NatureKidsBC

Amazing Animal Adaptions: Life Beneath the Ice (virtual explorer day)
2021-03-09 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver)
Join Nature Mentor Andrea Gielens and explore winter adaptations of frogs and turtles.

When the weather gets cold, where do they go? Frogs and turtles, our wetland friends seem to disappear, but they actually just slow way down. How do they do this? Is it like a bear hibernating? What causes them to wake up? how do they breathe? do they eat? Biologist Andrea Gielens will talk to us about these “cool” creatures and how they survive the cold winter under the ice!
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/amazon-animal-adaptions-life-beneath-the-ice-tickets-142930391649
Andrea’s blog with Wildlife Preservation can be found here:
https://wildlifepreservation.ca/blog/category/freshwater-turtles/western-painted-turtle/
Note: Zoom Meeting invitation will be sent to all registered attendees one hour in advance of the session.

Snakesss in BC, Threatening or Threatened? (Virtual Explorer Day)
2021-04-06 18:00 - 19:00
Snakesss in BC, Threatening or Threatened?

Join us for another amazing virtual event with snake biologist and researcher Dana Eye. We will discuss the nine snake species found in BC and what makes them special. Dana will also share what a day in the field looks like for a snake biologist and why it is important we study them! Get ready for an interactive presentation filled with videos and photos of snakes and other desert dwelling creatures!!

About our Nature Mentor:

Dana is a biologist pursuing her Master of Science at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia. In 2017, with the support of Osoyoos Indian Band and Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, Dana began working on the first study on pregnant female rattlesnakes in Western Canada. To date, she and her colleagues have successfully tracked the movements of twenty-five pregnant female rattlesnakes and found 18 birthing sites. This research will provide critical information for future management decisions and conservation of this threatened species.

Registration details coming soon!

Peek into a Creek (Virtual Explorer Day)
2021-04-18 10:00 - 10:45
Peek into a Creek
Learn more about the animals that live in local creeks!

This virtual program is suitable for ages 5-13. Guests can try one complimentary program, but otherwise must be registered with naturekidsbc.ca to attend this program.

Sign up for the Zoom link for the live presentation. The link will go out one hour prior to the presentation. Please register only one ticket per device.
Contact allardc@dnv.org if you have any questions about registration or any technical issues on the day of the workshop.

Register here:
NatureKids BC – Virtual Peek Into A Creek Tickets, Sun, 18 Apr 2021 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

Orcas, Orcas Everywhere - Virtual Explorer Day
2021-08-10 18:00 - 19:00
Join the Learning Team at the Royal BC Museum for adventures in the galleries, behind the scenes, and even further than that.

For this special session of RBCM @ Home (Summer), we are partnering with the well-loved Royal BC Museum to celebrate all things Orcas. We’ll explore the many different ways museums try to understand this amazing animal, while wondering about the many different parts of the world they roam. Hint- it’s a lot of ways, and a lot of parts of the world.
Our pod will have kids from across BC, so dive deep with us!
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/orcas-orcas-everywhere-royalbcmuseumhome-summer-tickets-162606224595
Space is limited, so we do ask you to RSVP soon.
Our team will send the session zoom link out by email to registered participants one hour before the event.

NANAIMO
2021-08-21 09:30 - 11:00
Wildlife Fun & Games with BC Parks
Join us for a morning of games and activities about local Island wildlife with fun and learning combined. Our Nature Mentor will be one of the BC Parks Foundation summer Ambassadors. We’ll meet at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.
RSVP here: https://forms.gle/RvwQcmhhGQ17gsHa8
In order to ensure a safe event, please note that event space is reduced so space is limited and registration will be done on a first come, first served basis. Masks are optional but encouraged, and social distancing will be encouraged between families.
Photo courtesy of BC Parks.

KELOWNA
2021-08-22 13:00 - 15:00
Zones for Animal Homes?

Join us a for our first in-person Explorer Day since November 2020. We will be checking out the four different habitat zones within Woodhaven Regional Park and seeing what birds and animals we can find!

