NatureKidsBC

WILDROOTS HOME LEARNERS CLUB- Birding Nature Walk
2026-04-13 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Vancouver)
Join trip leader Neill Vanhinsberg for a morning birding field trip to Iona Beach Regional Park in Richmond. We will explore a mixture of habitats (hedgerows, small wooded areas, marshes, ponds, the Fraser River, beaches, and mudflats) looking for waterfowl, marsh birds, raptors, woodland birds and more.
RSVP today
Date: Monday, April 13, 2026
Time: 9:00am – 10:30 am
Location: Iona Beach Regional Park, 900 Ferguson Rd, Richmond, BC V7B 1W7
All birders are welcome from beginner to expert.
Accessibility: The trails are mostly flat but some can be a bit mucky.
*Registration is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. All confirmed registrants will receive an email confirmation prior to the event.

WESTSHORE- Swan Lake / Christmas Hill
2026-04-17 13:00 - 15:30
1PM • ~5 km • ~2–2.5 hr
Friday, Apr 17
Wetlands, wildflowers, and a mix of ecosystems — a great spot for noticing signs of spring.
To RSVP email Erin at westshore@naturekidsbc.ca

RICHMOND- Iona Island Bird Observatory Visit
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:00
Join WildResearch on a visit to the Iona Island Bird Observatory (IIBO) to see bird banding in action! Learn about bird migration, and connect with nature through the lens of community science!

WildResearch is a local charitable organization that builds, educates, and trains the community to contribute to conservation science. Their programs are run by biologists and volunteers who care deeply about conservation, want to contribute meaningfully to science, and educate the public about the importance of community science.

Iona Beach Regional Park is a very special place for birds. It’s part of the Fraser River Estuary, one of the most important stopovers on the Pacific Flyway—a migration route used by millions of birds traveling between their summer and winter homes. Here at the station, WildResearch studies birds through bird banding. This means gently placing a tiny, numbered band on a bird’s leg. Banding helps scientists track where birds go, how long they live, and how healthy their populations are. The information gathered is important for protecting birds and the ecosystems they depend on.

By visiting, you and your children are seeing science in action—and joining a community that helps keep nature thriving!

Register here https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/iona-island-bird-observatory-visit-tickets-1987068470285?aff=oddtdtcreator

*Meet in the parking lot of Iona Beach Regional Park, just across the washrooms.
*Bird banding is weather-dependent, so this may be cancelled in the event of high winds or rain. *There’s a public washroom in the park about a 10 min walk from the banding station
*The dirt / grassy trail to the station is flat but uneven in parts.

Vernon - Nature Neighbours Day at Allen Brooks
2026-04-18 10:30 - 11:30
Join us for a free, family-friendly day of nature activities and hands-on outdoor discovery at Allan Brooks Nature Centre.
Bring the family out for a free morning of nature discovery, outdoor fun, and hands-on learning for children ages 5-12 and their families!
We will be there at 10:30 to have everyone signed in. We will be around until 11:30.
Feel free to stay on after that, as the event continues until 3:30!
Please let us know if your plans change and you can’t attend the event any longer.
Where: Allan Brooks Nature Centre
When: Saturday, April 18th
Time: 10:30- 11:30
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/nature-neighbours-day-at-allen-brooks-tickets-1986375097388?aff=oddtdtcreator

NELSON- Earth Day Beach Clean-up!
2026-04-18 13:30 - 15:30
Join the Nelson NatureKids Club and the Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society for a fun afternoon learning more about our connections to Kootenay Lake and how to take meaningful action to show our lake some love!
This family-friendly event will include an Earth Day beach clean-up, a meaningful way for kids to make a real impact! Along with fun games, movement, and lake-themed trivia woven in along the way.
Bring your own gloves, everything else will be provided. This is a wonderful opportunity for kids (and grown-ups!) to feel empowered, connected, and part of something bigger.
Free to attend, but pre-registration is required:
Sign up form here
Only those who sign up will receive full event details.
Love Our Lake – Beach Clean-Up for Kids!
April 18
1:30–3:30 PM
Kokanee Creek Provincial Park

SALMON ARM- Birding for Families
2026-04-19 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-26 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-03 09:00 - 11:00

KELOWNA- Annual Lost Lake Snakes and Wildlife Search
2026-04-19 09:30 - 12:30
Join NatureKids Kelowna for the annual trip to Lost Lake to look for snakes and wildlife!
The meeting spot is up a small dirt road off June Springs Rd at the following location.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rfeggV6opue7VqW79
We also recommend that families carpool if possible and leave their cars at the East Kelowna Ball Field parking lot, as it is nearby and there is not a lot of room to park at the meeting point.
We suggest bringing some small snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, rubber boots, and clothes that are ok to get wet or dirty. We will provide nets and other equipment for engaging with the environment.

