NatureKidsBC

NELSON
2019-10-26 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver)
Astronomy Night!
Come and join us and mentor Wayne Holmes while we take a look through his telescopes. He will have a quick talk and then he will position the scopes so we can see a variety of interesting things (cluster, double stars, planets, etc). He has a variety of nice telescopes and will introduce the kids to many cool things to see. An event worth checking out!

This event is outdoors only so come dressed appropriately. I’ll try to have a warm drink station available to keep up toasty, but hats, mitts and coats are a good idea!
Location: Taghum Hall

KAMLOOPS
2019-10-27 10:00 - 11:30
Nature Art

Please bring your arty ideas as we’ll be creating art with found objects in the park. We will supply glue and paper, but feel free to bring your favourite notebook or other art supplies. We can even practice drawing leaves and bugs!

It might be chilly out and we’ll be staying in one place, so please bring cosy clothes. We’ll have tea to warm you up. Please RSVP here and remember you can feel free to bring friends along. Just look for the guest pass on the website.

Location: Alberta McGowan Park

VICTORIA
2019-10-27 12:00 - 14:00
Creepy, Crawly Critters at Swan Lake
Are you squeamish, or do you mind having critters crawl on you? Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is putting on a public event sponsored by the Victoria Natural History Society and the Victoria Bug Zoo. Come join us on this Explorer Day to learn fascinating facts about spiders and other insects. They may introduce you to the bug zoo’s famous tarantula. If the bugs are too much, you can take in the local wildlife by taking a walk along the nature trails throughout the park.
WHERE to meet and park: Follow the signs to the Swan Hill Sanctuary off McKenzie Avenue and you will get to a parking lot close to the Nature House. The event will be set up in the Nature House, so we will meet in there.
RSVP HERE
MAP LINK: https://www.swanlake.bc.ca/visit-explore/hours-location/
OTHER LOGISTICS: Admission is by donation and the suggested donation is $5 per person.
Dogs are not allowed in the park so please leave your animals at home.
MORE INFORMATION: https://www.swanlake.bc.ca/about-us/the-sanctuary/

NORTH VANCOUVER
2019-10-27 12:00 - 16:00
Reptile Hissss-travaganza!
Open House at the Ecology Centre from Noon to 4 pm
Help us celebrate reptiles! Join the Westcoast Reptile Education Society for our annual visit with these beautiful and often misunderstood animals. You’ll discover that reptiles aren’t as scary as you might think.
Suggested donation: $2 per person or $5 per family

COMOX VALLEY
2019-10-27 13:00 - 15:00
Focus on Fungus!
We are lucky to have Alison Maingon from Comox Valley Nature joining us as our guest leader, helping us to find and learn about various forest fungi located in the park. It might be fun to bring a magnifying glass on this trip as mushrooms can look pretty cool close up! Mushroom photos are fun too if you have a camera or phone you want to use for pictures.

Please come prepared for the weather as we tend to go out rain or shine. If the weather is looking “iffy” I will send out an email confirming whether or not we are going out by 11am. Generally speaking, we only call it off if there is a heavy wind making it potentially unsafe in the forest.

Location and directions: Nymph Falls Nature Park. Take Piercy Road from Condensory Road heading to Inland Island Highway 19. Turn Left on Forbidden Plateau Road. The main parking lot is on the left hand side.

VANCOUVER
2019-10-27 14:00 - 15:30
Fall Walk at Deer Lake
On Sunday October 27th at 2 pm, the Vancouver Club will meet for a walk around Deer Lake. Please bring your binoculars and bird field guides (we’ll bring some too) and we’ll have a look at the ducks that are on the water. Also in honour of fall, we’ll look for all things nature-related that are red. We may see some red-breasted or common mergansers (they have red bills), and there might be some pretty maple trees as well.

We’ll meet at the parking lot off of Sperling Ave where there is the small beach and boat rental location. It is about a 3 km walk around the lake and should take us 1 – 1.5 hours. Register here.

VANCOUVER
2019-10-27 14:00 - 16:00
A Fall Walk at Deer Lake

The Vancouver Club will meet at Deer Lake on Sunday October 20th at 2 pm for a walk around the lake. Please bring your binoculars and bird field guides and we’ll have a look at the ducks that are on the water. Also in honour of fall, we’ll look for all things nature-related that are red. We may see some red-breasted or common mergansers (they have red bills), and there might be some pretty maple trees as well.