When: Sunday, August 22nd, 1-3 pm
Where: Woodhaven Regional Park
What to Bring: Water, hat, sunscreen, camera

RSVP to kelowna@naturekidsbc.ca

Covid guidelines: if the adults in your family are not fully vaccinated we request that you please wear a mask when in the gathered group setting, but you are free to remove when we are walking and exploring.

Air Quality note: please check back for event updates as we will be monitoring the air quality index and may need to cancel the event if it changes.

Photo courtesy of My Wanderlust Walking.

VANCOUVER - North Shore Black Bears
2021-08-28 10:00 - 11:30
Learning about North Shore Black Bears
On this (rescheduled) Explorer Day we’ll go to Rice Lake in North Vancouver with guides Luci and Danielle from the North Shore Black Bear Society. Our guides will teach us about bear biology, behaviour, seasonal habits, and what bears like to eat. We’ll also learn to be bear detectives so we can tell if bears have been using the area. Most importantly, we’ll learn about best practices for living and playing in bear country and what to do if you encounter a bear.

We will be walking on forest trails so dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting a bit wet. This Explorer Day will be limited to 20 people so we ask that only 1 parent attend to allow for more families to join.
Please RSVP here.
For more information about all the great work the North Shore Black Bear Society is doing to protect black bears, see https://northshorebears.com/home.
Safety! Luci is certified in bear safety and awareness with the Commercial Bear Viewing Association. Our group will use our voices to let all the wildlife know that humans are in the area, so we won’t be surprising any bears. Luci will also be carrying bear spray, although it is extremely unlikely this will be needed.
Meeting Location
We will meet at the Rice Lake Gate Picnic Area which is at the Lower Seymour Conservation Area, 2369 Lillooet Rd, North Vancouver. From Vancouver, take the Second Narrows Bridge, turn right on Mountain Highway and head up the hill, then turn right at Lynn Valley Road followed by another right at Peters Road. Follow signs to the parking lot. There is plenty of parking as well as bathrooms at the Lower Seymour Conservation Area.
See attached map for location & directions from Lions Gate Bridge and Second Narrows Bridge.

For public transit, the 229 bus from Phibbs Exchange in North Vancouver will drop you off at the park. Check translink.ca for details.
COVID-19
Masks are optional and preferred for adults and children 6 years and older. Please do not register for this event if you or anyone in your family bubble has symptoms of COVID-19 such as coughing, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of taste/smell, or if you have been in contact with someone who has such symptoms or tested positive.
Thank you to Tony Joyce for this beautiful bear image.

MERRITT - Cancelled
2021-08-28 10:00 - 11:30
***Please note this event has been cancelled due to wildfires and associated evacuation orders in the area. Stay tuned for more details on our September and upcoming fall events.***
Harmon Lake Hike and Craft
Our next NatureKids day will be Saturday August 28 at Harmon Lake. We will be meeting at the parking lot next to the interpretive trail at 10am and will hike a loop to Secret Lake and back. Along the way we will have a fun scavenger hunt planned that will link to a super neat project (flower pounding: printing fabric with natural elements) for when we return to the interpretive theater site.
Here is a little teaser: Flower Pounding: Printing Fabric with Natural Elements – Garden Therapy
Please let us know if you plan on attending. We want to make sure we have enough materials for all.
Pack a lunch, sunscreen, bug spray, water etc.
Photo courtesy of BC Recreation Sites and Trails

NELSON - Spawning Salmon
2021-09-11 10:00 - 11:30
Spawning Salmon

Our next Explorer Day is scheduled for Saturday, September 11th. We will meet at the Kokanee Creek Nature Centre at 10am for a guided tour of the salmon spawning channel. Head naturalist Joanne Siderius will be sharing her extensive knowledge and love of the salmon and their environment We hope to do a dissection as well. It should be a fun morning!
Here’s the registration link: https://forms.gle/28Z433NNHtoxQUQX7

NANAIMO - Ecosystem Adventure
2021-09-19 09:30 - 11:00
Ecosystem Adventure!

