Meadowlark Nature Festival

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Meadowlark Nature Festival

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Each May long weekend immerse yourself in the unique natural diversity of the Okanagan & Similkameen

The Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance (OSCA) organizes the Meadowlark Nature Festival and is a charitable non-profit society, dedicated to conservation outreach in the South Okanagan and Similkameen. OSCA’s mission is to conduct educational outreach initiatives promoting community environmental awareness and land management practices that benefit species and habitats at risk in this region. All tours are designed to be fun and informative for people of all ages and abilities. Meadowlark Nature Festival popular events sell out every year! The 2015 tour listing and ticket purchase can be found on the website. http://meadowlarkfestival.bc.ca

From May 14 to 18, 2015 immerse yourself in the unique natural diversity of the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys, situated in beautiful British Columbia

10/29/2026

Meet Danny Coyne, the Overall Grand Prize Winner of the 2026 Meadowlark Nature Festival Photo Contest!

Through his winning photograph, Danny captures a moment of natural beauty that reflects the importance of observing and appreciating our wildlife and the little details that make our local ecosystems unique.

As part of his prize, Danny received both a limited edition Giclee print and a professionally framed print of his photograph. We extend our thanks to Stuart Bish Photography for contributing a gift certificate toward the framing.

Congratulations to Danny, and a heartfelt thank you to all our photo contest participants for sharing their work and unique perspectives of Okanagan Valley wildlife. We look forward to seeing more of your breathtaking photographs at next year’s festival!

10/10/2026

Mark your calendars for October 17th and 18th. The Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance is hosting two Open Houses to "Celebrate Our Salmon". With a BRAND NEW Location this year in the District of Peachland. For more info follow Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance and visit https://osca.org/

08/02/2026

It is with heartfelt sadness that the Meadowlark Nature Festival and the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance (OSCA) share the news of the passing of our dear friend, Phyllis Jmaeff.

For many years, Phyllis graciously opened her beautiful Marron Valley property to Meadowlark festival-goers, hosting both the Marron Valley History Tour and the Marron Valley Birding Tour. She welcomed visitors not only onto her land, but into a place she deeply loved—a place where history, wildlife, and the quiet beauty of nature came together.

We have shared more about our dear friend Phyllis and all she offered the world on our website https://osca.org/

Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and everyone whose lives she touched. We are grateful for the years she shared with our community and for the lasting legacy she leaves behind.

05/19/2026

What a weekend! What a festival!
A little rain and a little shine. And a lot of incredible nature and people.

🌿If you haven't already, please share some of your photos with us by sending them to [email protected].
🐦Follow the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance for more info on their events and programs.

A BIG Thank You to all our volunteers, staff, tour leaders, partners, venues and board members and of course our attendees for a great festival.

Stay tuned for results from the Photo Contest!!

05/15/2026

📷PHOTO CONTEST ENDS MAY 18📷

Don't forget to hit us with your best shot!

The Meadowlark Nature Festival Photo Contest is chance for you to get out in Nature and "Find Your Wild" through the lens. Open to all ages and abilities. Two main categories:
🐿️Wildlife
🌄Landscape

The Photo Contest closes at the end of the festival weekend on May 18th. Be sure to check outhttps://meadowlarkfestival.ca/photo-contest/ to learn more about the categories, prizes and rules.

05/14/2026

We are kicking off the festival weekend tonight with the Rendezvous Event at the Luso Canadian Multicultural Society hall. We can't wait to have some delicious food from Oliver Eats. And enjoy great company while sipping on beverages from
Hillside w**e , Cannery Brewing and Creek & Gully C***r.

Thank you to all these great partners for helping us kick off the festival weekend in style!

05/14/2026

🌟The Festival Starts Today🌟

We are ready to go. And we hope you are too.

What to know before you go:
🌦️The festival runs rain or shine.
📃Bring your signed waiver to the tour.
🧥Dress in layers and appropriate for the ever-changing weather.
🥾Wear footware suitable for your tour.
⌚Allow plenty of time to reach the tour meeting spot.
🍌Bring a snack and or lunch (if not provided as part of your tour)
🥤Bring 1-2 litres of Water.
📷Bring your camera and or binoculars.
🎟️Tickets are non refundable.

🌿Ticket Sales will close at 1pm the day before the tour runs.
So, if you wish to attend a tour on the Sunday you have to purchase your ticket by 1pm on Saturday 😉

https://meadowlarkfestival.ca/festival-at-a-glance/

05/13/2026

🌿This is your chance to join Master Gardener Bev Krieger🌿

Bev has been a hike leader with the Penticton Outdoors Club for many years. As a Master Gardener and retired teacher she has a passion for educating people about plants and their environment. She enjoys volunteering with the Friends of Summerland Ornamental Gardens where she leads the School Outdoor Education programs.

On Monday, May 18th, Bev will lead Tour #57 on Campbell Mountain. And with Bev, it is guaranteed to be an informative and enjoyable hike.

Learn more and grab some tickets here:
https://meadowlarkfestival.ca/product/campbell-mountain-full-circle/

05/12/2026

👩‍👧‍👦FAMILY FRIENDLY👩‍👧‍👦

Take the kids outside this weekend for a little adventure in nature. There are 15+ family friendly tours within the festival. And some of them have tickets left.

🌱Make seedballs
🐟Find fish
🐛Learn about bugs and plants
💩Dig in the dirt
🥾Get moving on a mini hike
🐍If you dare, get up close and personal with a snake
🦫Search for beavers, birds, muskrats and more

🌲A ton of fun to be had in the great outdoors for ALL ages!🌲

✨And only $5.00 for the kiddos!✨

Check out all the family friendly tours here: https://meadowlarkfestival.ca/product-tag/family/

🍑

05/12/2026

✨📢BREAKING NEWS📢✨

🌿NEW TOUR ADDED🌿

With such concern about the current threat of drought and wildfire. We felt this was a worthwhile tour to add.

Tour #58 -Cultural Burn and Connectivity

Join Rheana Marchand-Edward (BSc, MEd), Environmental Scientist and TEK Specialist for the Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB) as she leads you through a site currently managed by cultural burns. You will also hear from Jay Kehne of Conservation Northwest, who will discuss the significance of wildlife corridors, underpasses, and overpasses for both human and wildlife safety. Additionally, naturalist Doreen Olson will be on-site to help identify local plants and birds.

📅Monday May 18th
⏱️9:00am
📍Meeting Place Osoyoos Visitor Centre Parking Lot
💲$30.00

To learn more and grab tickets for the hot NEW tour visit the website: https://meadowlarkfestival.ca/product/cultural-burn-and-connectivity-tour/

Address

#113/437 Martin Street Box 349
Penticton, BC
V2A5L1

Telephone

(250) 492-5275

Website

https://meadowlarkfestival.ca/

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