We’ll meet at the parking lot off of Sperling Ave where there is the small beach and boat rental location.

It is about a 3 km walk around the lake and should take us 1 – 1.5 hours. Register here.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

BULKLEY VALLEY
2019-11-01 15:00 - 16:30
Interpretive Bat Walk
Join us for an interpretative walk, Friday, November 1st, 3:00-4:30pm. Led by our nature mentor: Ashleigh from Skeena BC Bats, to check out a local bat habitat.
We will be learning more about bats in our area, the importance of them, why they are in danger, and what we can do to protect them in their environment.
Meet at Willowvale Marsh trail, this is beside Elks Park and behind Ambleside Subdivision (behind Canadian Tire).
Bat Week is Oct 24-31, 2019. For more fun citizen science activities check out the links below to explore with your family.
https://batweek.org/
https://1d50c56e26.nxcli.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/13_Bat-Champion-Explorer-Day.pdf

Looking forward to learning alongside you and your kids –

Sarah Wright and Alethia Perry

VICTORIA
2019-11-02 13:00 - 14:00
Mushroom Walk and Talk
The weather is cooler and the days are becoming shorter. This coincides with the emergence of mushrooms, or fungi. Mushrooms are a vital part of the forest ecosystem. On this Explorer Day, we will go on a mushroom hunt. We will learn about the different kinds of mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest. Some are safe to eat and others are not. Can we figure out how to tell the difference?
We will be joining our Nature Mentor Katie Turner from the CRD on a walk through the beautiful Francis/King Regional Park. The park is home to some of the largest Douglas fir trees in the Victoria area, and hopefully a lot of mushrooms!
WHERE: We will meet at the Francis King Nature Centre (next to the parking lot) Saanich, Francis/King Regional Park.
COME PREPARED: Wear warm layers for being outdoors in the woods; it can get chilly among the trees.
Bring your magnifying glass if you have it and don’t forget your NatureKids passports!
Please RSVP here if you can make it.

COMOX VALLEY
2019-11-04 08:00 - 17:00
Rosewall Creek Provincial Park Exploration

We’ll go on a hike in the forest and then have some creek based activities, look for evidence of spawning chum salmon, and we’ll also check out the recent work BC Parks has been doing to restore streambanks and protect from erosion.

I hope many of you can make it. There are some picnic tables, or we might find another spot along the trail for a little snack – so pack a little something and maybe a thermos of hot chocolate and we can enjoy a “year end” snack together as well, as this is the last Explorer Day scheduled for 2019.

Location: The park is about 30mins south of Courtenay and can be accessed by the Cook Creek interchange off Hwy #19 or from Hwy #19a.

Guests are welcome to try out an Explorer Day, so feel free to bring along family or friends.

DELTA HL
2019-11-07 12:00 - 13:30
Farm Tour
Plans have changed and on this Explorer Day we will be touring a farm with Earthwise mentor Jessica. The kids will get to explore the farm and get their hands dirty with a fun activity.

Please RSVP to deltahl (at) naturekidsbc.ca
Directions to the farm:
The farm is behind Southpointe Academy in Delta. You will enter through the South Delta Baptist Church entrance off of 56 St. Once you enter, turn right and then take the first left to remain in the church parking lot (if you continue into Southpointe Academy’s parking, the entrance to the farm will be blocked by the orange cones I’ve marked on the map). Take a left at the end of the parking lot to head north, and follow the dirt road to the right around the bushes into our parking area. After parking, you’ll see a path through the trees that will lead you right out to the farm. As long as you make it behind the church, we’ll find you! If anyone is having trouble finding their way, have them give me a call at 778-681-0655

NICOMEKL
2019-11-09 10:00 - 12:00
Tree Planting
Come plant trees and shrubs to help grow Surrey’s urban forest. Gloves, tools & training provided. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to get muddy! We’ll be lead by Kirin from Surrey Parks.
Location: Chantrell Creek Park, 2451 137A Street, South Surrey

RIDGE MEADOWS
2019-11-09 10:00 - 12:00
Fun with Fungi!
We have planned a nature walk to explore the park and discover and learn about our fungi friends! Please dress appropriately for the weather!
Location: We’ll meet at the Kanaka Creek Fish Hatchery Parking Lot – 11450 256th Street, Maple Ridge.
Please RSVP to ridgemeadows (at) naturekidsbc.ca for your families attendance. This is a free event so please feel free to bring other family and friends.

