The Ecosystem Experience

$149 per person

The natural world around us is changing at an unprecedented rate leaving many ecosystems and the creatures, flora and fauna that inhabit them bordering on extinction. Important global issues such as “biodiversity”, “species at risk”, “water sustainability”, “natural history” and “endangered ecosystems” will be explored first hand during this tour.

The Ecosystem Experience provides an opportunity to explore a variety of unique and diverse environments and the life forms that inhabit them—including Canada’s only  Desert. Ecosystems to be explored:

Antelope Bush Ecosystem (Desert)

We’ll be visiting the Osoyoos Desert Centre. Learn how to recognize local flora and fauna that distinctly unique to the Okanagan Valley. On a hot day, kids will love this location spending most of the tour with their eyes peeled to the ground looking for miniature wildlife.

Grassland Ecosystem

Dry grasslands and Sagebrush are home to the South Okanagan Grassland Ecosystem —the product of a dry, warm climate and sediment left behind by ice age glaciers. Discussion about how rapid growth and development are threatening the lives of many “at risk species” such as the American Badger will be explored.

Forest Ecosystem

The forest ecosystem situated in the high alpine offers unsurpassed picturesque views of the Okanagan Valley. During the height of summer a spectacular display of wild flowers in full bloom provides unlimited content for photographers.

Wildlife on this tour: Painted Turtles, Tiger Salamander, Barred Owl, Behr’s Hairstreak (Butterfly), Grand Coulee Owl-Clover,  Western Rattlesnake, California Big Horn Sheep, Lark Sparrow and the Great Basin Gopher Snake.

Level: Novice. Close-toed footwear, runners or hikers recommended.

Included: Lunch, snacks and drinks included. Transportation to-and-from your accommodation complimentary.