Sometimes an event comes along at just the right moment in time; such was the case with the Meadowlark Festival, which was an initiative of the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance. Nine years ago the Internet was just becoming the most effective way to reach readers worldwide. And the eyes of nature-lovers everywhere, especially those ardent and addicted bird-watchers, were captivated by the title of this newly hatched festival. From the first, enquiries poured in from not only every province in Canada, and every American state, but also from Europe and Africa, Australia and South America. Well-known artist and birder Robert Bateman was keynote speaker at that first Meadowlark Festival Banquet, the first in a long list of well-known personalities to preside over this yearly event.

Each year more tours have been added to the list. Each year the diversity grows. Each year more outstanding names are added to the line-up of tour leaders. These people often come a great distance to take part in the excitement. But the Okanagan Valley itself seems crammed with knowledgeable naturalists. We are blessed with scientists from every venue, all seemingly eager to share their expertise.

One outing I was able to assist in some years ago was led by Jim Shaver, expert in many fields! Our route that day started out at the campground near Okanagan Falls. My task was to keep track of flora and fauna, jot down every bird spotted, and comment on the fascinating information flowing endlessly from our knowledgeable tour-guide. After observing the vegetation which marked a change from desert country to moister areas, we drove the hill leading to Green Lake, with its enchanting hues, (and where spotted turtles sunned themselves), then drove on to Mahoney Lake, known by scientists worldwide for its strange purple-bacteria layer, beneath which the lake is "dead". Jim had much to tell us of this phenomenon. We continued to follow the winding road to the White Lake area. There our lunch-stop was accompanied by the trilling of meadowlarks, whose calls echoed from the rocky cliffs across the wide valley to the unspoiled mountains beyond. The need to protect the White Lake Observatory from damage to the incoming signals from the heavens has kept this area almost unspoiled--a boon to birders, who have placed bluebird houses on every possible post. Both western and mountain bluebirds follow the trail. On a flat-topped antenna quite near to the Observatory buildings an enterprising osprey pair have built a nest. The enterprising couple started it one fall; but when the two reappeared in spring, they added the finishing touches. They raised their offspring, disappearing again in fall. Each spring they reappear, to repeat the whole performance!

This year a friend and I visited the Desert Centre. You can, of course, get permission to traverse the boardwalk trail on your own. But don't do that! Taking a guide is well worthwhile. She will explain so much you would easily miss. The story of the Antelope Bush and its reproductive activity, which takes place with the help of a tiny desert creature, is so remarkable that it's worth studying in all its complexity. Take a child along on this amazing tour.

In fact, try to include a child or grandchild on many Meadowlark excursions. Awakening a child's inherent curiosity about Nature is one sure way to keep him occupied with worthwhile pursuits when peer pressure threatens. A youngster busy collecting bugs, or butterflies, studying snakes or birds, or identifying wildflowers or trees has little time to spend scribbling graffiti or defacing storefronts. He's too busy looking up some strange creature in that library book he's discovered.

And seniors, this is a weekend geared to you, also. Maybe you can't climb McIntyre Bluffs, or scramble down the steep trail that leads to those interesting lichens. But the Festival staff can tell you which events will take walkers, or even wheelchairs. And there are indoor events, just right for the less active seniors among us. Before this year, eight May "long weekends" have seen over 12,000 participants enjoy the Okanagan, with all its wonderful diversity. This year the flowers and blossoming trees seem more spectacular than ever before. Next year will mark the tenth anniversary of what is certainly one of the most popular events we have to offer. Apparently even Ironman, Jazz and Wine don't rival birds, flowers, dry land creatures and sagebrush landscape as enticing segments of our wonderful Valley! One family I met had invited other family members from Quebec and the Maritimes. Perhaps we need a contest--who can invite the greatest number of family members, and from how far away? Start planning now for the Big Bash--the tenth anniversary of our wonderful Meadowlark Festival.

2006-06 Dodi Morrison