Workshop or Presentation

Invasive species may not look dangerous—but they can do lasting damage to our local ecosystems, agriculture, and even our way of life. In this informative presentation, experts from OASISS will introduce some of the most concerning invasive plants and insects threatening the Similkameen Valley, from puncturevine to Japanese beetles. Learn how to spot them, how […]

In the mid-20th century, the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys were home to more than just apples and apricots—they were also the backdrop for an underground trade in orchard fruit that defied government regulation. In this captivating presentation, historians Ben Bradley and Jan Hadlaw explore the little-known world of BC’s fruit black market, where rebellious growers, […]

When we look at the vast hills and mountains surrounding the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys, it’s easy to assume there’s plenty of space left for wildlife. But for many species at risk, those spaces are shrinking. In this insightful presentation, Lia McKinnon, Stewardship Biologist with the Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Society, will explore the surprising ways […]

Workshop Description Baking bread is one of humanity’s oldest culinary arts, and there are as many ways to bake it as there are cultures who make it. In this immersive session, we’ll explore how bread changes when baked in different heat sources—our wood stove oven, a miniature stacked‑stone oven modeled after those used by Kettle […]

Nestled in the South Okanagan, the Antelope-brush ecosystem is one of the most endangered habitats in Canada—and one of its most fascinating. In this presentation, Jayme Friedt, Executive Director of the Osoyoos Desert Centre, will introduce us to this rare landscape and the unique plants and animals that call it home. She’ll also share the […]

Workshop Description Fresh milk and cream have always been cornerstones of rural life, and in this hands‑on workshop we’ll explore just how versatile they can be. Inspired by the (literal) foundations of the small dairy shed that once stood just steps from our Summer Kitchen, we’ll use simple, traditional techniques to create an array of […]

Workshop Description Long before refrigeration, smoke and salt were two of the most effective tools for preserving food. In this workshop, we’ll connect with the history of Barrington Price’s smokehouse, which once supplied fresh bacon and other smoked goods to the local community. You’ll learn how to create simple brines and dry cures, explore different […]

Workshop Description Cooking with fire is as old as humanity itself, and in this workshop we’ll explore some of the most ancient and dramatic techniques still in use today. You’ll learn how to prepare a pit for cooking, manage coals for even heat, and use earth, stones, and leaves to create an oven right in […]