WILDROOTS- Miyawaki Forest Planting event on Earth Day
2026-04-22 09:00 - 12:00
You’re invited to participate in the Miyawaki Forest Planting event on Earth Day. Please see details below:
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: Terra Nova Park, 2631 Westminster Hwy
Trees for Life is partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation, the City of Richmond, and the Garden City Conservation Society for a community tree planting event at Terra Nova Park in the City of Richmond, BC.
Join us as we plant a “Mini Forest” designed to improve flood resiliency in an area of the Terra Nova Park that has previously experienced flooding.
RSVP today
Please bring water, a snack, and weather appropriate clothing.
*All volunteers must register and sign a waiver in advance in order to participate. Space is limited.

Nicomekl - Earth Day Tree Planting with City of Surrey
2026-04-22 16:30 - 17:30
April 22, 4:30 pm
Crescent Park 129th St. off Crescent Road
We will meet at Crescent Park Lot 3 and go for an explore of this lovely park before joining in with City of Surrey to plant shade trees in celebration of Earth Day! Wear clothing that is appropriate for planting.

HOUSTON - Earth Day Shoreline Cleanup
2026-04-22 18:00 - 19:00
Earth Day Shoreline Cleanup: Date: Wednesday, April 22nd Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Location: Buck Creek Canfor Fish Hatchery and Nature Center Join us this Earth Day as we give back to the planet by taking action in our own community. We’ll be spending an hour helping to clean up the riverbank, removing litter and debris to keep our waterways clean and safe for the animals and plants that depend on them. This is a great opportunity for families and community members to make a real difference, learn about environmental stewardship, and show appreciation for the natural spaces we enjoy. Every small action adds up, and together we can help protect local wildlife and keep our river healthy. Please dress for the weather. All supplies such as gloves and garbage bags will be provided. Let’s work together to care for the Earth—today and every day. For more information please email houston@naturekidsbc.ca

DELTA- 2026 City Nature Challenge
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:00
2026 City Nature Challenge

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm (please arrive 10 minutes early to fill out the consent form)
Location: Deas Island Regional Park
Sign up here.

We’re joining the Delta Naturalists in this year’s City Nature Challenge–a global event to observe and record biodiversity.
The Delta Naturalists will take us on a nature walk around Deas Island and teach us how to use iNaturalist to record observations. We’ll become citizen scientists as we explore, discover, and share the incredible biodiversity in Delta by observing and reporting on the nature all around us — birds, bugs, trees, shrubs, ferns, and more.
Where to Park and Meet
We’ll meet at the parking lot near the rowing club. This is the first parking lot on the left as you arrive at Deas Island.

What to Bring

Bring phones or cameras if you can. If you’re bringing a phone, download the free iNaturalist app before you come. You can also upload photos from your camera to iNaturalist on a phone or computer after you get home.
Dress for the weather. We’ll be there rain or shine, so come prepared. Please bring your own water bottles and any snacks you need to keep you going.

MISSION- Earth Fest
2026-04-25 11:00 - 15:00
Come say hello to the Mission NatureKids Club at the Mission Earth Fest!
For more information on the festival, click here

Heritage Park
Saturday, April 25 from 11am- 3pm

Party for the Planet: BC’s largest Earth Day Celebration
2026-04-25 11:00 - 19:00
Drop by our booth
Let’s go and “Party for the Planet” together! This event is open to the public but NatureKidsBC would love to invite you to visit our booth on this special occasion that celebrates our earth. Discover different ways of taking action for your community that protect parks, animals and biodiversity. The festival is full of free goodies (come early), all day performances, live music, booths and many indoor as well as outdoor spaces. The event is held right by the skytrain at Surrey Civic Plaza and City Hall has free parking all day! celebration, this free event is packed with exciting things to do for all ages.
This is not an explorer day but it is a community event we are a part of.
You can even come help out with games if you want or swing by for some goodies.
Interested in volunteering for 30-60 minutes? Drop by or email programs@naturekidsbc.ca

April 25, 11am-7pm
Surrey City Hall Plaza (13450 104 Ave).
Drop-in.
All ages.
Hosted by City of Surrey.

