The Meadowlark Nature Festival... Experience, Discover, Explore!
Held annually in May, the Meadowlark Nature Festival offers nature lovers a chance to explore the diverse habitats and unique species found in the Okanagan and Similkameen region, considered to be one of the most endangered ecosystems in Canada. Now in its 15th year, the Meadowlark Nature Festival has evolved into one of Canada’s premier outdoor nature celebrations. People from across North America and as far away as Europe come for the tours, lectures, workshops and other activities led by prominent naturalists, educators, artists and scientists.
One of the Meadowlark Nature Festival’s greatest appeals is that it truly tries to offer something for everyone. Fitness buffs can enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing and horseback riding in the surrounding valleys, lakes, plateaus and desert, while the more sedentary can take a guided bus tour or sign up for a leisurely stroll or presentation. The junior nature lover can take part in special children’s programs such as 'Slimy Salamanders & Totally Awesome Toads' and 'Wings on Their Fingers - Bats of the South Okanagan'. And while some find beauty in bats, others draw inspiration from more traditional art forms. Look through the Schedule of Events and you’ll notice a number of tours that combine nature and the arts, including drawing workshops, informative presentations and art exhibits.
Each year, the artwork of the Featured Artist is chosen for use on all Meadowlark Nature Festival merchandise and promotional materials. Traditionally, the chosen artist donates one of his or her original signed works to be raffled off at the Celebration Event to help raise funds for the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance (OSCA), a non-profit organization that promotes environmental awareness and conservation and organizes the Festival.
Numbers are limited for some of the smaller group tours and many of the Meadowlark Nature Festival’s most popular events sell out quickly. Tickets go on sale on Saturday, April 14th, 2012, and it is recommended that you book early to avoid disappointment.
