Research
Fall Turtles
I have been studying the turtle populations of the Okanagan Valley since 2014. Normally my fieldwork is complete by this time of year however this year the turtles are out late. The daytime temperatures are […]
Articles by Justin DeMerchant
Research
I Thought I Saw a Slider
On September 6th, 2022, at 6:00 pm, I was conducting a turtle survey at McGuire Lake in Salmon Arm when I thought I might have seen a Red-Eared Slider. […]
Adoptions
Reopening on September 2, 2022!
Good news! After being closed for almost two years, our turtle adoption and surrender services will be reopening on September 2, 2022. We will have some turtles up for adoption again shortly after that! If […]
Education
PE Mysis Premium Fish Food
Mysis Shrimp were introduced to Okanagan Lake in 1966 to help feed the Kokanee Salmon. However instead of being a food source for the Kokanee, they became invasive and now they compete with the Kokanee […]
Adoptions
Adoption Program Update
Our adoption and surrender services are temporarily closed. All events and education programs have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our services will be operational again as soon as possible. Please contact us if […]
Education
Leatherbacks in BC – They’re out there you know!
https://youtu.be/sej8s6WQn2c “Yes, there are Leatherback Turtles off British Columbia’s coast! In fact, the cold ocean off BC is extremely important to this endangered sea turtle species. Leatherbacks migrate all the way from Indonesian to feed on the jellyfish […]
Research
Red-Eared Slider Turtle Caught at Kasugai Gardens
This feral Red-Eared Slider was caught at Kasugai Gardens City Park on July 27th, 2019. The garden is located across the street from Okanagan Lake in downtown Kelowna. The turtle, which is an invasive species, […]
Shop
Used 300 Gallon Stock Tank for Sale! *SOLD – This item is no longer available
This tank was only briefly used and it is in excellent condition. On sale now for $249.99! (Regular Price New: $499.99 plus tax) *SOLD – This item is no longer available Please contact us to […]
Events
Interior Reptile Expo: June 8th & 9th, 2019
We will be setting up a table at the Interior Reptile Expo this year! Lots of reptiles and lots of fun! Moccasin Square Gardens 315 Southern Yellowhead Hwy Kamloops, BC Saturday June 8th, 2019 10:00 […]
Events
Reptiles & Amphibians at Mission Creek: April 28, 2019
Short lessons, live reptiles, crafts and guided nature hikes! Intended for all ages, fun and educational for the entire family! Lesson Topic: The Turtles of British Columbia 1:00 – 3:00 pm, Sunday April 28, 2019 […]
Shop
Exo-Terra Habisphere Desktop Terrariums for Sale! (New & Used) *SOLD – This item is no longer available
Stylish and Compact Desktop Terrariums Touch-controlled LED lighting Daytime and night/blue moonlight modes Curved front glass for viewing from the top All glass (12″ x 18″ base and 12″ tall) Hinged lid on the top […]
Shop
Fluval FX4 Filters for Sale! (New & Used) *SOLD – This item is no longer available.
NEW Fluval FX4 High Performance Canister Filter: – Brand new, still in the box! – Filter media included Price: $349.99 (Regular Price: $364.99 plus tax) *SOLD – This item is no longer available. USED […]
Events
Kikinee Salmon Festival: September 23, 2018
We will be setting up a reptiles and amphibians information table at the Kikinee Salmon Festival at Mission Creek Regional Park in Kelowna on Sunday September 23, 2018 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. This […]
Adoptions
Turtles up for Adoption
Henry is a male Cumberland Slider (Trachemys scripta troostii) (~17cm shell length). He is very friendly toward people but not toward other turtles! He has a great appetite and slides into the water to feed […]
Education
Turtles of the Okanagan
There are two species of turtle with populations in the Okanagan Valley. Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) Status in the Okanagan: Indigenous At Risk Special Concern How to Identify: Red plastron (underside) Yellow head […]
Research
Red-Eared Slider Turtle Caught at Shannon Lake
This Red-Eared Slider was spotted at Shannon Lake Regional Park, West Kelowna on May 26th, 2018 by Brendan Schlamp while volunteering with the Peachland Sportsmen’s Association at the Go Fish Program. He shared his pictures […]
Events
Reptiles & Amphibians at Mission Creek: April 22, 2018
Lesson Topic: Invasive Species 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Sunday April 22nd, 2018 Mission Creek Regional Park, Kelowna, BC *Free, Registration Required *THIS EVENT HAS ENDED Event Images:
Adoptions
Turtles up for Adoption
We currently have three turtles up for adoption: Cosmos is a male red-eared slider, ~7″ shell length. Dilly is a female red-eared slider, ~7″ shell length. Henry is a male yellow-bellied slider, ~6.5″ shell length. […]
Events
Reptiles and Amphibians at Mission Creek: April 23, 2017
Sunday April 23rd, 2017 10:00 am-12:00 pm The Children’s Fishing Pond at Mission Creek Regional Park Kelowna, BC *Free, Registration Required *THIS EVENT HAS ENDED Event Images:
Research
Okanagan Red-Eared Sliders Research Project
Segment Featured in Global Okanagan News: “The Western painted turtle is indigenous to the Okanagan and is listed as ‘at-risk.’ The reptile’s threat is heightened when people release red-eared slider turtles and other non-native species into […]
Events
11th Annual BC Arachnoparty: August 8, 2015
Participants are welcome to bring invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians to trade, sell or just show off! Guests are invited to arrive any time after 12:00 pm. No entry fee but donations are encouraged. Saturday August […]