Stewardship refers to taking care of the natural areas around us, like local parks, beaches, forests or our own backyards. NatureKids BC engages its participants in stewardship initiatives. Not only does stewardship ensure the existence of our wild spaces, but it is also a fantastic way to learn about and connect with the natural world.
Our Nature Clubs are encouraged to spend at least one Explorer Day a year on activities that improve or enhance habitat. Through partnerships and funders, we often have small grants available for our Nature Clubs for tools, equipment and other materials. Contact us at coordinator@naturekidsbc.ca to learn how you can host your own stewardship event and about possible grants for your community.
Here are a few examples of environmental stewardship!
1) Removal of Invasive Species:
- Our Victoria Nature Club worked with Friends of Uplands Park in Oak Bay to remove patches of invasive ivy and restore natural habitat.
- Our Delta Home Learners club spends several days throughout the year pulling up the invasive scotch broom at Boundary Bay Park. Tools, training and safety gear were provided by the Boundary Bay Park Association.
2) Planting of Native Species:
- Our Otter Home Learners Club participated in restorative planting in Brae Island Regional Park on the Fraser River in Fort Langley.
- Our Oceanside Nature Club planted Sitka Spruce in the Englishman River Estuary in association with the Arrowsmith Naturalists Club.
- Our South Okanagan Club planted cottonwood trees in association with the Okanagan Nations Alliance, the Regional District of the Okanagan-Similkameen, and the University of British Columbia.
3) Restoration and Construction Projects:
- The Delta Home Learners Club in association with the Delta Naturalists spent some days examining and cleaning out the Bird Boxes at Boundary Bay Regional Park.
- Biologist and award winning conservationist Andrea Gielens taught the Eastern Fraser Valley Nature Club about painted turtles and headed an invasive plant pulling event so baby turtles could get out of their nest.
- The Nelson club did a beach and shoreline cleanup around Kootenay Lake and learned about its ecosystem with the Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society