EASTERN FRASER VALLEY - Winter Exploration of Cheam Wetland
2022-01-23 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver)
Winter Exploration of Cheam Wetland
Let’s discover the creatures that call the wetland home in the winter and explore the landscape together.
Please dress for the weather – the event will be entirely outside. Pack some snacks and a warm beverage.
Event is free and registration is required. RSVP to efv@naturekidsbc.ca

VICTORIA - Christmas Hill Hike
2022-02-05 13:30 - 15:30
Christmas Hill Hike

Let’s get moving with a hike up Christmas Hill! Bring a thermos of hot chocolate and some snacks to reward your little ones for making the climb. For those interested, we will have a scavenger hunt as we climb up to the Garry Oak hilltop. The Garry Oak ecosystem is a rare ecosystem that is special to Vancouver Island and the west coast. Please RSVP here!

After the hike, you are welcome to walk the boardwalk loop around Swan Lake where there are plenty of ducks and birds to view!
Location: Meet in the Swan Lake Parking lot. We will follow a trail that takes us from this parking lot across McKenzie and through a residential area to the Christmas Hill trailhead on Nelthorpe St.
Directions to Swan Lake:
By car from Downtown Victoria: Go North on Blanshard St. (Pat Bay Highway #17) and take the McKenzie Avenue exit, right on Rainbow St., left on Ralph St., right on Swan Lake Road. The parking lot entrance is on the left.
Trail maps: http://www.swanlake.bc.ca/pdf/Website-Trail-Map.pdf.pdf
Description of trail: https://www.victoriatrails.com/trails/swan-lake-christmas-hill/
What to bring: Any lunch or snacks that you’d like as well as appropriate outerwear and sturdy footwear for a rocky climb and for the weather. Masks are not required as we will be outdoors, but are always welcome. Social distancing between family groups is still encouraged.

MERRITT - Winter Celebration
2022-02-12 10:00 - 12:00
Winter Celebration

Join us for a morning filled with fun winter activities. We will build a fire, make maple taffy (since we just learned about trees) and snowshoe around to look for tracks and signs of wildlife. This Explorer Day is more of a winter celebration with no set end time.
Location: We will meet at 10am at the shelter located at P2 (parking lot) at the Kane Valley Ski area.

What to bring: if you have snowshoes please bring them along with you. We have about ten pairs available as well to lend out for those who need them. Pack snacks, something warm to drink. If you plan on staying a while please feel free to bring hot dogs to cook over the fire or a lunch. The weather forecast looks like a beautiful warm day!

Please let us know (merritt@naturekidsbc.ca) if you plan on attending or if you have any questions. We look forward to the day!

Photo credit:Leslie Bol

Prince George - Family Fun at Ferguson in February!
2022-02-12 10:30 - 12:00
Family Fun at Ferguson in February!

Join Natasha and Vanessa at Ferguson Lake to enjoy the sunny winter weather! We will wander around the lake and collect some natural goodies for a fun winter art project – Suncatchers!

We will bring all the supplies. As always please dress for the weather and bring some ice cleats just in case.

Questions or to RSVP: princegeorge@naturekidsbc.ca

NORTH VANCOUVER - Animal Tracks
2022-02-13 13:00 - 14:30
Animal Tracking
Who made those tracks? Join our Ecology Centre staff to learn more about local animals, where they are in the winter, and how you can look for their tracks and signs.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/in-person-naturekids-workshop-animal-tracking-tickets-231089042547
Suitable for ages 5 -13 with an adult.
Program attendees should be members of NatureKids BC – more information on membership can be found here.
This program will take place outdoors and in person in Lynn Canyon Park. Masks are recommended. Please stay home if you are sick.

VIRTUAL EXPLORER DAY - Hug-a-Tree and Survive
2022-02-16 18:00 - 19:00
Hug-a-Tree and Survive

Have you ever wondered what to do if you get lost in the woods?

Join us and mentor Steve Chapman from Coquitlam Search and Rescue as we learn how to stay safe outdoors in the winter. We’ll learn how not to get lost in the first place, and what to do if it happens. We’ll learn how hugging a tree can keep you safe and help you be found. Staying near a tree offers some protection from the elements and keeps you in one location, so it’s easier for searchers to find you.

