Winter 2025

eNews

President's Message

On this stormy day, the wind roars at gale force, trees are down, power is off, the internet service tower blew over and Mother Nature is sending a strong message about who is really in control. My wee house is snug with the flames in my wood burning stove keeping the cold at bay. I am thankful to be dry, warm, and to have my emergency water supply on hand.

This brings forward memories of my off grid childhood, the reality of farm living in the 1940’s and 50’s in Victoria’s beautiful Yarra Valley. My strongest memory is the quiet. When we visited city dwellers, I could not understand the noise. My father installed a small gas powered 32 volt generator providing light and, as we were well adapted to off grid living, seldom used appliances. Along with the generator came noise intruding into quiet rural living. My quest for quiet has never said goodbye. 

Up at the Osoyoos Desert Centre, the small amount of power required to provide minimal, essential lighting, power our visitors debit or credit cards, is provided by solar energy. At the time, installing the infrastructure seemed like a huge investment and each upgrade has had their fiscal challenges, but we pushed through, and thanks to Jayme, our ED we have been able to mitigate the costs by ways only a practical and ingenious person can.

Since then many ‘oh so expensive’ improvements have been completed. Most of you will be aware of them. For those who have not yet visited they include a new interpretive building, replacing our 1.5 km boardwalk, installing large pergolas in the courtyard, providing relief from the sun’s rays while visitors picnic, old signage replaced, garden improvements and last, but definitely not least, much improved accessibility.

Now we are embarked on an ‘oh, so expensive, where will the money come from’ wheelchair accessible washroom. This has been a long standing goal, with various challenges, not all of them funding, but again, our ever persistent ED has the much needed facility planned to be operational next spring. We truly appreciate the support of members and other generous donors who have topped up grant funding enabling us to move forward. Jayme has received generous support from Board members Peter Beckett and Trevor Reeves, along with the ever dedicated building committee members Larry Stone, Gord Bennett, Rick Neumann and Jermaine Star. As they dug, hauled, dismantled and dug some more, each bypassed the need to visit the gym. 

Winter is settling over the Centre. On the surface, all is quiet. Many birds have migrated, year round residents find seed and shelter provided by the plant life, protected by the Society. Insects are snug in diverse niches, furry four leggers are secure in burrows or dens, food stash close by. Predators roam across the terrain searching for food, perhaps an unwary rabbit, or a mouse dug out of its tunnel, amphibians hibernate deep in the mud and snakes in their hibernacula. Each adapted to survival in a harsh environment. And as the sun returns and triggers new growth, each will emerge to continue the cycle.

Our dedicated volunteers are enjoying a deserved rest. Their energy is essential to maintaining the Centre. The thoughtful input of volunteer Board members, Deb Sherwood, Peter Beckett, Trevor Reeves, Angela Huxham and Joanne Muirhead in concert with Jayme, oversee the well being of the Society. Working with them is rewarding and a pleasure.

The Board joins me in expressing our thanks to all the staff and volunteers, but especially to our Executive Director, Jayme Friedt, ever positive and ingenious.

And now to a gentle closure; we recently received the sad news of the passing of former dedicated Board member, Tom Gee (here's a picture of Tom staining posts at one of our kiosks; photo by Richard McGuire). I remember him sanding, staining, and more sanding of the kiosks on the boardwalk, an activity that required energy and commitment. We laughed as we worked and Tom’s good humour lightened the project. Each spring Tom set out on his motorbike and delivered the Centre’s rack cards to tourist sites as far away as Grand Forks. To Tom’s family and friends, our condolences. 

May your holidays have lovely surprises, may good health be your best companion, and may a stroll down the boardwalk be one of your 2026 summer pleasures.

On behalf of the Osoyoos Desert Society Board

Lee

Lee McFadyen

President, Osoyoos Desert Society

We Did It!!

Thanks to our incredible and generous corporate and individual donors, in-kind sponsors, government and foundation funding partners and raffle ticket buyers - WE DID IT! Congratulations to everyone for your part in helping us achieve our goal of raising $50,000 for accessibility improvements at the Osoyoos Desert Centre!

Accessibility is key to ensuring everyone can experience the extraordinary and ecologically significant Antelope-brush habitat of the south Okanagan. During our 2023 strategic planning session, our board committed to advancing equitable, barrier-free access at ODC. While some barriers can’t be eliminated entirely, enhancing infrastructure at ODC helps create more inclusive experiences. Along with your help, we’re proud to lead the way in making our natural spaces accessible to all. Your support has made these improvements possible and helps ensure this remarkable desert environment can be shared and appreciated by all for generations to come.

