The Okanagan Similkameen Parks Society (OSPS) is a Canadian nonprofit organization established in 1966 dedicated to the acquisition and preservation of parklands and trails in the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys. The Society's mission focuses on promoting health, recreation, education, and the natural enjoyment of the public while actively seeking to preserve wildlife habitats and protect natural biotic areas for scientific study.

History and Mission

Founded in 1966, the OSPS has a long-standing commitment to conserving the unique ecosystems within the Okanagan Similkameen region. Its mission is to acquire and create protected parklands that support public health and recreation opportunities, educational experiences, as well as the conservation of wildlife habitats. The organization aims to safeguard these natural areas for future generations, emphasizing the importance of wilderness access and environmental education.

The Society draws inspiration from its founding members, notably Harley Hatfield (1905–2000), who highlighted the value of such natural areas as places for youth to experience independence and freedom through outdoor activities away from modern urban conveniences.

Activities and Impact

OSPS engages in efforts to secure land and trails, supporting the development of parks that allow for diverse recreational activities such as hiking and nature observation. The Society also plays a role in fostering environmental awareness and stewardship among the public. It hosts annual meetings and educational events, contributing to both community engagement and the transparency of its operations.

Through its initiatives, OSPS contributes to broader regional conservation efforts. The organization works alongside First Nations, local communities, and government bodies to enhance ecosystem protection, particularly of the endangered temperate grassland ecosystems characteristic of the region.

Regional Context

The Okanagan Similkameen region is notable for its biological diversity and culturally significant landscapes. The area's ecological importance has led to collaborative efforts between various stakeholders—including syilx/Okanagan Nation and provincial and federal governments—to establish protected areas such as the proposed South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park Reserve.

The Society's work complements these larger initiatives by focusing on local land acquisition and habitat preservation, thereby contributing to the connectivity and consolidation of protected areas in British Columbia’s Interior Dry Plateau natural region.

Organization

The Okanagan Similkameen Parks Society operates as a nonprofit entity with the business registration number 119066199RR0001. Governed by a board of directors, it holds annual general meetings that include reports on the Society's constitution, status, finances, and leadership elections.

In summary, the Okanagan Similkameen Parks Society is a key regional nonprofit that plays a vital role in conserving natural landscapes for public benefit and ecological protection within the Okanagan Similkameen valleys. Its ongoing efforts support health, recreation, education, and the preservation of wildlife habitats, aligned with the broader goals of regional and Indigenous collaborative conservation projects.