KNOWING NATURE AND
KEEPING IT WORTH KNOWING
The North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club is a member of BC Nature, the Federation of British Columbia Naturalists. Founded in 1951, our club remains active locally and provincially, enjoying experiences in nature, sharing our knowledge and passion with others, and protecting our natural environment.
On this page are listed upcoming events. The public is welcome at all club events, unless stated otherwise. See our Membership page to learn how to officially join NONC and support our efforts.
The North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club acknowledges the presence of the traditional, ancestral and unceded land of the Syilx and Secwepemc peoples who have resided here since time immemorial. We recognize, honour, and respect the Syilx / Secwepemc lands upon which we live, work, and play.
Monthly Meeting
See dates and details at right. On the first Wednesday of the month (September through May), at 7:00 pm. at the Schubert Centre, 3505 30th Ave., Vernon, in the Emerald Room. Visitors welcome!
Weekly E-Message
Once a week, usually on Monday, NONC members receive a Weekly Message by e-mail. This is a compilation of club news, observations, notices and photographs collected over the past week.
Our logo shows Kalamalka Lake with its turquoise waters and the grasslands of Kal Park. Enderby Cliffs represent one end of the North Okanagan valley through to Camels Hump on the other end. The Arrow-leaved Balsamroot represents the sun which plays a big part in this region. And for the birders and bluebird nest program volunteers there is a little bluebird feather.
Design by Lee Brinkman, October 2022
MONTHLY MEETINGS
NONC monthly meetings are held in the Emerald Room at The Schubert Centre for Seniors, 30th Ave., in downtown Vernon. No entry fee. Members and non-members welcome. Coffee and cookies served!
Next meeting : 7:00 pm, Wednesday, October 2nd: our speakers will be Henry James and Abby Godden on “Monitoring the Marshes at Swan Lake”.
SATURDAY NATURE WALKS
Join us Saturdays at 9:00 am. Visitors welcome. Dress for the weather. We do a lot of birdwatching, so bring binoculars if you have them. No dogs please. See list below.
DR 1 & 2 are generally suitable for almost anyone, of any age. However, if you have issues of mobility and/or stamina, you should speak to the leader before attempting.
DR 1 Easy — Suitable for most people. Mostly paved or good-surface path, fairly level with some gentle climbs.
DR 2 Moderate — Suitable for most walkers and hikers with no mobility or endurance issues. May have longer distance with steeper hills and switchbacks, some uneven and rough path.
Sept 7 - 9am DR 1
Join the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club for a walk on the Grey Canal Bella Vista Section beginning at the parking lot at the end of Crosby and Sierra roads.
Contact Lynn at j-lsmith@telus.net
Sept 14 - 9am DR 2
Join the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club for a walk on the Grey Canal from Blue Jay to Turtle Mountain. Meet at the parking lot at the end of Blue Jay Road (Old Kamloops Road to Goose Lake Road then left on Blue Jay Rd).
Contact Harold at hikerharold@gmail.com
Sept 21 - 9am DR 1
Join the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club for a walk from Marshall Field to Vernon Creek to Kin Beach, Okanagan Landing. Meet in the Marshall Field parking lot near the tennis courts and ball diamond.
Contact Rod/Ruth at rdrennan@shaw.ca
Sept 28 - 9am DR 2
Join the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club for a walk. Meet in the Kekuli Bay Parking Day Use lot. Moderate 1 km uphill, total walk 8 km, approx. 3 hours. We will walk along the Kal Crystal Waters Trail, heading south toward a connection with Rail Trail near Crystal Waters. Return on Rail Trail.
Contact Karen at reczuchkm@gmail.com
Oct 5 - 9am DR 2
Join the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club for a walk on the Whisper Ridge Trail, Lavington. Approximately 2 hours - the first 20 minutes is a steep uphill with switch backs on a gravel trail. Short slightly steep sections occur throughout the remainder. Proceed 2.0 km on Brewer Rd from Hwy 6 then look for laneway to trail parking opposite 6845 Brewer Rd or park on Brewer Road.
Contact Marnie/Paul at mpw660@telus.net
Oct 12 - 9am DR 1
Join the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club for a walk on the trails of Carlson Park on Bench Row Road. From Vernon, take Mission Road, turn right onto Bench Row Rd. Park in parking lot on the left side of road.
Contact Harold at hikerharold@gmail.com
FREE SUBSCRIPTION FOR STUDENTS & EDUCATORS !
Receive our weekly E-Message (above). Sign up by e-mailing info@nonc.ca
Useful Links
Friends of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park
Ribbons of Green Trails Society trails
Also see our Contact page for links to other clubs.