Join us for a fun filled morning of games and activities. We will play some games (name game, eco-tag, possibly hug a tree, possibly unnatural hike), hike around the lake learning to observe the environment, collect and identify creatures in the pond (macroinvertebrates, only collecting temporarily, releasing back into the wild after), possibly discuss health of pond based on what we identify (PTI). Will bring more activities than needed and will gear based on ages, energy levels, etc.
Location: Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park
RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXpiu_t8uOHz9gjnPMybr1_uELsHeiUMrCYY-D0NT9hgDzVg/viewform?usp=sf_link

VIRTUAL EXPLORER DAY - Our Connections with Salmon
2021-09-21 18:00 - 19:00
Virtual Explorer Day – Our Connections with Salmon
Join us hearing Bernice Jensen and her family share knowledge about traditional Indigenous fishing methods and connections with Salmon!
Register here.
Join us for a family-friendly Virtual Explorer Day on September 21 at 6pm. Our nature mentor, Bernice Jensen, and her family will share knowledge about traditional Indigenous fishing methods and connections with Salmon through drumming, demonstration, and stories.
Bernice is the Cultural Educational Coordinator at SD 73 and the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society.

MERRITT - Salmon in the Coldwater River
2021-09-25 08:30 - 10:30
Salmon in the Coldwater River
Guest mentor Paul Mozin (fisheries biologist) will be teaching us all about salmon in the Coldwater River. There is a fish counter set up where we will be meeting and hopefully we will be able to see live specimens being measured for a long-term monitoring project.
We will be meeting at Voght park and walking along the river trail first to learn about river systems for World Rivers Day.
RSVP: merritt@naturekidsbc.ca

VICTORIA - Birding at Rocky Point Bird Observatory
2021-09-25 09:30 - 11:00
Birding at Rocky Point Bird Observatory

The weather is changing and the birds are moving. On this Explorer Day we will learn all about birds and see them in the hand! Rocky Point Bird Observatory (RPBO) has a bird banding station where we will witness ecological monitoring in action! At the bird banding station we will watch a bird banding demonstration to learn all about how and why we band birds. Dedicated volunteers and nature mentors Ann and Deanna will also be setting up a table with bird nests, eggs, feathers and bones for us to look at and talk about.

For more information visit http://rpbo.org/
WHERE: Pedder Bay, Metchosin. Meet and park at the Pedder Bay RV Resort and Marina at the end of Pedder Bay Drive (925 Pedder Bay Drive off Rocky Point Road). Turn right just before the Marina parking lot and park in the grassy area. Allow approximately 45 minutes driving time from Victoria. MAP LINK
DIRECTIONS: From Victoria… follow Route 1 travelling west, exit to Highway 1A. Follow Highway 1A to the Metchosin Road exit. Turn left on Metchosin Road and follow to Happy Valley Road. Turn right on Happy Valley Road and follow to Rocky Point Road. Turn left on Rocky Point Road and travel 5km and look for the Pedder Bay Marina signs.
COME PREPARED: Wear warm layers for being outdoors as it can be cool in the morning. If you have binoculars, feel free to bring those too!
SAFETY PROTOCOLS: There will be a sign in sheet/waiver upon arrival. We will likely split up into two groups, depending on numbers, will stay in our family “pods” and take care to social distance. Masks are optional for adults, but preferred and highly recommended.

SALMON ARM & KAMLOOPS - Salmon Forest
2021-09-26 13:00 - 15:00
Salmon Forest

Come out and learn about Salmon at the Adams River from local experts with The Adams River Salmon Society and contribute to helping Salmon by planting trees. BC Rivers Day.
When: September 26, 2021
Time: 1:00- 3:00 pm
Where: Tsútswecw Provincial Park, meet at The Adams River Salmon Society Interpretive cabin
Please dress for the weather and bring water and snack. Be prepared to go hiking, play games and plant trees. Shovels will be provided but if you have one please bring it.
RSVP: salmonarm@naturekids.bc.ca
All COVID precautions are in effect including: do not attend if you have been exposed.
Photo credit: Mike Stefiuk

KELOWNA - Kokanee Salmon
2021-09-26 13:00 - 15:00
Hi Everyone!

Look forward to seeing you at our next Explorer Day! We will learn about the life cycle of the Kokanee salmon then see them spawning in the channel. Afterwards, we will play a game of salmon tag!

