View a list of upcoming Explorer Days and read our Explorer Day Etiquette below!
In response to COVID-19, NatureKids BC is providing online resources and interactions, such as Virtual Explorer Days, to ensure the safety of our members. Please read our COVID-19 Guidelines and Policy for any potential in-person gatherings this summer.
New Explorer Day – Muddy Buddies
Muddy Buddies are Pond Detectives!
The edge of Blackburn Lake is rife with critters of all sorts – an amazing place to encounter pond life and enthrall participants with its biodiversity. Armed with buckets, nets, turkey basters and collecting jars we will first approach the wetland cautiously seeking to discover who will be there sunning themselves? A turtle? A garter snake? A red-winged blackbird? Then, prodding the pond bottom with sticks, looking on and under plants, rocks and logs the search will begin for the tiny creatures hiding in the shadows – those amazing invertebrates and larvae of a multitude of fabulous creatures such as dragon flies and mayflies.
Will we get wet pond dipping? You bet! Will we find eggs? Pond skaters, tadpoles? Voracious diving beetle larvae! We hope so!
As we conclude our study we will carefully select a mixture of critters to view up in the lab at the Conservancy where experts with dissecting scopes and other magnifiers will be waiting for us. Then, more fun as we see in detail appendages, mouth parts and crazy adaptations. Maybe, just maybe we’ll find something so tiny Dr. Elaine Humphrey will put the Scanning Electron microscope to use!
Where: Blackburn Lake, Salt Spring Island Conservancy
When: May 23, 1 – 4:30
What to wear and bring: boots or water type shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water and a snack
Leaders: Reed Osler and Kathleen Maser
Please note that this event is part of an exciting 3-day Program celebrating International Biodiversity Day put on by Nature Salt Spring and the Salt Spring Island Conservancy – the 2026 Biodiversity Extravaganza!
Please register with Kathleen at: saltspring@naturekidsbc.ca
Explorer Day Etiquette:
Be prepared to HAVE FUN
Pre-registration with your Club Leader is required for most Explorer Days (Friends are welcome if space permits).
Please arrive 5-10 minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure enough time for passport stamping and organization. Starting times are firm, and Leaders cannot wait for late-comers!
Please stay with the Leader and let them know if you are leaving early.
Children must always be accompanied by an adult guardian, who is responsible for their behaviour. Children consistently disrupting the experience of others may be asked to leave.
Bring appropriate weather gear, sunscreen, snacks, water, and other useful tools like binoculars, sketch books, cameras, and magnifying glasses.