Join biologists Michael Bezener and Keith Watson to explore the familiar and hidden wonders of South Okanagan biodiversity and become a real citizen scientist! While exploring the special protected habitat surrounding the Vaseux Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary and the Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area, we’ll seek out a wide variety of lifeforms and create our own biodiversity survey, learning to ID and record known and new (to you) species as we go. Venturing from the lush lakeshore habitats to the drier highland sage steppe, we expect to see a wide variety of creatures big and small, and perhaps a few of the resident Bighorn Sheep. Along the way we’ll learn about the importance of habitat connectivity in supporting Bighorn Sheep and the amazing biodiversity of the Great Basin shrubsteppe ecosystem that connects southern BC and northern Washington State. Suitable for all ages, however please note that this tour includes hiking (plan for children under 4 to be carried in a sturdy carrier).

Michael Bezener is a conservation ecologist with over 30 years of experience helping to study, protect and conserve western Canada’s biodiversity. In his current role as the Habitat Connectivity Coordinator of the Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Program (OCCP), Michael works with a broad range of partners to advance the protection, restoration and maintenance of ecological corridors and safe passage wildlife crossings in the Okanagan region. Michael is an accomplished nature and wildlife photographer and the author/co-author of several introductory nature field guides.

Keith Watson is Conservation Northwest’s Sagelands Heritage Coordinator working with partners to develop and implement strategies that protect and restore wildlife habitat, increase habitat connectivity across barriers, and support community outreach in shrub steppe habitats.Keith received a B. Sc. from The Evergreen State College and began a career as a naturalist where he was able to share his fascination of nature with kids while climbing Wyoming mountains, exploring California redwood trees, and kayaking glacier filled bays in Alaska. When he is not working in the field to conserve local habitats, he can be found taking his family out to play in these same places.

Photo by A. Michael Bezener