Bring your questions about how to prepare for winter adventures and how to stay safe while doing them.
Our presentations are aimed at kids aged 5-12, usually centered on about grade 4 audience, and parents, guardians and older kids usually find the content useful and engaging too.
Free and open to all. Registration is required:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/virtual-explorer-day-hug-a-tree-and-survive-tickets-262112073267
See you there!

NELSON - Drumming and Song with Circle of Indigenous Nations
2022-02-18 13:30 - 15:00
Circle of Indigenous Nations
We are very happy to be welcoming Liam Fitzpatrick from Circle of Indigenous Nations Society (COINS), who will lead us in traditional drumming, songs and storytelling, along with other winter activities.

This event will take place on a Friday (ProD day for SD8 and SD10). CLICK HERE to sign up now.

The parking lot is usually well plowed. The paths around the park can be pretty uneven and icy, depending on recent weather. We don’t plan to walk very far. If you have any questions about the suitability of this event for your family please let us know. And we’ll have hot drinks, so please bring your own mug.
Location: Taghum Beach Park. Meet at the fire pit.
About the Circle of Indigenous Nations Society
COINS is an Aboriginal non-profit society that provides cultural support and counseling services to people in the West Kootenay and Boundary region and was formed in March 2013. https://www.coinations.net

VANCOUVER - Birding with Evan
2022-02-20 09:00 - 11:00
Join us for a fun winter birding event with our amazing mentor Evan Larson – he is 17 and is a passionate and knowledgeable young birder. More about Evan below and the event below (in his own words). Register here.
About Evan
I’m really excited to be leading a bird/nature walk at Jericho Park. We will spend a couple hours exploring the park to discover the amazing birds and other critters the park has to offer. I hope to provide you and your family an enjoyable and informative experience where you might gain a new passion for birds. We will begin at around 9:00am at the wooden bridge over the pond and from there we will walk around the pond, through the forest, and spend some time on the beach learning about birds as we go. I expect to find a nice variety of waterfowl, sparrows, thrushes, finches, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, raptors and more! Maybe we’ll even see a resident beaver! The ground is quite muddy at Jericho, so it would be best to wear waterproof shoes of some kind (like hikers or rubber boots). It is a beautiful park full of amazing birds so it will be a great walk. I hope to see you there!
Location: Jericho Beach Park
Directions: See the blue markers on the maps below for the meeting location. The second map shows the location of the wooden bridge.
Parking is available on 4th Ave.
Transit: Take the #4 bus to 4th Ave. and Alma St.
Please note: This Explorer Day will follow Provincial guidelines for Covid 19. More information on that to come closer to the day.

NANAIMO - Leave No Trace and Animal Signs
2022-02-20 13:00 - 14:30
Humans should Leave No Trace…but what about animals?
Have you heard of Leave No Trace? It is a concept that should be followed by humans in the outdoors. We will be learning about the 7 principles to live by as we continue to explore in nature. But what about animals…? They leave traces in the outdoors because it is their home…but what kinds of traces can we find? Tracks? Scat? Come find out all about it!
Location: Linley Valley (3669 Rock City Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9T 1T6). Please plan to park at the entrance on Rock City Road where we will meet at the top of the stairs.
What to bring: Masks for the whole family (optional but encouraged), water, sunscreen, and anything else that will make your family more comfortable.
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGuwCJcBwHVBFbJqhVXgLsfAX5P3IT5gFU28zcBLcwL4P_1Q/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

EASTERN FRASER VALLEY - Wilderness Survival Day
2022-02-21 10:00 - 12:00
Wilderness Survival Day
Join us in Thompson Park for a morning all about wilderness survival. Activities will include shelter building, basic first aid and creating an emergency kit for your family’s backpack.
Please make sure you dress for the weather. Warm and waterproof layers. Pack some snacks, water and a warm beverage.
Location: Thompson Regional Park
Registration is required. Please RSVP to efv@naturekidsbc.ca