NORTH VANCOUVER - Explorer Day at Whytecliff Park
2026-04-26 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for a morning at West Vancouver’s Whytecliff Park!
We will look for shells and other aquatic life and create a nature notebook to take home.
Sunday, April 26th
10-11:30 am
Location: 7102 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2T3
Register here

COMOX- Hike at Nymph Falls
2026-04-26 10:00 - 12:00
Join the Comox Valley NatureKids BC club for a morning of hiking and exploring Nymph Falls! This will be an activity geared towards children 5-12 but younger siblings are welcome. The trail is not all completely compatible with a stroller so I would recommend a child carrier. We will meet for 10:00 to 10:15am at the picnic tables (I circled them on the map). I will have a couple of activities and then we will leave for a hike around 10:30 to 11:30 and meet back at the picnic table for a story. I have attached a map of the park and highlighted our hike (this is not set in stone as the route). *Please note this is limited to 15 Families!
Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Nymph Falls (I will be in the parking lot at 10:00 and then at the picnic table for 10:15, see map).

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeK0d_8jgBMnZCa-WMnxlxeeUC-b5NpxfE_XK6FwbhfLKZD9Q/viewform?usp=publish-editor

WHISTLER- Spring Shoots & Blooms
2026-04-26 10:00 - 12:00
Our next Explorer Day will be “Spring Shoots & Blooms” on Sunday, April 26. Location is still pending, and we’ll send more details to registered participants as we get closer to the date. Sign-in will start at 9:45 am, and the program will run from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. We’ll focus on spring blooms and how they are connected to other spring life.

Registration opens on Wednesday (April 15) at 8 am. After this time, please send us an email at this address letting us know:

Name and ages of children whom you’d like to register – children must be 5 – 12 years old
Name(s) of parent(s)/guardian(s) whom you’d like to register – a reminder that this program is for families, so at least one parent/guardian must also attend

Note that now is the time to listen for Tree Frogs! We’ve heard them in the Emerald Forest and in Lost Lake Park. Have you heard them anywhere else?

COWICHAN- River Screw Trap
2026-04-26 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for a unique opportunity to visit the Cowichan River Screw Trap. We’ll observe aquatic life, learn about the salmon cycle and ongoing conservation projects.

An RST, or rotary screw trap, is set in rivers to slow the flow and funnel fish into a trap for counting and tagging.

Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
Time: 10:00am – Our events are casual and end times are flexible, but expect to spend an hour or two
Location: Church Street, off Allenby Road. Google Map link.
A reminder that children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Click here to register

The event will be outdoors so please dress for the weather. There are no washrooms on site.

COQUITLAM- Earth Day Weekend Celebration Sunday Picnic and Action for the Planet!
2026-04-26 11:00 - 14:00
Inviting you to come together from across the lower mainland to join us for food, conversation and some action for nature. Michelle from our staff team will be leading this event and will have games and resources in abundance. Join us for a fun day of activities, action and to share gratitude for the planet and each other. Snacks and light food will be provided at this event!
Schedule:

11am-11:30am Welcome and opening by locals nature champions
11:30am-1:00pm native plant and animal walk + group picnic + snail hunt!??
1:00-1:30pm closing circle and transition time
1:30-4pm optional Bioblitz sessions led by Fraser River Discovery Centre (1:30-2:30 and 3-4pm).

Our nature walk will be led by the Kwikwetlem First Nation and Lower Coquitlam River Nature Association! After lunch you will be inspired to also become a park champion and join the optional iNaturalist biobliz events led by Fraser River Discovery Centre! Please invite your wider family and friends!
April 26th (sunday)11am-2pm + additional bio blitz event until 4pm!
ƛ̓éxətəm Regional Park (Colony Farm Regional Park, Coquitlam)
*Meet us on the grass by the public toilets at the south end of the park (65JR+CR Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada).
*Free Parking in the lot. No public transit to this loc
ation without a decent walk.
* Bioblitz portion of the day is a “River Basin Days” open to the public via registration (if you are coming to the NatureKidsBC picnic you do not need to register again for the bioblitz). Adults, get ready by downloading iNaturalist (Canadian version HERE)
Register through the link here

MAPLE RIDGE – Goodbye Chums
2026-04-26 11:00 - 14:00
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sunday April 26

NatureKids BC will be hosting an outreach table at the Goodbye Chums event hosted by the Kanaka Education & Environmental Partnership Society.
All families are welcome to attend!
Kick start a salmon fry’s journey to the ocean by helping release them into Kanaka Creek. Enjoy activity stations and chat with hatchery volunteers to discover more about your watershed and how to keep it clean for salmon.
For more information, location and directions click here.

