Barb Pryce, Southern Interior program manager with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, (second from right) leads a group of nature lovers through Bobalink Meadows to one of the Osoyoos Oxbows. The tour followed the official opening of new information panels at the kiosk Friday. The oxbows themselves were restored over a year ago in a joint project between the NCC and Ducks Unlimited. (Richard McGuire photo)
Spring is just around the corner and that means the Oliver-Osoyoos Naturalists are ready to invite club members and members of the public to participate in their annual series of hikes between March and July.
This year’s first hike will take place on Sunday, March 1 along the Skaha Lake rail bed. This is an easy walk along the old KVR rail bed from OK Falls toward Kaleden. There will be good waterfowl viewing.
Those wishing to participate should meet at 9.30 a.m. at Oliver Info Centre. Hike leader Margaretha Hogeling can be reached at 250-485-4222.
The second event takes place on Saturday, March 14 on the west side of Vaseux Lake. Participants will walk along the river dike south of the Provincial Park all the way to the lagoons. Those wishing to participate should meet at 9.30 a.m. at Oliver Info Centre. Hike leader will be Doug Brown. Phone Skip King for more information at 250-485-0263
The annual general meeting will take place on Monday, March 30 at Osoyoos Anglican church, beginning at 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be Sherri Linn, who will discuss the Okanagan Bluebird Trail.
The hiking series continues on Sunday, April 12 on Anarchist Mountain, South of Hwy. 3, through the lower Regal Ridge development. Those wishing to participate will meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Osoyoos Lakeview Plaza. Hike leader will be Carol Boan and she can be reached at 250-495-6107.
The next hike will take place on Saturday, April 25 at Ellis Ridge up on Carmi Road, east of Penticton. This will be a seven-kilometre moderate hike. Those wishing to participate will meet at 9.30 a.m. at the Oliver Info Centre.Hike leader will be Greg Byron and he can be reached at 250-485-2232.
The series continues on Saturday, May 9 on the Hike and Bike Trail south of Oliver. Participants will walk from the Oliver Information Centre and will hopefully view an active Bald Eagle nest. Hike leader will be Skip King and he can be reached at 250-485-0263
Next up will be the hike set for Sunday, May 24 on Strawberry Creek Road near the industrial park in Osoyoos. Participants will walk downhill from Blue Lake to Osoyoos. Participants are asked to meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Osoyoos Lakeview Plaza. Hike leader will be Doug Brown. Phone Skip for more information at 250-485-0263.
The series continues on Saturday, June 6 as hikers trek from Bull Moose to Long Joe on Anarchist Mountain. The hike will feature a lot of climbing up and down, but won’t be too strenuous. Participants will meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Osoyoos Lakeview Plaza. Hike leader will be Carol Boan. She can be reached at 250-495-6107.
The next event will take place on Sunday, June 21 on Mount Kobau and will include a pleasant walk on two trails near the top of Mount Kobau. Participants are asked to meet at 9:30 am. at the Osoyoos Lakeview Plaza. Hike leader will be Greg Byron and he can be reached at 250-485-2232.
The final hike will take place on Sunday, July 26 and will follow the Heather Trail in Manning Park. The hike will start at the Blackwall Peak parking lot and go as far as the group would like to go. Beautiful views all around on a nice day. Mountain flowers should be at their peak. Participants are asked to meet at Lakeview Plaza in Osoyoos 7:30 a.m for carpooling.
It is mandatory to contact Margaretha Hogeling 250-485-4222 if going on this trip.
If you want additional information on any specific trip, phone the hike leader.
Please be on time as many people participate and want to start the hikes on time.
Participants are also asked to bring lunch and water and wear suitable footwear and clothing. Be especially prepared for cool spring and hot summer weather.
All members of the public are invited to attend any or all of the hikes.
If you would like to lead a hike or have suggestions for hikes or meeting speakers, contact any of the leaders mentioned in this schedule.
Non members and visitors are invited to join us. Current membership dues are $25 or $30 for a family.
Membership includes a subscription to BC Nature, which is mailed to members four times per year.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
