NatureKidsBC

NELSON - Birds in Winter
2023-02-11 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver)
Let’s get to know some local birds!
We will meet at Lakeside Park in Nelson. We will learn how to use binoculars and spotting scopes, how to identify common bird species, and how to record our data and submit it online to contribute to bird science! We’ll also keep warm with some active bird games and finish up by sharing our observations over a cup of hot cocoa.
RSVP to nelson@naturekidsbc.ca

Lakeside Park is flat and very accessible to wheelchairs, strollers, or anything you use to help you get around. We will spend about a half hour walking along the waterfront. Trail condition is weather dependent but is generally well maintained.

BULKLEY VALLEY - Life Under the Ice
2023-02-11 13:00 - 15:00
We will be exploring life under the ice with our special guest: Tasheena England, from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
We will meet at the public beach access area at Lake Kathlyn before starting our activities. Snowfall will determine the accessibility of our event. If there is little snow on the lake strollers should be able to get out on the lake.
RSVP to bulkleyvalley@naturekidsbc.ca

SALT SPRING - The Great Backyard Bird Count
2023-02-17 10:00 - 11:30
Salt Spring Families please join Kathleen and Jean for a birding session on how to count birds. We will practice the bird count protocol along the paths and in the meadows of beautiful Xwaaqw’um, Burgoyne Provincial Park. We’ll be on the look-out for the usual common birds but will especially
keep an eye out for the uncommon ones, lurking in the wings. Winding our way down to the bay, perhaps we’ll be gifted with spotting some waterbirds!
Where: The Outdoor classroom with the displays of indigenous culture, located near the upper parking lot.
What to bring: Warm clothing, boots and binoculars. Kathleen has 3 pairs of cool kids’ binoculars to lend out!
Not yet signed up for NatureKids outings? We’ll have information for you.

LANGLEY - Hearty Fun in Nature GPS Hunt
2023-02-18 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for a morning of sleuthing on our GPS family scavenger hunt.
Click here to RSVP.

VICTORIA - Rascally Raccoons
2023-02-19 13:30 - 15:00
Join us and a CRD naturalist at Mill Hill Regional Park to learn all about Raccoons!
Click here to register.

VANCOUVER - Escape from the City
2023-02-19 13:30 - 15:30
Byrne Creek Ravine Park in Burnaby is a place where wildlife can come to rest from the fast pace of the city. This beautiful ravine with a manmade spawning habitat that connects to the Fraser River will be our escape from the city.
Our Nature Mentors from the Byrne Creek Streamkeepers Society will guide us as we explore this watershed area, which is home to many species of fish (chum, coho, cutthroat trout, and stickleback), large trees, plants, mammals, birds, and invertebrates. Usually at this time of year, we would see some fish in the creek; however, due to recent elevated pH levels, there has sadly been a large die off. Our guides will explain the hazards of life in an urban creek, including the impact of invasive species, and how, with efforts from streamkeepers and the general public, recovery is possible.
We will be walking on the trail next to the creek for just over 3 km and will make stops along the way to see and learn about what makes this park unique. The trail is not stroller friendly.
Register here. Please note: by registering on the Google form, you are confirmed. If this Explorer Day is full, a notice will be sent to all NKs families via email, and the registration form will be closed to new registrations.
Questions please contact vancouver@naturekidsbc.ca
Meeting Location: Ron McLean Park, 7820 Hedley Ave, Burnaby
Transit: Ron McLean Park is a short walk from Edmonds Skytrain Station. There are picnic tables and washrooms available there.
What to wear: Dress for the weather. Wear shoes that have a reasonable grip and you don’t mind getting dirty or wet.
What to bring: Snacks, water, and magnifying glass (we’ll have some to share). A pen and paper if you would like to document species.

Weather: We will go in light rain, but will cancel in heavy rain.
Washrooms: At meeting location.
Cancellation: This Explorer Day will be limited to 20 people. Please inform us if you know, in advance, that you are unable to attend. We realize that busy families are not always able to attend at the last minute.

NORTH VANCOUVER - Care for Creeks
2023-02-26 13:00 - 14:30
Learn what stream invertebrates (aka bugs) can tell us about the health of a creek, and do chemistry tests to look at water quality.
RSVP to northvancouver@naturekidsbc.ca

KAMLOOPS - Stake Lake Snowshoe Adventure
2023-02-26 13:00 - 15:00
Come join us for part of the afternoon up at Stake Lake to snowshoe together as a club.
Questions or RSVP to kamloops@naturekidsbc.ca

NICOMEKL - Critter Care Field Trip
2023-03-04 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for a special presentation from the Wildlife Education team at Critter Care, a place of refuge for sick and injured wildlife as well as a source of solutions and knowledge to help make a brighter future for wildlife. We will learn about local wildlife and more from Janice Bolam, a longtime volunteer and facilitator. There might even be a chance to meet a critter! Must be 7+ years old to attend.
To register please email nicomekl@naturekidsbc.ca

NELSON - Circle of Indigenous Nations
2023-03-10 15:00 - 16:00
Our Nature Mentor this month is Liam Fitzpatrick with Circle of Indigenous Nations Society (COINS). Liam will lead us in traditional drumming, singing and storytelling, as well as other fun winter activities.