A special thanks has to go out to our building and maintenance committee! Together with our community construction partners, they've been instrumental in the progress of the project from the start. Here's some of the work that's been done so far.

A World of Thanks to our

Accessibility Funding Partners!

KATHIE AND ERNIE WESTPHAL

Cruising the 
Cherry Fiesta!

Once again board member Deb Sherwood and honorary lifetime member, long-time volunteer, and past board member Roger Horton brought their festive spirit to the Osoyoos Cherry Fiesta and Canada Day celebrations. Cruising in style in Ivor and Heather Langley’s classic 1965 Skylark convertible, Deb and Roger were joined by friends and family to represent ODC and cheer on this vibrant community tradition. Later that day the ODC kept the fun going by hosting family activities, including our brand-new bingo-style scavenger hunt!

Winter Wonderland!

We're delighted to be part of LaStella Winery’s Winter Wonderland event! A big thank-you to Lee McFadyen for volunteering on Osoyoos Desert Centre Day on December 4, and to Jo-Anne Birch for creating our beautiful tree display. Titled “Antelope-brush: A Wonderland of Biodiversity,” our display highlights some of the wildlife that call the Osoyoos Desert Centre home including Great Basin Spadefoot, Nuttall’s Cottontail, Rufous Hummingbird, Mule Deer, American Badger, Western Screech Owl, and Black Bear. Winter Wonderland runs until December 24 at LaStella, with proceeds from wine tastings and sales supporting the many wonderful south Okanagan charities taking part. Be sure to stop by and enjoy the incredible displays created by these hard-working, worthy community organizations.

An Evening Walk

This year we tried something a little different by starting our night tours at dusk. From the feedback we got from participants, it was a big success. Beginning earlier gave us the chance to spot a few crepuscular animals such as bats and as the skies darkened the experience was once again a memorable one: quiet, mysterious and peaceful. A big thank-you to our fantastic guides Kaylee, Vriti, Erin, and Danika who filled the evening with thoughtful and engaging details, from night sounds to photos of the nocturnal wildlife that call the South Okanagan home.

Destination Osoyoos Launches Tourism Master Plan

Last month, after more than two years of research, planning and community input, Destination Osoyoos released a first-ever Tourism Master Plan for Osoyoos and the South Okanagan–Similkameen. This community-led initiative brought together local organizations from arts and culture, tourism, recreation and business, alongside local and regional governments. The plan sets a clear path for supporting a healthy, sustainable community, guiding tourism growth in ways that enhance quality of life for residents while creating meaningful experiences for visitors. Read Destination Osoyoos' news release here. Read more about the Tourism Master Plan here.

School Fieldtrips

Education is central to the ODC’s mission, and we’re deeply thankful to FortisBC for their long-standing commitment to supporting school field trips. Thanks to their generosity, we welcomed students from across the region including classes from School Districts 53 (Okanagan Similkameen) and 67 (Okanagan Skaha), Outma Sqilx’w Culture School, Unisus School, Holy Cross School and UBC Geography program. Their curiosity and excitement remind us why we do this work.

We’re also so grateful to partner with the student co-op programs at UBC, Okanagan College, UVic, and Simon Fraser University, giving emerging scientists the chance to gain hands-on field experience. Every year we’re lucky to welcome a new team of enthusiastic, engaging guides and this year was no exception. A big shout-out to our 2025 Conservation Guides, pictured below along with Sophia Reimer and Nora the gopher snake from Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship (left to right) Kaylee Lesmeister, Erin Kelly, Danika Larson and Vriti Bakshi. Their talent and passion for sharing the wonders of the antelope-brush shrub-steppe made every visitor's experience richer. Congratulations on an outstanding season!

And a heartfelt thank-you to Canada Summer Jobs and Canadian Parks and Recreation Association Green Jobs Initiative for helping fund these positions. Your support makes a real difference to our operations.

Nature Talks 2025

ODC's Nature Talks returned in 2025 with a selection of engaging presentations that celebrated the remarkable plants, wildlife and landscapes of the South Okanagan-Similkameen. Led by local experts, Nature Talks offer practical insight, fascinating stories, and a deeper connection to the natural spaces right here in our own backyard. The series began with Identifying the Wildflowers of the Okanagan. Former ODC Conservation Guide Ripley Shubert shared tips on how to spot and identify the region’s beautiful wildflowers whether you’re exploring local trails or your own garden. Back by popular demand High Tea at the ODC presented by our very own Vriti Bakshi invited participants to sample local brews made from native plants and learn how they have been traditionally used and enjoyed. Snake Smart with Sophia Reimer from Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship guided participants through identifying local snake species and shared how to stay safe while coexisting with snakes. We were thrilled that Nora the Gopher snake was able to make a special guest appearance.

