Community Support and Participants
The initial objective of the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) in developing this centre was to promote and demonstrate composting. The RDNO wanted community involvement in the planning and design stage of the facility so community groups, local government groups and businesses were asked to participate. The groups who assisted in the planning stage, and still continue to support Xerindipity, are listed below:

Regional District of North Okanagan, City of Vernon, Greater Vernon Services Commission, Greater Vernon Parks & Recreation Department , Sustainable Environment Network Society (SENS), Okanagan Science Centre, Venture Training, Briteland Agricultural Services and Supplies Ltd., Kal Architecture, North Okanagan Naturalist Club, North Okanagan Garden and Roses Club, Allan Brooks Nature Centre, and the Vernon Community Arts Centre.

Xerindipity also had assistance from community groups, businesses and other interested individuals in the construction phase. It is garnering community support in the continual day to day operations and the list of contributors and interest in Xerindipity continues to grow. Other donors that have contributed to this wonderful space to date are:

VSS Career Access & Blaire Compton, Sofia Fortin, B- Line Design, Dusty Shovel, Golder Associates Ltd., Swan Lake Nursery, Vernon’s 4 Rotary Clubs (Silver Star, Kalamalka, Tri-Lakes, and Vernon), Postill & Sons, Junior Open Door, Jeff Mellows, Corix, VSS Career Prep Class, W.L. Seaton High School (Woodworking), Lukas R & Marty K, Pryce Development, Tolko Industries, Lloyd Davies, Kal Green Team 05/06, Fermco, Tim Hortons, Katimavik, Starbucks, Russell Short, VSS Grad Class 06, Steve Simon, Zee Marcolin, Nicole Kohnert, Verna Kelso, and Nancy Wilde.

The overall objectives of Xerindipity are:

1. Promote waste reduction.
2. Educate the public on water conservation, xeriscaping, naturescaping and organic lawn and garden care.
3. Promote community participation in environmental stewardship.
4. Promote cancer prevention through environmental initiatives.
5. Highlight aspects of local First Nations culture.
6. Provide a teaching area for environmental initiatives.
7. Provide a sanctuary for visitors.

Operations
The centre’s goal is to function for six to eight months of the year (weather dependant), and accommodate planned school and group tours, and educational workshops on a variety of environmental topics. Currently it is open during regular park hours from April – October. There is signage throughout Xerindipity that provides information on pesticide free gardening, natural lawn care, xeriscaping, vermicomposting, and water reduction strategies. The space is designed for self guided tours with eye-catching interpretive signs. Two examples are shown below.

Educational Endeavours
Xerindipity was home to the first composting workshop on September 22, 2007. This was a great practice round for many others to follow. Several workshops are planned for 2008 including a series that will commence the first Saturday of the month from May- September (August will be the 2nd Saturday). We have also invited renowned xeriscape specialist Sara Williams to host a workshop in April as a kick off to the new season.

Xerindipity Is Open
If you have ideas on how to make Xerindipity an even better place, please let us know. We are always looking for more community involvement. We appreciate your support and look forward to many educational activities in 2008!

Xerindipity Garden Themes
The six main themes of the Xerindipity Garen are Composting, Natural Lawn Care, Pesticide Free Gardening, Water in the Garden, Wiggling Workers and Xeriscaping. Each have their own information brochure available for download and signage at Xerindipity.

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