MERRITT- Wetlands
2026-05-02 10:00 - 12:00
Please join us on Saturday May 2nd from 10-noon at the Laurie Guichon Memorial Site (Lundbom Commonage).

We have a wonderful guest mentor, Natalie Ross, who will be leading us on an Explorer Day all about wetlands! Natalie harbors a deep passion for the environment, balancing indigenous knowledge and western science. Natalie holds a B.Sc in Environmental Studies from TWU, and currently is undertaking her Master of Science in Environmental Science at TRU.

We will be exploring the wetland so please be prepared to play in the muck.

To register, email merritt@naturekidsbc.ca

RICHMOND- Protect the Dunes at Iona Beach
2026-05-02 10:00 - 12:30
Come help remove invasive plant species at Iona Beach Regional Park!
Located where the Fraser River meets the sea, Iona Beach Regional Park is known for its unique sand dune ecosystem. It is home to a rare community of sand dune plants and sits amid the Pacific Flyway – making it important habitat for over 300 species of migrating birds, as well as its year-round inhabitants. Join us as we continue to remove invasive plants in a long-term effort to restore this valuable ecosystem!
Where: Iona Beach Regional Park – Meet near the Iona Beach Public Washrooms https://maps.app.goo.gl/88tkHBCNE2tr5U728
What: Invasive plant removal (mainly Scotch broom)
When: Saturday, May 2nd
Time: 10:00AM – 12:30PM
Register by clicking the link here
We will provide you with all the information and tools needed for the work we will be doing. This includes eye protection and gloves, although if people prefer to use their own gloves they are welcome to do so.
Please arrive dressed for the weather (rain or shine), in warm clothing that can get dirty, with appropriate footwear.
Please bring water bottles and a snack if you tend to get hungry while working.

A few things to note about the site:
• There is free parking on-site.
• There is a washroom at our meeting place. The worksite is adjacent to the washroom building.
• The site is in a public area, be mindful or sharp or hazardous litter.
• There is a water fountain near the washrooms as well as a hose for washing sand off.

Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns prior to the event!

VERNON- Walk and Talk with Norbert from Vernon Naturalist Club
2026-05-02 10:30 - 11:30
Join us for an easy walk and talk to discover new and interesting finds at Swan Lake Nature Reserve. We will do a casual stroll to the lookout and back while enjoying an information talk with Norbert from the Vernon Naturalist Club.
Age range 5-12; however, all ages are welcome, and the trail is stroller-friendly. Meet in the main parking lot at 1030.

Where: Swan Lake Nature Reserve
When: Saturday May, 2nd at 10:30
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/walk-and-talk-with-norbert-from-vernon-naturalist-club-tickets-1986476660165?aff=oddtdtcreator

VANCOUVER- Beach Life Discoveries: An Intertidal Exploration
2026-05-02 11:30 - 13:30
May 2st, 2026, 11:30 – 1:30 PM
On Saturday May 2, 11:30 – 1:30 PM, we’ll gather to discover the many fascinating plants and animals of the intertidal area with the guidance of expert Nature Mentors. Intertidal species have adapted to survive in two very different environments—both underwater and on land!
Low tide provides us with the opportunity to get close to these life forms that spend most of their time underwater. We’ll see spiny sea stars, 10 legged crabs, all sorts of clams (some may spurt water at us), barnacles of all sizes, marine worms, eel-like fish, and green, brown and red seaweeds, all with different textures.
How do these species survive during the low tides? Some attach themselves to rocks and close their “doors”, some burrow under the sand, others shelter under seaweed to stay moist, or hide in abandoned shells. What predators do you think might want to eat these tasty creatures in the intertidal zone?
Prior to this Explorer Day, please review the “Beach Etiquette in the Intertidal Zone” with your family. As visitors to this rocky and slippery environment, we need to ensure we’re keeping ourselves safe as well as all the sea creatures. We’ll review guidelines at our meeting location as well.
Lastly, as we are all good ocean stewards, we’ll have a container for any garbage we find on the beach. Just let an adult know if you see some garbage, and we’ll collect it safely.

Register Here

When: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 11:30 – 1:30 PM
Who: All ages – bring the teens too!
Meeting Location: We’ll meet at the far side of the Foxes Den Spray (Splash) Park, i.e., the side further away from the Lumberman’s Arch Concession. It’s down the hill from the Vancouver Aquarium. See map attached.