Kokanee Salmon
Mission Creek Park
1-3 PMCOVID REQUIREMENTS: All participants must wear masks when in the group learning setting, but may remove them for the parts of the meet-up where we can distance along the trail or in the field.

As always, please REPLY to this email with a YES or NO so I can plan for the correct amount of people. This is not binding, and you can change your mind at any time, but helps me know what to bring and where to set up.

TRI-CITIES - Amazing Salmon!
2021-09-26 14:00 - 15:00
As part of this year’s RiverFest celebration, we are proud to team up with the Fraser River Discovery Centre (FRDC) for a special Salmon Explorer Day on September 26!
Join us and our Nature Mentor Dana Scanlan in Lower Hume Park for a fun and interactive family event all about salmon. We’ll play games and learn about how incredible salmon are, from their unique lifecycle to their role in our BC ecosystem.
Free and open to all. Registration is required. Best-suited for kids aged 5-12.
REGISTER HERE
WHEN: Sunday, September 26th, 2:00pm – 3:00pm (with enough interest, we will also offer the workshop at 12:30pm – 1:30pm – please email programs@fraserriverdiscovery.org if you are interested in this alternate time-slot).
WHERE: Hume Park, New Westminster. Meet at the Tennis Courts on Garrett Street.
WHO: While everyone is welcome, this workshop is aimed at families with children aged 5-12.
COVID-19 SAFETY:

Pre-registration is required.
Individual group size is limited to five (5) maximum. Workshop registration limited to four (4) groups.
During the workshop, groups are required to follow physical distancing guidelines.
Masks are required.

Thank you to Brenda Guiled for her beautiful salmon art.

NELSON - Tree Planting Party!
2021-10-02 11:00 - 13:00
Tree Planting Party!
We are happy to welcome back the foresters from Interfor for a tree planting party! We will learn more about how our local forests are managed and what types of trees grow in different habitats. Then we’ll hand out the shovels and start planting! Can we beat last year’s number of trees planted?
We will finish up the event with a fire and a free lunch.
RSVP by September 30th so that we will know how much food to bring.

MERRITT - Rancher Day
2021-10-16 10:00 - 11:00
Rancher Day

For our next explorer day we will be meeting a rancher and learning how the ranching industry can blissfully coexist with nature.

We will meet at the corner of 8 Mile Road at 10 am, just up the Logan Lake Hwy and then drive up to the Lazy L Ranch together. Map here.

Please dress for the weather, wear rubber boots if you have them and be ready to learn!

Email merritt@naturekidsbc.ca to RSVP

VICTORIA - Ivy Pull at Haro Woods
2021-10-16 13:00 - 14:30
Let’s tackle that Ivy, Haro Woods Saanich
On this Explorer Day, we will put environmental stewardship into practice with our Nature Mentor Lindsay Coulter.
Lindsay is a volunteer Lead Steward for Saanich Parks in Haro Woods. She is also the former David Suzuki’s Queen of GreenTM, a naturalist, educator, facilitator, writer, and parent. Her work has been to coach, mentor and educate parents, teachers, and childcare staff to foster a deep connection with the living world. She believes nature is the classroom, a teacher, and a healer.
English Ivy will be our focus on this day. We will be clearing ivy to stop it from spreading throughout the park and instead make way for native plants to thrive and become established. Ivy is invasive and is choking out native plants. Throughout the year it grows a lot, forming carpets that even climb trees! When it takes over a tree it makes that tree more vulnerable to environmental stressors like high winds or drought. It can kill a tree all together. Later in the Fall, we can replant areas that are cleared of ivy to replenish the foliage and improve habitat for wildlife!
Please RSVP here.
FOR MORE INFO on other volunteer stewardship opportunities and to learn more about Haro Woods.
WHEN: Saturday, October 16th, 1:00pm to ~ 2:30pm
WHERE: Eagle Rock (inside the woods off Finnerty Rd.). Look for a Haro Woods green sign marker at trailhead off newly paved walkway/bike trail which runs along Finnerty.
MAP LINK: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/haro-woods-park
DIRECTIONS BY TRANSIT: #11 bus until UVic daycare on Finnerty @Edgelow or metered spaces are available at UVic daycare (3889 Finnerty Rd). Also parking north on Edgelow in front of Arbutus Middle School.
COME PREPARED: Participants should dress for the weather. We will run rain or shine but not in high winds (above 60 km/hour) or a snow day. Bring garden or work gloves, but there are some extras to loan (not kid-sized). Bring a snack and water. There are no washrooms.
SAFETY PROTOCOLS: There will be a sign in sheet/waiver upon arrival. We will mostly stay in our family “pods” and social distance where possible. Masks are optional for adults, but are highly recommended where distance cannot be maintained. We will be outdoors the entire time!

