Introduction to the Desert Centre

The Osoyoos Desert Centre is an ecological interpretive centre on a protected portion of this habitat and has a carefully placed boardwalk around the area where visitors can learn about desert ecology, ecological restoration, and conservation of endangered ecosystems in the South Okanagan.

In Osoyoos, British Columbia, at the toe of a rocky, crumbling valley slope, the Desert Centre lies on a sandy bench between the Kilpoola highlands and Lake Osoyoos. Perched above the orchards, this area has remained desert, isolated from the historic irrigation canals lower in the valley.

At our site Bunch grasses, Antelope-brush, Sage and Prickly-pear cactus define this unique area. During the hot summer days, all appears quiet in this desert habitat, but signs of the abundant wildlife become evident when one kneels down for a closer look. Pocket Gopher burrows and mouse trails, a quail's nest secretly hidden in the shadows of a bunchgrass, coyote tracks dappling the soft sand are clues that paint a picture of the busy nightlife emerging in the evening when temperatures drop.

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