Want 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.

Small but Mighty

Sunday July 9th

With a huge range of lifestyles, insects pack a punch when it comes to form and function, typically in a minute package. Coming to us from Vancouver Island, Dr Scott Gilmore has a PhD in plant sciences from the Australian National University. He brings a genetics, classical taxonomy, collections, and citizen science perspective to the study of biodiversity. A self-proclaimed “beetle guy” with a passion for Click beetles (Elateridae), Dr Gilmore also confesses to being distracted by the obscure (like bark lice) and the under championed (like hoverflies). Join him for a fascinating talk about the biodiversity of these tiny creatures. How many are there? How are they different? How can I find out what insects live around me?

Our Tenacious, Slippery, Slithering Friends

Sunday July 16th

Join biologist Lia McKinnon from the Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Society for a talk about desert snakes and amphibians. Learn about tenacious toads, slippery salamanders and slithering snakes. After the talk stay to meet Stewardship's favourite ambassador, Nora the gopher snake! 

What Makes Antelope-brush so Special?

Saturday July 22nd

Jef Vreys has a passion for Antelope-brush. Currently pursuing his Master’s Degree at the University of British Columbia Okanagan Jef shares what makes Antelope Brush ecosystems some of the most intriguing and unique habitats in Canada. Learn what makes this ecosystem so special and how it's essential to the vast diversity of species at risk that live within, ranging from butterflies to badgers. Jef will also talk about the threats and challenges that are facing many of the remaining habitats.  

Biodiversity, Badgers, and Bridges: How improving habitat connectivity can help wildlife

Saturday July 29th

Biodiversity all over the world is facing increasing pressures due to human-caused habitat loss, and structures like roads and highways further fragment remaining habitat patches. Animals need to move around between habitat areas to find food, mates, and other resources, but without a safe way to cross roads these animals put themselves and people at risk. ODC conservation guide Kaylee Lesmeister delves into biodiversity, why it’s important, and how we can help to reduce the effects of habitat fragmentation on wildlife.

From the Ground Up: Bringing Back the Burrowing Owl to BC

Friday August 4th

Athene cunicularia hypugaea, the Western Burrowing Owl, is a species at risk in Canada, extirpated from BC in the 1980s. For 30 years the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of British Columbia (BOCS-BC) has been working on reintroducing Burrowing Owls to our grasslands through captive breeding and habitat enhancement. Lauren Meads, Executive Director of BOCS-BC, will introduce us to her very special guest Pluto while discussing the successes and obstacles of working with this remarkable grassland bird. 

Snakes of the Okanagan

Saturday August 5th

A perennial favourite, don't miss snake biologist Lindsay Whitehead from Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre when she visits ODC to talk about the seven different snake species of the South Okanagan. Learn about current conservation efforts to protect snake species at risk, snake safety tips, and what to do when you encounter a snake on the trail.

It's Getting Hot in Here: Climate Change Impacts on the Ecology of the

South Okanagan

NEW DATE - Sunday August 20th

Climate change experts tell us it’s getting hotter, but what does that mean for plants and animals? Learn how climate change is expected to affect the environment in the South Okanagan, with an emphasis on some of our key species here at the Osoyoos Desert Centre. ODC conservation guide Larissa Thelin holds a Master of Science from the University of Alberta in Ecology. She is also a science communicator specializing in educating the public on the potential impacts of climate change.

Grassland Species and Conservation

Saturday August 26th

Grasslands cover less than 1% of BC yet are home to over 30% of species at risk. Grasslands Conservation Council of BC General Manager Mike Dedels will talk about the different types of grasslands in the Okanagan, the ecological services they provide and their main threats including development, encroachment, and invasive plants. Get to know your grassland species and what the Grasslands Conservation Council of BC is doing to conserve these special places. Attendees will receive a free copy of the latest BC Grasslands magazine. If you're interested in back issues outlining GCC activities, find them here.

Bats of the Okanagan

Saturday September 2nd

Join Paula Rodriguez de la Vega, Okanagan Region Coordinator of the BC Community Bat Program for an engaging presentation about bats. Test your bat knowledge by playing a mythbusters game. Do bats really fly into your hair? Do we have fruit bats? Are bats flying rodents? The Okanagan has the highest diversity of bats in all of Canada. The hoary bat, pictured here, is the largest bat in BC weighing in up to 38 grams and measuring around 14 cm in length. The white tips on its fur that make it look like it's covered in frost is where the hoary bat gets its name. Come learn more about these fascinating creatures of the night. For more information on BC Community Bat Program go to www.bcbats.ca.

All Nature Talks start at 11 am

LOCATION:

Osoyoos Desert Centre

14580 146 Avenue, Osoyoos, BC

Nature Talks are free with admission. Click here for more information about visiting the Osoyoos Desert Centre.

Early Bird Tours

Thursdays, 7:15 to 8:45 am

July 27 to August 24

Join us along our 1.5 km boardwalk trail for an early morning walk and talk. Learn about what’s for breakfast and other dining habits of some favorite desert wildlife. Find out what’s on the menu for bobcats, snakes and other predators and what “early birds” actually do get the worm. Bring along your coffee and enjoy a great start to your day. Advanced registration not required. Gates open at 7 am. 

Tel 250.495.2470 | mail@desert.org | www.desert.org