Welcome to the SONC website.

If you have any suggestions please get in touch with Glenda Ross.
South Okanagan Naturalists’ Club proudly acknowledges that we are living & playing here on the unceded territory of the Syilx people

Mission Statement:

"To provide a dynamic local focus for experiencing the natural world of B.C. and for promoting its conservation"

  • Indoor meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of the month, September to May (except for December) at 7:00 pm at Penticton Seniors' Drop-In Centre, 2965 South Main Street, Penticton.
  • Please bring your own coffee mug ---- New members always welcome.
  • Our birding, wildflower, geology, social group meets every Thursday in the north parking lot of Cherry Lane Mall (north of Warren Ave. and east of Atkinson St.) at 9 AM.
  • Field Trips are generally made in the spring and fall.

Annual Waiver

Download PDF Waiver
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Required annually with membership fee
PS  Reminder to complete the new waiver – if you have not done so.
Send completed form to Link  soncmembership@gmail.com


NEXT MONTHLY MEETING

Oct 22, 2026

Description:Howie Richardson: The Cathedral Lakes.
A personal reflection on the physical, geo-political, and natural changes that have occurred in the fire-ravaged area around Cathedral Lakes Lodge.

Bio:  SONC member: Howie Richardson: Born in Bristol, England, Howie Richardson received a dual major in physical education and biology from Loughborough University. From 1966 to 1987, he worked in what is now known as experiential education, spanning locations from Britain to Hong Kong, Mexico, and the Yukon. This helped fund a return to university in 1975 for a degree in biology and then a Ph.D. in animal behaviour. From 1988 to 2009, he taught at Okanagan College and Okanagan University College. He retired in 2009 to pursue some serious birding and mountain biking. 
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A spoiler alert of what's planned next:

November 26, 2026: Peter Flett: A New Era for Forestry in BC: Perspectives from a First Nation and Community forest

Recent Newsletter

Bird Outings

2026 Thursday birding outings are back!
Outings generally start at 9AM.  If you would like to know more about Thursday outing please email Wendy at wendyastewart@shaw.ca

Trip Outings

          NOTHING PLANNED AT THIS TIME

Douglas Lake IBA field trip 2026 COMPLETED (stay tuned for 2027 trip)

SONC Creston Valley field trip summary above - May 2026 & 2024

View Creston Valley 2026 Field Trip Report (PDF)
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View Creston Valley 2024 Field Trip Report (PDF)
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Looking for something specific?

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60th anniversary Celebration Penticton golf and country club

This year is SONC's 60th anniversary - quite an incredible milestone for a volunteer organization. Join the celebration on Sept 30th. See Poster below for details.

A reminder - vaccine passports are required and masks are recommended


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Anniversary Video

If you missed the Club’s 60th Anniversary dinner and presentation in September 2022 you can watch the retrospective video produced by Club member Patrick Parenteau by clicking on the play link below (about 25 minutes).