The Okanagan Desert is the common name for a semi-arid area located in the South Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada, primarily around Osoyoos Lake. Part of the area is called the Nk'mip Desert by the Osoyoos Indian Band, though the entire region, like other similar parts of the British Columbia Interior, is technically only semi-arid shrub-steppe.
While some areas in British Columbia are more arid, the South Okanagan area contains several species of plants that are not found elsewhere in Canada. It is the presence of these specific plants in the Antelope-brush ecosystem that is claimed to make the area unique from other semi-desert areas in British Columbia. Some of the land has been converted to irrigated vineyard.
The Osoyoos Band runs the Nk'mip Desert Cultural Centre as part of its resort and winery complex, which is located on the east side of Osoyoos, while the Osoyoos Desert Society maintains a 67 acre nature interpretive facility 3 km north of Osoyoos off Highway 97.
Famous quotes containing the word desert:
“We black men seem the sole oasis of simple faith and reverence in a dusty desert of dollars and smartness.”
—W.E.B. (William Edward Burghardt)