WILLIAMS LAKE - Building with Natural Materials
2021-10-16 14:00 - 15:00
Building with Natural Materials

Join us for this hands-on Explorer Day were we will use nature around us to make crafts and build fun things. We will learn to lash sticks together to make functional and beautiful objects at the Community Forest, Ne Stekine block. We will go for a walk on the our new self-guided hydrology trail to collect materials and visit an interesting corner of the Scout Island Nature Centre.

RSVP to martinkruus@shaw.ca

Please don’t attend if you feel unwell, the session is outside so be prepared with clothes, footwear etc.

NORTH VANCOUVER - Cleanup for Salmon and Friends
2021-10-17 13:00 - 14:30
Cleanup for Salmon and Friends

Help restore a small park adjacent to Maplewood Farm. This park contains a salmon-bearing creek and is a gem of a park tucked away next to the Seymour River. Clean up garbage, remove invasive species, and plant native plants.
Location: Seymour River Heritage Park (2059 Heritage Park Lane, North Vancouver, BC V7H 1A4)
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/naturekids-cleanup-for-salmon-and-friends-tickets-170043531781
Please get tickets for each family member who is attending.
Masks are optional and preferred during NatureKids events, and we will be doing a daily health check. Please stay home if you’re not feeling well.

VIRTUAL EXPLORER DAY - A Conversation Youth Environmental Changemakers
2021-10-19 18:00 - 19:00
A Conversation Youth Environmental Changemakers

We are pleased to be showcasing three of The Starfish Canada award recipients Kate O’Connor, Sofia Slater and Tessica Tuong. Join us for an inspiring panel discussion session with these youth leaders as they share their stories and journeys. The session will be hosted by our very own alumna Maja Lampa.

The Starfish Canada celebrates young environmental leaders by connecting them with a platform for storytelling, and environmental advocacy among a community of change-makers.

Each of our voices can have an impact. Come find out how these young leaders made a difference in the world around them. Register here.

Kate O’Connor
Kate believes that in order to take meaningful climate action, we need elected officials who understand the urgency of the climate crisis. When the B.C. 2020 provincial election was called, Kate ran as the Green Party candidate in Saanich South, and became the youngest candidate in provincial history. Over the course of her campaign, she advocated for a transition to a just and green economy through ending oil and gas subsidies and reinvesting in tech and renewable energy sectors. She is also a leader and advocate for intergenerational leadership and youth participation in politics. Kate now works as the constituent advocate for Saanich North and the Islands and is learning about the day -to-day impacts provincial legislation has on citizens. Kate firmly believes that engaging young people in the political process and electing leaders who understand the urgency of the climate crisis are crucial parts of the fight to save the natural environment.
Sofia Slater
Sofia is a student from Metro Vancouver, British Columbia. She is currently studying Environment and Business at the University of Waterloo. She is passionate about environmental sustainability and showing people that everyone has the ability to make a positive impact on the planet. She has spoken at events ranging from 10 to over 5,000 people on how consumer choices do have the power to create lasting environmental change. She loves introducing people to the power of the outdoors when it comes to inspiring people to want to protect the planet.
Tessica Tuong
Tesicca is working hard to build a brighter future for the community. From affordable housing, to fighting the climate crisis, to building partnerships across the community that make a real difference — Tesicca is fighting for you. She founded CityHive, a non-profit organization that directly engages young people when it comes to important decisions that affect their lives.