NANAIMO
2019-11-09 10:00 - 14:00
Riparian Planting

Join us and the Walley Creek Streamkeepers for another one of their Riparian Planting days. First we will explore the area to see how the plants we planted last year have fared, and to think about why they may or may not have done well how and where we planted them. Then we will be planting native plants in special polygons that our biologist has helped us to set up.

We will be meeting at Morningside Park, along Morningside Drive. Bring Shovels and gardening gloves if you’ve got them. If you don’t – No worries, we will have extras. We will have refreshments for afterwards.

Please fill out the RSVP form in the link to let us know if your family plans to attend the explorer day.

EASTERN FRASER VALLEY
2019-11-09 14:00 - 16:00
Bear Aware
It’s that time of year again when all of our furry friends are getting ready to hunker down for a long winters nap and we thought “what better time to learn?”. Thankfully we have our good friend and Nature Mentor Lydia Koot to tell us about what to expect from our bear friends right now and how to keep ourselves “Bear Aware” so that everyone stays safe.
Please join us at 2pm at the Mt.Thom trail head in Ryder Lake where we will go for a short hike and learn about bear activity and other interesting and useful ways to protect ourselves and bears. At the end of the hike we will have some snacks but please remember to bring your own water bottles and dress appropriately for the weather. This event will take place rain or shine so be prepared so that you can enjoy the event and learn lots of new stuff while being comfortable.

NORTH OKANAGAN
2019-11-10 13:00 - 14:30
Creek Walk and Games
We will walk along the creek, by the Rose Garden. We will do some migration games in the open lawn area
Location: Polson Park, Vernon, BC

COMOX VALLEY
2019-11-10 13:00 - 15:00
Rosewall Creek Provincial Park Adventure
Join us for a hike and a few forest and creek based activities! We’ll look for evidence of spawning chum salmon, and we’ll also check out the recent work BC Parks has been doing to restore stream banks and protect them from erosion.
There are some picnic tables, or we might find another spot along the trail for a little snack. Pack a little something and maybe a thermos of hot chocolate and we can enjoy a “year end” snack together as this is the last Explorer Day scheduled for 2019!
Directions: The park is about 30mins south of Courtenay and can be accessed by the Cook Creek interchange off Hwy #19 or from Hwy #19a.
Weather: We typically head out rain or shine – but if the weather is looking “iffy” – I’ll make sure to send out a confirmation email by about 11am on Sunday morning.
RSVP: Please RSVP to comox (at) naturekidsbc.ca if you are planning to attend.
Guests: Guests are welcome to try out an Explorer Day, so feel free to bring along family or friends.

NORTH VANCOUVER
2019-11-16 13:00 - 14:30
Restore the Outdoors
Join us for a fall planting event in Lynn Canyon Park. Bring your strong arms and enthusiasm and plant native plants that local wildlife will enjoy. We will be joined by one of the Trail and Habitat coordinators from the District of North Vancouver.
Register Here

VANCOUVER
2019-11-17 09:00 - 11:00
Birding Survey at UBC Farm
Join us for a birding survey at UBC Farm with Nature Mentors from Nature Vancouver. Over 100 species of birds have been seen at this site during monthly surveys. On this bird focused Explorer Day, we’ll be looking for wintering birds. You may want to become familiar with some of these before our tour, such as the Northern Flicker, Black-capped Chickadee, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Spotted Towhee, and American Goldfinch. Our approximately 1.5 km walk will take us through farm fields, the children’s garden area, a mature second growth conifer forest, and a young alder forest.
We’ll meet at 9 AM at the main gate to the UBC Farm, located on South Campus, at 3461 Ross Drive. If you are taking the bus, consult Translink for directions from your home. The farm gate is locked so please be punctual, as we will all need to enter together.
Bring binoculars if you have them. We will have some to share. Also, there will be a spotting scope (a small portable high-power telescope) set up at low height to accommodate our kids. Remember to dress for the weather as bird watching often involves some standing around.
RSVP here.

KAMLOOPS
2019-11-17 10:00 - 11:30
Orienteering

Join us for some orienteering fun! We will learn how to use compasses and follow a fun course to find some prizes.

We’ll meet at the main parking lot for Kenna Cartwright Park at 10am.

Please RSVP here to let up know how many supplies to bring.