What to bring:

Your own field guides if you have any, but don’t worry if not, we will have some to share.
Sunscreen, hat, waterproof jacket depending on weather.
The rocky shore is often slippery so have footwear that has a good grip and you don’t mind getting muddy or wet.
A small magnifying glass and camera can be useful. Binocs to see birds and marine mammals such as seals.
Snacks and water! Since this Explorer Day is over the lunch hour,come prepared! Depending on the weather, you might even want to bring a picnic – there are tables by the concession stand.

Getting there:
Drivers Google Map: The Fox’s Den (Spray Park), Stanley Park for more accurate location. Please give yourself time to account for traffic and to find parking.
There is pay parking throughout Stanley Park and a parking lot across the street from the meeting area. See map.
Transit The #19 bus stops at the Stanley Park Loop Bay 1, and is a 5-minute walk to the meeting point. Going in the direction of the Lumberman’s Arch Concession stand will get you there. See attached map for the route to the meeting location.
Washrooms are located next to the Lumberman’s Arch Concession.
Weather: We go rain or shine! However, we may cancel in the case of heavy rain. We will be in touch with you a few days before the event to confirm details.
Liability Waiver: Please read the Liability Waiver that you will be asked to sign at the Explorer Day gathering.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
We hope to see some of you there!

Carmen and Deborah

COWICHAN- Xpey' (Cedar) Family Planting Day: Sunday, May 3, 11am - 2pm
2026-05-03 11:00 - 14:00
Registration link coming soon

This project is taking actions to mitigate the loss of Xpey’ (Cedar), a cultural keystone species that is threatened by climate change and land development. The QCCS is engaging youth and Elders to revitalize traditional cultural practices for the stewardship and use of Xpey’ through reconnecting youth to cultural knowledge and teachings about the land
All ages welcome. Soup will be served. Shovels and work gloves provided

Location: Near Skutz on Cowichan Lake Road. Specific location coming soon
Explorer Day in collaboration with the Quw’utsun Cultural Connections Society

SMITHERS- Bats & Bat Houses
2026-05-07 15:00 - 17:00
After a talk on bats in our area, the kids will work on the construction of a bat house.

Bats start to return and be active in our area in early May.
Location 4479 Gelley Road
Thursday 7 May,
3-5 pm.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/bats-bat-house-tickets-1987026946085?aff=oddtdtcreator

SURREY- Green Timbers Scavenger Hunt
2026-05-09 10:00 - 11:30
For our first explorer day, we are going to Green Timbers Urban Forest Park, where there is a beautiful pond, and various bird species. To make this gathering more exciting we propose a scavenger hunt, while we walk around the pond!
There will be more information to come closer to the date.
Please reach out if you have any questions!
Save the date: May 09th 10:00am – 11:30am at Green Timbers Urban Forest Park
Meeting point at the main parking lot.

Nicomekl - World Migratory Bird Day
2026-05-09 10:30 - 11:30
May 9th, 10:30 am
Sanford Hall, Kwomais Pt. Park, 1367 128 St Surrey
Lets learn about the birds in this amazing area! Fun Family Presentation & Activities followed by a bird walk through the park. Bring binoculars if you have them (there will be some to borrow if needed), water bottle and snack, and dress for the weather. Hosted by Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society.

SURREY- Mothers Day Bird Friendly Afternoon Picnic
2026-05-10 13:00 - 15:00
Get ready to celebrate all the amazing moms out there, bird and human!
Celebrate mothers day by learning about how birds take care of their babies and how they can help us become calmer, wiser humans. We will snack together in the afternoon, meet other families from NatureKids community and member of the public. Come learn what you can do to help nature and gain tips for the best places to visit in Metro Vancouver. This event is a collaboration with VARC (Vancouver Avian Research Centre).
Bring your snacks, raincoats, and social spirit!
Date and Time: May 10th (Sunday) 1pm-3pm
Location: Holland Park, Surrey: 13428 Old Yale Rd, Surrey, BC V3T 3C7, Canada (Search: “55M3+G4 Surrey, British Columbia, Canada”) See Google Maps Link here

Meet us by the public toilets at the side of the park closer to King George Skytrain station.
Free street parking around.
Parking lot at King George station.
Excellent skytrain access and public transit hub.
This event is open to the public as a special collaboration for the Surrey Environmental Extravaganza (April 19-June 8) and Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration (May 1-17).
Check out all the many FREE events in these two festivals!

Register Here