BULKLEY VALLEY - Get Growing with Winter Gardening
2022-02-26 10:30 - 11:30
Get Growing with Winter Gardening
Come join us for a fun morning of planting! Yes it’s still winter, but you can start preparing for spring now. Come learn how you can start your seeds in February! Learn how to repurpose your milk jugs into tiny green houses and start your seeds early this year!
Location: We will be meeting at Riverside Park in Smithers by the covered picnic shelter.
What to bring: Our entire event will take place outside so please dress accordingly. If you happen to have a clean 4L milk jug please bring it along as well as any seeds you might be interested in planting. If you don’t have these things don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
We will not be walking on any of the trails. The covered picnic area is easily accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
We will be following the nature kids COVID guidelines. We ask that participants wear a mask during our activities. We will provide hand sanitizer.

KAMLOOPS - Snow Caves!
2022-02-27 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for our first Explorer Day of 2022. We’ll build a snow cave and have a campfire at Lac le Jeune Provincial Park. We’ll bring some hotdogs and veggie dogs along to roast on the fire.
Location: Lac le Jeune Provincial Park – park at the entrance and walk into the first campsites and you’ll find us there. Here is the location. Park at the gate and walk in.
What to bring: shovels, warm drinks and snacks.
Please RSVP to kamloops@naturekidsbc.ca so we know how many hotdogs/veggie dogs to bring.
See you soon!

SALMON ARM - Meet our local Falconer
2022-03-10 15:30 - 16:30
We will explore birds of prey with Mandy Moore, resident Falconer. Meet some of her birds under the Outdoor classroom.
Location: Hillcrest Elementary School, Outdoor classroom
What to bring: water and snack if needed, wear appropriate clothing (sunscreen , hat, rain gear)
Learn more: Shuswap Birds of Prey http://www.shuswapbirdofprey.com/
Covid protocols will be taken, social distancing and wearing masks.
There is a limited number of participants. Please RSVP salmonarm@naturekidsbc.ca

EASTERN FRASER VALLEY - Critter Care Wildlife Society
2022-03-12 10:00 - 12:00
Meet the Critters of Critter Care Wildlife Society
Join NatureKids BC and Critter Care Wildlife Educator Janice Bolam, as she enlightens us about the wildlife in our own backyards! The program includes awareness, identification, habits, survival, physical abilities, and their contribution to our ecosystem in BC. We will also get the opportunity to meet a critter (or two) that are currently in care.
Location: Cheam Stables – 9345 Ford Rd, Rosedale, BC V0X 1X2
*Registration is required as we will have a limited number of spots available. Please RSVP t0: efv@naturekidsbc.ca
*COVID Policies in place per Fraser Health – Masks will be required for ages 5+

Are you able to donate to Critter Care?
The winter months are coming, and the critters have a winter wish list:
(Please bring these items with you on the day to donate to Janice)

Walnuts & Peanuts in the Shell
Honey
Peanut Butter
Toilet Paper
Paper Towel
Liquid Dish Soap
Large Garbage Bags
Baby Receiving Blankets
Towels
Flannel Fabric

NORTH VANCOUVER - The Marvelous Mason Bee
2022-03-20 13:00 - 14:30
The Marvelous Mason Bee
Learn about the bee-autiful mason bee! Taren Urquhart will talk with us about the life of the gentle mason bee and why it is such an amazing helper in our neighbourhood gardens. We’ll also construct a working bee house from a soup can to take home.
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/in-person-naturekids-workshop-the-marvelous-mason-bee-tickets-249484945187
Suitable for ages 5-13 with an adult.
Program attendees should be members of NatureKids BC – more information on membership can be found here.
This program will take place outdoors and in person in Lynn Canyon Park. Masks are recommended. Please stay home if you are sick.

NANAIMO - Nestbox Building
2022-03-26 13:00 - 15:00
Join us for an afternoon of nestbox building. We will:

learn about the different kinds of nests that birds build, which kinds use nestboxes and why.
explore different nest types, look at the different materials that birds use for nestbuilding (some might surprise you!).
learn about what we need to do to be good nestbox stewards, because as a human-built structure we have a responsibility to keep our nestboxes free from parasites and other things that can be harmful to birds.
build nestboxes (1 for each family) that can be brought home for use in your yard, or can be donated to be erected in a local part and maintained by the family (with our support of course).
learn how to monitor nestbox use

WHEN: Saturday March 26 (exact time to be determined, but likely in the early afternoon)
WHERE: Bowen park picnic area (I will let you know which one closer to the event)

Please RSVP ASAP for this event! I want to ensure that we have enough materials for each family to build a nestbox.

