Meet Ray, one of our amazing NatureKids BC volunteers that helps provide meaningful moments in nature for families in the Qualicum Beach area!
A bit about Ray!
Ray’s passion has always been advocating for our youth, social justice, and the natural environment. With a long history volunteering to create opportunities for youth, bringing awareness to our natural environment, leading data gathering and restoration projects, Ray is excited to join NatureKids. Ray is a director with the Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers, the Qualicum Beach Museum and Historical Society, President for the Qualicum School District Parents Advisory Councils and serves as a program manager for the UNESCO designated Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you experience nature around you?
I’ve always had a strong connection to nature, which has shaped both my personal and professional life. Living on Vancouver Island, I’m constantly inspired by the beauty of our forests, streams, and coastline. Whether it’s restoring salmon habitat with the Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers, guiding kids in outdoor exploration through NatureKids BC, or working on sustainability initiatives with the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region, I feel most at home when I’m outside, actively contributing to conservation efforts.
For me, experiencing nature isn’t just about enjoying a beautiful landscape—it’s about being a part of it. I love watching seasonal changes, spotting wildlife, and engaging with local ecosystems in meaningful ways. From the thrill of seeing salmon return to spawn in restored streams to the joy of hearing a child’s excitement as they discover the wonders of a tide pool, these experiences fuel my passion for environmental stewardship. My goal is to help others—especially young people—develop that same appreciation and responsibility for the natural world.
What do you like about volunteering and what inspired you to join NatureKids BC?
I love volunteering because it brings people together for a shared purpose—whether it’s restoring a stream, educating children about nature, or strengthening our community. Seeing the positive impact of hands-on engagement, especially in young people, is incredibly rewarding. It’s inspiring to watch kids develop a connection to nature and become future stewards of the environment.
I joined NatureKids BC because I believe that fostering curiosity about the natural world at an early age is key to building lifelong environmental awareness. Getting kids outdoors, exploring, and learning about ecosystems helps instill a sense of responsibility and respect for our planet. Plus, it’s fun! There’s nothing better than seeing a child’s excitement when they spot their first salmon fry or discover the wonders of a local wetland
Do you have a favourite NatureKids moment that you can share with us?
One of my favorite NatureKids moments was during a stream exploration day, where we were measuring water temperature and pH to assess the health of the habitat. As we dipped our thermometers and test strips into the stream, the kids were fascinated to see how small changes in the water could impact fish and other aquatic life. The real excitement came when we spotted tiny salmon fry darting between the rocks. Watching the kids’ faces light up as they realized these little fish were beginning their journey was amazing. One child asked, ‘Does the temperature tell us if they’re happy here?’—which sparked a great conversation about how salmon need cool, clean water to survive. Moments like these show how science and stewardship go hand in hand, helping young minds connect data to the real, living world around them.
Become a member today and discover Explorer Days in your community!