Well-known naturalist and author Dick Cannings will be the guest speaker following the Okanagan Similkameen Parks Society’s annual general meeting on April 17 at 7 p.m.
Based on his award-winning book British Columbia: A Natural History, newly published in a revised third edition, Cannings’s presentation will include intriguing, in-depth stories about life in our province’s diverse ecosystems.
“Dick was born and raised in the south Okanagan in a family keenly interested in natural history,” said Ian Graham, chair of the parks society. “Over the years, the Cannings family has contributed greatly to the public’s knowledge of that history. Our society is therefore particularly pleased that Dick will be our guest speaker as we celebrate our 50th AGM.”
Cannings has produced regular radio items on natural history themes for CBC and taught continuing education courses on birding and nature.
He has also led about 50 natural history tours to destinations around the world including Asia, Africa, South America and Australia.
Cannings works part-time for Bird Studies Canada, where he co-ordinates Canadian Christmas Bird Counts, the eBird program and the British Columbia Owl Survey. He also does consulting work on species at risk in the Okanagan Valley.
The meeting and presentation will be held at Centre Stage Theatre. Admission is free; donations are welcome. For more information call 250-494-8343 or visit okanagansimilkameenparkssociety.ca.