KAMLOOPS - Celebration of Seeds
2022-03-27 10:00 - 12:00
To welcome spring, we are planning a Celebration of Seeds!

We’ll meet in a park somewhere in central Kamloops with a covered picnic area, in case of spring rain and explore all things seeds. We’ll make native plant seed mud balls, talk about native versus exotic seeds and maybe even take a look at them under the microscope!We’ll meet in town, so you can take transit or bike, if that interests you. Location TBD closer to the date. Please let me know if you have favourite park that fits our needs for the day.

VICTORIA - Bioblitz & Beach Clean-up
2022-03-28 10:30 - 12:30
Bioblitz & Beach Clean-up
On this Explorer Day we will join members of the Victoria Inter-cultural Association of Greater Victoria and meet up with our nature mentors Rick Searle, Coordinator of Greater Victoria Naturehood and Lindsay McCrank, Environmental Science Officer from the Capital Regional District who will lead us through a bioblitz using the Seek App. The Seek App can be downloaded for free on an iphone or other device. The goal of the bioblitz is to identify and record all native species observed using Seek. We will also be learning from naturalists at Eagle Wing Tours about the importance of protecting the ocean and our beaches, putting words into action with a beach clean-up.
Families from the Inter-cultural Association of Greater Victoria will be having a picnic afterwards (around 12:30pm). Our families are welcome to stay, but should bring their own food and drink.
Extra Extra! – Esquimalt Lagoon hosts an amazing array of driftwood sculptures. We will also search for “the Ent” from Lord of the Rings.
WHERE: 2901 Ocean Blvd, Victoria, BC V9C, Canada (ESQUIMALT LAGOON)
Meet by the washroom building on Coburg Peninsula where Lagoon Road meets Ocean Blvd. There is parking there.
Here is a map link: https://goo.gl/maps/eCHpaKrcjyoPFRUk9
Free bus transport is available for this Explorer Day with advance notice. Let me know if you are interested!
COME PREPARED: Please bring your own phone or device where you can download the Seek App.
Work gloves (reusable) are encouraged for the beach clean-up; however, there will also be extra supplies on hand.
Please wear warm clothes as it can get windy and cold down by the beach. If you would like to picnic afterwards, please B.Y.O.

NELSON - Wilderness Survival Skills Workshop
2022-04-03 10:00 - 11:30
Led by mentor Jessica Bamford, an educator from Four Nations Coalition of Indigenous Medicine, we will learn about the skills that would have been needed to survive in traditional indigenous societies. We will practice skills such as animal tracking, fire starting, bush crafting, shelter building and natural weather forecasting.
Location: will be the Sinixt Heritage Site in Vallican
RSVP to nelson@naturekidsbc.ca

VIRTUAL EXPLORER DAY - Exploring our Forests
2022-04-06 11:00 - 12:00
Special Earth Month Event with Joyful Learning
Join us for a virtual exploration of our forests – with a special focus on trails. We’ll learn how a healthy trail network in communities connects people into nature, and how a well-designed trail protects the ecosystem. And of course, how we can be responsible trail users. Trails are also corridors for wildlife and we’ll look at some tools/tips to recognize the other types of life (animals, insects, plants) that can be discovered while exploring a trail.
For details or to register: https://joyfullearning.net/events-all/naturekids/

VICTORIA - Orienteering
2022-04-09 10:30 - 12:00
Join us for an orienteering Explorer Day event with Nature Mentor Chris Ling. We will learn how to use compasses and follow a fun course. Register here.

