Nature is all around us—surprisingly abundant, sometimes fragile, and often overlooked. In this thoughtful and encouraging presentation, Alex Bodden, President of the South Okanagan Naturalists’ Club (SONC), will explore how anyone can begin noticing and appreciating the natural world, starting right outside their own back door. Even if you don’t know much about birds, plants, […]
In this thoughtful and thought-provoking presentation, Don Gayton—acclaimed Summerland-based ecologist and creative non-fiction author—shares selected readings and reflections from his forthcoming manuscript, Settler Stories. Blending local history, ecology, climate insight, and wry humour, Don explores the layered relationships between people and place in the Okanagan-Similkameen. His storytelling weaves together the settler experience, shifting landscapes, and […]
Join naturalist and longtime Princeton resident John Henry for a fascinating slideshow presentation exploring the ancient fossil beds of the Princeton area. These remarkable Eocene-era deposits offer rare glimpses into a prehistoric world—where ancient fish, insects, and plants were preserved in extraordinary detail. Drawing on his lifelong passion for natural history and local geology, John […]
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 […]
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 (BOCSBC) has been working on reintroducing Burrowing Owls to our grasslands through captive breeding and habitat enhancement. Lauren Meads, Executive Director of BOCSBC, will […]
