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.
Single Events
2
Feb
VICTORIA
- 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Celebrate World Wetlands Day at Rithet’s Bog!
We will celebrate World Wetlands Day on February 2nd by visiting the last remaining peat bog on the Saanich Peninsula: Rithet’s Bog. Come join NatureKids for a scavenger hunt and a guided walk around Rithet’s Bog led by our Nature Mentor, Russ Pym, of the Rithet’s Bog Conservation Society. We will learn about the great work that is being done to protect and restore this important wetland.
Location: Rithet’s Bog. Meet at the corner of Chatterton Way and Dalewood Lane in front of the information kiosk. There is parking along Dalewood.
OTHER LOGISTICS: Dress for the weather, rain or shine. Note there are no washroom facilities along the trail. The loop trail around the bog that we will be following is 2.8 km (about a 2 hour walk).
Why are wetlands and bogs important?
Wetlands play a critical role in flood control, maintaining water quality and providing habitat for diverse animal and plant life. Peatlands (bogs) in particular, are also important carbon sinks. Carbon sinks are natural systems that absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and use it in the process of photosynthesis. When plants die, some of this carbon is transferred to soil through decomposition. Peatlands store twice as much carbon as the entire world’s forest biomass (wetlands.org).
By conserving and restoring high carbon wetlands we can reduce carbon emissions and increase our capacity to adapt to climate change, while improving biodiversity, water security and human well-being (wetlands.org).
MORE INFORMATION: on Rithet’s Bog: rithetsbog.org; World Wetlands Day, http://www.worldwetlandsday.