NANAIMO - Salmon Fun!
2021-10-23 10:00 - 12:00
Salmon Fun!
Join us for a fun and interactive family event all about salmon. We’ll play games and learn about how incredible salmon are, from their unique lifecycle to their role in our BC ecosystem.
Save the Date! Registration details coming soon.
For questions or more info email nanaimo@naturekidsbc.ca

NICOMEKL - Tree Planting with the City of Surrey
2021-10-23 12:30 - 13:30
Tree Planting with the City of Surrey

The planting session is approximately 1 hour long. We recommend that participants bring a mask to wear at times when physical distancing may be difficult and that individuals stay home if they have any symptoms of illness or have been advised to self-isolate. Participants will be responsible for bringing their own water and should wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather. All other equipment and instruction will be provided by City of Surrey staff. We will be planting a mix of shrubs and trees.
To register, please send us an email that includes the names of all family members that plan to attend.
Date: Saturday, October 23
Time: 12:30-1:30pm
Location: Chantrell Creek Park (13741 24 avenue)
Participants: max 30
Parking: Park in the elementary school parking lot

KAMLOOPS - Leaf Art in the Park
2021-10-24 10:00 - 12:00
Leaf Art in the Park

Join us to create some leaf art. We’ll meet at the bandshell at Riverside park and create leaf collages and leaf mobiles. We’ll have the cover of the bandshell to protect us, if it happens to rain. This event will be right downtown, for a change, to enjoy our urban nature. I’ll have supplies and we can gather fallen leaves from around the park to spend some time appreciating the beauty of fall!

I’ll bring some salmon educational materials for those of you who missed our salmon day last month.

Please RSVP to this email, if you are coming to this event. Don’t worry about being late, we’ll just be in one location for the whole time. Bring some warm drinks and come hang out with us.

VANCOUVER - What's Your Favorite Mushroom?
2021-10-24 10:30 - 12:00
What’s Your Favorite Mushroom?
Mushrooms love this wet, west coast weather and with our Nature Mentor Ludovic Le Renard, we’ll learn where to find dozens of BC’s mushroom species nestled in the forest of the UBC campus, and how to safely identify these fabulous fungi. We’ll collect our own specimens for further study when we return to our starting point. We may even discover our favourite mushroom!
Ludo is passionate about fungi, from the largest conks on trees to the microscopic moulds in our fridges. Ludo is currently a postdoctoral fellow at UBC where he is researching what fungi have been up to in the last 150 millions of years.
Registration will be limited to 8 families. If you are registered for the North Shore Mushroom Walk and Origami Explorer Day on Nov. 7, we ask that you don’t register for this event to give more of our families a chance to learn about mushrooms this fall. If there is room in this Explorer Day by Friday Oct. 22, we’ll open it up to everyone. Register here.
Meeting Location: The UBC Flag Pole on Crescent Road next to the Chan Centre on the UBC Campus.
Parking: The closest parking lot to the Flag Pole is the Rose Garden Parkade; payment required.

Public Transit: Many buses go to the UBC Exchange and the Flag Pole is about a 10 minute walk from there.
See maps below for more information.
Dress: Dress for the weather, and wear shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty or wet. Depending on the temperature, gloves might be useful as well.
Bring: A container for mushroom specimens, a size equivalent to a medium or large Tupperware. A butter knife or something similar to dig out the base of the mushrooms.
Weather: We will go rain or shine, but will cancel in the case of torrential rain.
Bathroom facilities can be found at the nearby Museum of Anthropology.
Covid 19: Masks outdoors are currently optional but preferred. Please stay home if you’re not feeling well.