Bird enthusiasts were enthralled to learn about more than 300 bird species found in our area with expert birder, photographer and South Okanagan Naturalists’ Club president Alex Bodden. Alex introduced the basics of bird identification, pointed out important biodiversity hotspots, and offered tips for appreciating birds close to home. Dishing the Dirt on Okanagan Soil was explored by ODC Conservation Guide Erin Kelly. Erin delved into soil ecology, the role it plays in our semi-arid landscape and how sustainable farming practices can help preserve this essential resource. The Talks continued with Beating the Heat. ODC Conservation Guide Danika Larson explored how urban and landscape design can reduce heat, support ecological diversity and draw inspiration from both nature and history to inform more resilient design practices. The series wrapped up with Paula Rodriguez de La Vega from the Okanagan Community Bat Program who shared why the Okanagan has the highest bat diversity in Canada, how bats navigate and feed, and what we can do to help these fascinating mammals thrive. Thank you to all our incredible presenters!

A Gift of Flight 2025 Raffle

A big thank you to everyone who supported our raffle this year! Held in partnership with Okanagan Treasure Hunters Club, we were happy to present Ken Hebb with the winning prize, two tickets to anywhere Westjet flies. Word is Ken and his wife Carol are headed to Mexico next year. Thanks to all our raffle ticket buyers we were able to raise $6,700 to put towards accessibility upgrades at ODC! Pictured from left to right: Jayme Friedt, Ken Hebb and OTHC President Adam Morley.

Thank you to our raffle sponsors for their generous support:

Help Bring RTD to Life!

Join our Romancing the Desert organizing committee and help stage this exhilarating, beautiful event celebrating local wine and food and our breathtaking desert landscape! We're hoping to fill two key roles:

Committee Chair

Help keep our small, talented RTD committee on track by chairing meetings and ensuring follow-up on action items. Support and coordinate volunteers, and help with on-the-ground logistics to ensure a smooth and successful event.

Live & Silent Auction Coordinator

Source and collect donated auction items and coordinate the live and silent auctions in collaboration with the MC/auctioneer. Access to a vehicle is required; gas reimbursement will be provided.

If you're interested in becoming part of this great team, please contact Jayme at director@desert.org or 250 495 2470. Save the date! Romancing the Desert is scheduled for August 22, 2026.

A Thousand Thanks to Some Amazing People!

Our volunteers bring passion and dedication to every part of the ODC from tackling invasive plants and keeping our Native Plant Garden looking beautiful, to maintaining our buildings and grounds and greeting our myriad of international visitors with a smile. Thank you to each and everyone of you!

Garden Party Volunteers

Shirley Boyle, Paul and Mary Doyle, Fred Hamilton, Roger Horton, Ken Hoyle, Kaylee Lesmeister, Julie King, Lee McFadyen, Cheryl Place and Jim Place

Building and Maintenance Volunteers

Peter Beckett, Gordon Bennett, Mat Hassen, Roger Horton, Rick Neumann, Trevor Reeves, Jermaine Star, Larry Stone and Ernie Westphal

Admissions Volunteers

JoAnne Birch, Sarah Crookall, Rita Crone, Deirdrie Holmes, Saran Kanda, Julie King,

Alicia Osland, Isla Petreny-Mackenzie, Lee McFadyen, Savanna Scott-Leslie, Kathie Westphal, Janice Wilson and Sarita Zugazaga



To the ODS Board of Directors,

so many thanks!

Peter Beckett, Angela Huxham, Lee McFadyen, Joanne Muirhead, Trevor Reeves, and Deb Sherwood. Your support and contribution to the Osoyoos Desert Centre is invaluable!

HATS OFF TO OUR FAMILY OF 
FUNDERS AND MEMBERS!

Grants, donations, and sponsorships from individuals, foundations, government, and corporate partners are essential to our work. Their support makes everything we do possible. As fellow champions of conservation, we encourage you to support these partners whenever you’re able.

Government, Foundation and Major Corporate Funders

Individual and Corporate Donors

Osoyoos Desert Society Members

Enjoy these beautiful pictures taken this season by our official photographer Tom Harvie. Thank you Tom!

OSOYOOS DESERT CENTRE

BOX 123 OSOYOOS BC VOH 1V0

250.495.2470 | mail@desert.org | WEBSITE