What would you do if you were lost in the forest without cellphone coverage or someone to ask? Do you know how to find your way “old-school” with a map and compass? Orienteering is an outdoor adventure activity involving navigation by map and a compass. It can be a recreational activity or a competitive sport. Victoria Orienteering (VICO) has been established by a group of outdoor enthusiasts who challenge themselves in rural environments around Victoria. Chris Ling will be joining us at Elk/Beaver Lake to give us the low down on how orienteering works. He will map out an easy course/route and teach us how to navigate our way to the different stations with a map. This time we won’t use a compass, but we WILL test our directional and map reading skills on an easy course. Don’t worry, we won’t let you get lost!
Click here to register. Got questions? Email us victoria@naturekidsbc.ca

WHERE to PARK and MEET: Meet at the Filter Beds parking lot, which is at the southernmost tip of the lake. It is accessed from Beaver Lake Rd on both sides. Here is a map link: https://goo.gl/maps/KdJ666tTV1sNrZgf9. The course will start at the Picnic Shelter.
DIRECTIONS to Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park:
If coming from downtown Victoria, take Highway 17/Patricia Bay Highway and turn left onto Elk Lake Drive. Next, take a right on Beaver Lake Road to the Filter Beds parking lot.
COME PREPARED: It’s probably a good idea to wear proper hiking shoes and layer up as Spring weather can be unpredictable. It never hurts to bring your own water bottle too.

TRI-CITIES - Critter Care Wildlife Society
2022-04-09 11:00 - 12:00
Meet the Critters of Critter Care Wildlife Society
Join NatureKids BC and Critter Care Wildlife Educator Janice Bolam, as she enlightens us about the wildlife in our own backyards! The program includes awareness, identification, habits, survival, physical abilities, and their contribution to our ecosystem in BC. We will also get the opportunity to meet a critter (or two) that are currently in care.
Location: CRITTER CARE WILDLIFE SOCIETY – 481 216TH STREET – LANGLEY, BC – V2Z 1R6
*Registration is required as we will have a limited number of spots available. Please RSVP t0: tricities@naturekidsbc.ca

Are you able to donate to Critter Care?
The critters have a spring wish list. These are the items that are needed most. If you are able you could bring some of these items with you on the day to donate. You can see the full list here.

Walnuts & Peanuts in the Shell
Eggs
Honey
Peanut Butter
Toilet Paper
Paper Towel
Kleenex
Liquid Hand Soap
Liquid Dish Soap
Various Cleaners
SOS Pads
Bleach
Large Garbage Bags
Baby Receiving Blankets
Towels
Flannel Fabric

NICOMEKL - 20 Shades of Green Walk
2022-04-10 13:00 - 14:30
20 Shades of Green Walk
Join us for a spring nature walk to search for different shades of green. Can you find them all?

Location: Williams Park in Langley
Register by April 8th to nicomekl@naturekidsbc.ca

MERRITT - Earth Day Celebration
2022-04-23 10:00 - 11:30
Join us on Saturday April 23, 2022 to celebrate Earth Day and learn about the Nicola Watershed, water quality and river watching with guest mentor Patrick Farmer.
Location: we will be meeting at Centennial Park (across the bridge from Voght Park in Collettville). From there we will walk to the Coldwater river.
RSVP to merritt@naturekidsbc.ca

EASTERN FRASER VALLEY - Wildflower Planting
2022-04-23 10:00 - 12:00
Wildflower Planting at the Blue Heron Nature Reserve
Join NatureKids and volunteers from the Blue Heron Nature Reserve as we take a walk through the reserve to watch the nesting herons and learn about these fascinating birds. We will end the day by planting wildflowers generously donated by West Coast Seeds to encourage pollinators such as bees and butterflies to visit the reserve.
RSVP to efv@naturekidsbc.ca

BULKLEY VALLEY - Riverside Restoration
2022-04-23 10:00 - 12:00
Come plant willows with us! We will be planting willows along the river in an effort to help stabilize the bank, provide habitat for birds, and shade for our salmon friends. We will be partnering with Adam Wrench who is an environmental consultant in the Houston area. He has been working with the Morice Watershed Monitoring Trust on Riparian restoration work on the upper Bulkley. We are excited to have Adam as guest and hope you can join us!
Location: We will be meeting at the Buck Creek Canfor Hatchery and Nature Centre in Houston