VANCOUVER - Ivy Pull & Basket Weaving
2021-10-30 10:00 - 12:30
Ivy Pull and Basket Weaving
We will be heading to the Renfrew Ravine for an invasive ivy pull as well as a basket weaving workshop from 10 am – 12:30 pm. We are thrilled that the Still Moon Arts Society has offered to facilitate this Explorer Day. Some of you may remember them from our Renfrew Ravine Native Planting & Invasive Ivy Pull last fall.
Still Moon Arts Society is an organization that inspires vibrant and connected communities by creating artistic experiences and nurturing a passion for nature. You can find out more about them: https://stillmoonarts.ca/
The first portion of this Explorer Day will be pulling ivy at the ravine so please dress to get messy! Please wear closed-toed shoes and bring rain gear in case of inclement weather.
We will then start the basket weaving part of the Explorer Day. Our nature mentors will give us instructions and assist us in weaving them ourselves. This portion will be inside so please bring a mask & be prepared to show proof of vaccination.
Meeting Location: We will meet at the Colour Me Local Dye Garden on the edge of the Renfrew Ravine (located at 24th & Renfrew).
The capacity for this event is 15 people so we will be registering families on a first come first serve basis. That being said, please remember to notify us if you register for the event and are no longer available to attend & need to cancel to allow for more families to participate.
Register Here.

VANCOUVER - Halloween Hike at Whyte Lake
2021-10-31 10:00 - 12:00
Halloween Hike at Whyte Lake
What better thing to do on the morning of Hallowe’en, Oct. 31, than go on a hike! We are thrilled to have Stephen Hui, author of “Destination Hikes In and Around Southwestern British Columbia” to guide us on this fall hike. This is a great opportunity to learn from an expert about hiking while we explore this scenic area of wetlands and forest. And you’ll get home in plenty of time to get ready for Trick or Treating!
This 5 Kms hike will take approx. 2 hours. Our destination will be the small, peaceful Whyte Lake in the hills of West Vancouver. On the trail we’ll pass old growth forest groves of Western Cedar and Douglas Fir, and see several old growth giants. We’ll also look for signs of fall in the area as we hike.
Please note: The path has some uphill areas, and the elevation and length of the hike may be difficult for some of our younger members. That being said, the whole family is welcome including teens.
More information on this hike from #Vancouvertrails can be found here.
Weather: We will go rain or shine, but will cancel in the case of torrential rain.
What to Wear/Bring: Hikers should have hiking boots or shoes, or sturdy footwear. Bring warm layers, snacks and plenty of water, and possibly rain gear.
Meeting Place: The parking lot at the Whyte Lake Trailhead, off Westport Road in West Vancouver. See maps below.
Register here.
You can listen to a recent interview with Stephen Hui about fall hiking on CBC’s Early Edition. More information about Stephen’s latest book can be found here. Stephen is currently working on a book about hiking with children.

VICTORIA - I Spy Spectacular Salmon
2021-11-06 09:30 - 10:30
I Spy Spectacular Salmon

On this Explorer Day we will join a Park Interpreter at Goldstream Provincial Park to have a close-up look at the magnificent chum salmon as they return to spawn and complete their life cycle. We will take a walk along the river to view the salmon and head to the Nature House for some more exploration. The bald eagles and seagulls will be starting to arrive to feast on the salmon carcasses so it might be stinky.

More details to follow and please RSVP here.
WHEN: Saturday, November 6th, 9:30 ~ 10:30am ; Please try to arrive by 9:15am so we can sign in and start on time with the interpreter.
WHERE: Meet at the river side of the Main Shelter/Washroom area just off of the main parking lot.
COME PREPARED: Wear warm layers for being outdoors in the woods. It can be cold next to the river! Bring binoculars if you have some in case you want to see across the estuary. Note that the washrooms at the Nature House are closed, but there are washrooms at the entrance to the Park.
DIRECTIONS to Goldstream Provincial Park:
If coming from downtown Victoria, take Highway 1 past exit 14 and stay on Highway 1 until you see a sign for Goldstream Provincial Park and a turn off to the right (Finlayson Arm Road). Exit the highway and turn left into the parking lot. Continue to the very end of the parking lot where you will find the main washrooms.
For Public Transit, take bus 39 or 58.
To read more about Goldstream, look here: https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/goldstream/

MERRITT - Raptors!
2021-11-06 10:30 - 11:30
Raptor Research Program
Join us and our friends at the BC Wildlife Park for a session all about raptors.
Location: the Lower Nicola Hall
RSVP to merritt@naturekidsbc.ca – space will be limited.
