pm. We'll be selling raffle tickets and some of our exclusive ODC merchandise. Come on out and join us for a day filled with fun, community spirit, and the chance to support our efforts. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Canada Day at the ODC
After taking in the fantastic Cherry Fiesta Canada Day Parade why not pack a yummy lunch and bring your family and friends for more fun-filled activities at the Osoyoos Desert Centre! Enjoy a guided tour along our boardwalk trail and take part in an exciting desert-themed scavenger hunt! Join in on games and art activities to cap off the day! What better way to celebrate Canada than in one of our country's most rare and extraordinary habitats!
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Nature Talks are Back!
Are you keen to learn more about our desert environment? ODC Nature Talks Have Got You Covered! Come on out to our Nature Talks this summer, bring a picnic lunch to enjoy under our new pergola and afterwards take a guided tour along our boardwalk trail. Read all about them here.
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Plein Air Painting Workshop with Dale Matthews
Saturday July 13, 9 am to 2 pm
Cost: $40; space is limited, please book early
Join celebrated artist Dale Matthews in the iconic Antelope-brush landscape of the Osoyoos Desert Centre. Dale will demonstrate a wash technique, drawing into a painting, and various methods using frisket, plastic cards, knives, and sticks. All skill levels and mediums are welcome. More information here. To register call our office at 250-495-2470.
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A Magical Evening Under the Full Moon!
Save the date! On August 17th join us for an enchanting evening as we relaunch our very popular Romancing the Desert fundraiser. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Osoyoos desert landscape guests take a guided tour along our boardwalk stopping along the way to enjoy delicious samples of local wines and a variety of culinary treats. Following the tour, a delectable dinner awaits in our courtyard prepared by Chef Paul Cecconi of Brodo Kitchen. There will also be a silent auction with amazing items to bid on and the evening will be hosted by the wonderful Bob Nicholson, retired CBC broadcaster. Tickets go on sale on Friday June 21st. Get your tickets early and don't miss your chance to experience the return of Romancing the Desert!
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ODC members help us continue to initiate projects that conserve and restore antelope-brush in the South Okanagan and to advocate for and educate people about threatened habitats and species in our region. Members receive unlimited free admission to the Osoyoos Desert Centre, 10% discount in our Gift Shop, 10% discount for special events (except Romancing the Desert) and advance notice of select events and programs. Memberships are $30 per person, per year.
Your support is invaluable! Become a Member today!
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