KELOWNA
2019-11-17 13:00 - 15:00
Migratory Birds
Now that the chill is in the air, many birds are leaving for warmer climates. Don’t you wish you could join them?
We will learn about birds that travel for the different seasons. From ducks and geese, to arctic terns and peregrine falcons; each one has a path it follows as the year progresses. How do they know where and when to go?
Location: Chichester Wetland Park, Rutland
What to Bring: Dress for the weather, pack a snack and water if you want it, and the camera!

OTTER HL
2019-11-22 09:45 - 11:30
Fun in the Forest

We have heard time and time again how it can sometimes feel intimidating or overwhelming to adventure out on a hike with the kids. So, we hope you will join us on Friday, November 29th at 9:45 a.m. for a hiking adventure. There will be an optional Scavenger Hunt for the kiddos to complete along our route.

LANGLEY
2019-11-23 10:30 - 12:00
Families in Nature

Join us for a morning of activities and games learning about families in nature!
To register follow this link: https://form.jotform.com/92427311995261https://form.jotform.com/92427311995261

SALMON ARM
2019-11-24 13:00 - 15:00
Nature Crafts and Animal Puppets!

Join us for an afternoon of nature crafts. We’ll make animal sock puppets and put on a short puppet show “The Flight of the Hummingbird.” After we’ll head outside for a walk around the Gaynor neighborhood, to explore and play some games!
Place: 2772 Schmid Rd. It’s in White Lake, but we are technically considered ‘Sorrento’ on our mailing address if people put it into their GPS.
Time: 1-3pm
What to bring: Dress for going outside, creativity
Please RSVP to salmonarm (at) naturekidsbc.ca

COWICHAN VALLEY HL
2019-11-26 11:00 - 13:00
Salmon Cycle Tour
We will do a stream walk with fisheries and oceans expert Christy Wilson!! She’s amazing! If we don’t find any spawning salmon we will definitely learn about what makes a healthy stream habitat for them!

Please wear proper foot wear and dress warm! Also please bring a nature journal to document stream life as we will do another outing in spring to compare life at the stream in different seasons!

Location: meet at Bright Angel Park in the lower parking lot by washrooms

NICOMEKL
2019-12-01 09:30 - 11:00
Snow Geese
We will look for snow geese and other interesting birds at the sanctuary.
Admission cost is $5 per adult; $3 per child (2 – 14) or senior (60+). BC Waterfowl Society’s members are free. There is a cost of $1 for a bag of seed if you wish to purchase one. Note that no bikes or dogs are allowed.
Location: Reifel Bird Sanctuary, 5191 Robertson Road, Delta

EASTER FRASER VALLEY
2019-12-07 10:00 - 11:30
Christmas Bird Count for Kids
Bring your family for a relaxing outing of exploration and citizen science. This event couples hands on science for older kids and a fun outing to look at birds for younger kids. We’ll be joined by Nature Mentor Janne Perrin.
Meet at the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve (5200 Sumas Prairie Rd, Chilliwack, BC V2R 4P9)

VANCOUVER
2019-12-07 10:00 - 12:30
Christmas Bird Count for Kids!
Calling all young birders! Join other youth and experts for this annual bird survey in partnership with Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES) and Birds Canada. After a quick introduction to bird identification, we shall split into groups and head into the forest and foreshore for a 45-minute bird counting adventure then regroup to share our findings.
Snacks and refreshments are provided! For accompanied children ages 5-14.
This program is free, but you must be registered. RSVP here.
Location: Stanley Park Pavilion, 610 Pipeline Road, Vancouver, BC.

SOUTH OKANAGAN
2019-12-07 10:30 - 12:00 | Penticton Museum & Archives, 785 Main Street, Penticton, BC, V2A 5E3, Canada
Bird Identification Skills!
Our next Explorer Day will help us improve our bird identification skills and prepare for the Christmas Bird Count for Kids later in December. We will take an up close look at feathers, see some common bird specimens, and practice our binocular skills.
Please meet at the Penticton Museum & Archives (785 Main Street) on Saturday, December 7, 10:30 am to noon.

Please RSVP to southokanagan@naturekidsbc.ca by November 29, so we know how many Nature Kids to expect.

VICTORIA
2019-12-08 08:00 - 17:00
Esquimalt Lagoon Cleanup
Save the date for our Esquimalt Lagoon Cleanup with Surfrider Foundation on Sunday, December 8th.
Time TBD; details to follow