VANCOUVER - Critter Care Wildlife Society // Event now FULL
2022-04-23 11:00 - 14:00
Meet the Critters of Critter Care Wildlife Society
Join NatureKids BC and Nature Mentor Janice Bolam, Education Facilitator for Langley’s Critter Care Wildlife Society to Vancouver. In a rare indoor Explorer Day, Janice will share interesting facts about the urban wildlife that we don’t often see, as these animals tend to come out at night or early morning, and are very good at hiding. We’ll learn about identifying native wildlife, their physical abilities, safety issues, and how these critters contribute to the ecosystem. Come with all your questions about our local wildlife!
Janice’s co-presenter for this Explorer Day is a 4-legged creature that you may have seen waddling down the street or in back alleys. Any guesses who this might be? This helper, with black and white colouring, is a rescued animal and cannot be released into the wild. Don’t worry, she has been de-scented!
Please note that we are offering 2 back-to-back workshops to accommodate more families. There is a 15-person limit per workshop. Consequently, there are 2 RSVP forms. Please make sure you use the form with your preferred timing.
Location: Lakewood Room, Trout Lake Community Centre (TLCC), 3390 Victoria Dr., Vancouver.
Transportation and Parking: Parking is available in the TLCC parking lot. As there is a Farmer’s Market that day, give yourself a few extra minutes to find parking.
TLCC is a 10-minute walk from the Broadway Skytrain station. The closest bus stop is the #20 at Commercial Drive and 14th Ave.

Register here for the workshop from 11:45 AM to 12:45 PM.
Register here for the workshop from 1:00 – 2:00 PM.
Current Covid protocols for in-door events will be in place.

The Critter Care Wildlife Society specializes in the treatment, care and release of injured and orphaned native mammals specific to BC. They are also one of 4 bear rehabilitation facilities in B.C. Spring is an especially busy time for the Society. If you would like to help them out, here is their “spring wish list.” Feel free to bring any of these items to the workshop:
Walnuts and peanuts in the shell, Eggs, Honey, Peanut Butter, Toilet paper, Paper Towels, Kleenex, Liquid hand soap, Liquid dish soap, SOS pads, Bleach, Large garbage bags, Baby receiving blankets, Towels, Flannel Fabric. They also accept donations.

SOUTH OKANAGAN - Earth Day Crafts
2022-04-23 13:00 - 15:00
Earth Day Crafts
Come drop in with us from 1 to 3pm at the Oliver Parks and Recreation Centre to have some fun making crafts made from nature and recycled items. Rummage through your recycle bin for tin cans, milk jugs and / or cartons. With those, you can make bug houses, fairy houses and milk jug butterfly magnets! Bring some cardboard and you can make a nature suncatcher. Bring some mason jar lids and you can make some beautiful wind chimes!
We will walk around the park to pick up rocks for rock painting and leaves, twigs and flowers for the nature suncatchers.
I will bring recycled materials to make our crafts and the paint, embellishments and hot glue!
Location: We will be sitting at picnic tables in the park, unless it rains, then we will be inside the Multi Cultural Clubhouse.
RSVP to southokanagan@naturekidsbc.ca

RIDGE MEADOWS - Good-bye Chums!
2022-04-24 11:00 - 14:00
Release salmon fry into the creek where they will start their journey to the sea. Tour the hatchery. Take part in fun activities and games to find out how to help salmon.
Location: Kanaka Creek Regional Park. Meet at 11450 256th St, Maple Ridge
Presented with Kanaka Education & Environmental Partnership Society
Free and open to all. All ages.
Photo credit: Eiko Jones

NORTH VANCOUVER - Edible Plants Walk
2022-04-24 13:00 - 14:30
Edible Plants Walk
Western hemlock, salmonberry, licorice fern: join the Ecology Centre staff to go on a walk through the park looking for edible forest plants.
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/in-person-naturekids-workshop-edible-plants-walk-tickets-231092522957
Suitable for ages 5-13 with an adult.
This is an in-person walk, and program attendees should be members of NatureKids BC – more information on membership can be found here. You can try one NatureKids BC workshop before you become a member.
This program will take place outdoors and in person in Lynn Canyon Park. Masks are recommended. Please stay home if you are sick.
