Photo:Tonasket

Okanogan Valley
Land Council

The Okanogan Valley Land Council (OVLC) is a group of people dedicated to preserving the region's rural way of life by protecting working land, open space and wildlife habitats.
line decor
line decor
EDUCATION & OUTREACH

OVLC promotes long-term responsible stewardship and educates the public about conservation issues.fieldtripConnecting People to the Land


Connecting people to the land is an important step in learning to appreciate it and care for it. OVLC fosters this connection in several ways:

  • Okanogan Oral History Project: Designed to help middle school students understand more about the historical context of our landscape through the eyes of community elders, OVLC sponsors this event annually. Students' 2008 essays focused on historical local food sources of the Okanogan. Efforts are currently being made to move this project to community groups that work with youth connected to agriculture and natural resources such as 4-H.
  • Field Trips: Local naturalists have shared their expertise in areas such as wildflowers, birds, and tracking. This is an area of outreach that is continuing to grow and evolve.
  • Volunteer Opportunities: OVLC periodically has a number of opportunities for folks to share their energy, skills and knowledge in land-based activities. Assistance with baseline data collection, restoration projects, and weed eradication are areas where we've gratefully had input from the wider community of volunteers. For current volunteer needs, see "How You Can Get Involved."

Publications
Various publications provide good education about important issues. The Legacy of Stewardship: A Landowner's Guide to the Okanogan is a free handbookharvestdinnerdesigned to provide information about a variety of topics that are important to landowners, especially if they're new to the area or have not previously lived in a rural setting. Okanogan Land Legacy: Conservation Easement Information provides some in-depth explanation of how conservation easements work. OVLC publishes an e-Newsletter quarterly. Send an Email: to be added to our newsletter list, or call the office at (509) 486-2765.

Informational Presentations
OVLC partners with other organizations to bring speakers on various topics to the Okanogan. Check Upcoming Events to find out about future opportunities. OVLC also presents information to a number of organizations, community and business groups about its work and opportunities for conservation. Please contact the OVLC office at (509) 486-2765 or Email: if you are interested in learning more or scheduling a presentation.

Okanogan Valley Land Council
PO Box 293
416 1/2 South Whitcomb Avenue #3
Tonasket, WA 98855

Office: 509-486-2765 or
Toll-Free: 1.877.486.2765