Open to all club members. Non members can join if there is space, please email us!

Click here to register.

Need more information? Contact nelson@naturekidsbc.ca

MERRITT - Winter Wildlife Tracking
2023-03-11 10:00 - 11:30
Join us as we discover the creatures that live around us in winter using their tracks. We will be meeting with guest mentor Frank Ritcey who will be teaching us all about wildlife tracking at the Laurie Guichon Interpretive site.
We will be meeting in the parking lot located at the Lundbum exit off the Kelowna Connector hwy.
Please let us know if you plan on attending be emailing merritt@naturekidsbc.ca

KAMLOOPS - Owl Pellets
2023-03-12 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for a morning of owl pellet exploration! Susan, at the Big Little Science Centre, will guide us through an educational adventure of pulling apart owl pellets. This event will take place indoors and is wheelchair accessible.

Questions or RSVP to kamloops@naturekidsbc.ca

NORTH VANCOUVER - Bird House Building
2023-03-12 13:00 - 14:30
Join us to build chickadee houses at Lynn Canyon Park! At this hands-on workshop, families will learn about chickadees and build a house from repurposed wood. Your family will have the opportunity to build one box and either donate it or bring it home.
To register please call 604-990-3755.

SALMON ARM - Shelter Building & Nature Scavenger Hunt
2023-03-12 13:00 - 15:00
Join us to try building small and large shelters in the forest! There might be snow so please dress for the weather. Enjoy a short hike and a nature scavenger hunt.
We will meet in the parking lot at Coyote Park at 1:00pm (1398 54 Ave NE, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 2M5)
For more details please contact salmonarm@naturekidsbc.ca

BULKLEY VALLEY - Lost in the Wilderness
2023-03-18 10:00 - 11:30
Join Houston Search and Rescue for a fun puppet show about what to do if you get lost in the woods. Then take a walk and find out what you can do to keep yourself safe and help get found.
The puppet show will be inside and is wheelchair accessible. Trails could be wheelchair/stroller accessible with some determination. Dress for the weather for the walk afterwards.
Registration is limited – email us at bulkleyvalley@naturekidsbc.ca to reserve your spots today.

VANCOUVER - Curious Kids Nature Journal Event
2023-03-18 13:00 - 14:00
This event is being hosted by the Stanley Park Ecological Society!
Learn about local living things from Fiona Cohen, author of Curious Kids Nature Journal and Curious Kids Nature Guide. Watch, listen, smell, and touch, and count, and then record our findings in words, numbers and pictures. Fiona will give a short free presentation from 1-2pm at the Stanley Park Nature House and her book will be available for purchase.
For more information click here.

VANCOUVER - Mason Bee Nest Building
2023-03-25 10:00 - 12:00
Dick and Jillian Scarth will guide us in building a nesting house for mason bees with everyday materials. As the mason bees will be coming out of hibernation very soon, these nests have to be built now to be ready for the bees’ spring foraging season. Mason bees are very important to the environment as they are extremely hard working and efficient pollinators. To prepare for this Explorer Day workshop, please read about the Mason Bee Life Cycle.
Dick and Jillian will be supplying most of the supplies needed to construct the houses, including the bees! The only item that each family is requested to bring is a roll of scotch tape.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are interested in participating in this workshop, you need to have a location to place the Mason Bee nest that is secure, covered to protect it from the rain, and faces south, or preferably southeast. There should also be plants close by, from which the bees can collect pollen and nectar. These conditions are necessary to make your nest viable.
RSVP here. This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!
Location: Trout Lake (John Hendry Park) in east Vancouver, at the covered area just east of the concession stand at the south end of the lake.
Washrooms: At the nearby concession stand.
Parking is available at several locations in the park and on East 19th Ave. The closest parking location is the lot just south of the concession stand.
Transit: From both Commercial Broadway and Nanaimo Skytrain stations the covered area in the park is about a 10 – 15 minute walk. Buses 20, 25, 7, 9 and 99, all take you within walking distance as well.

VICTORIA - Rocking Rocks
2023-03-25 11:00 - 13:00
Join us and explore geology with nature mentor, Sean, from the Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society! Sean will help identify rocks, their make up, and sources at Island View Beach.
For more information and to register click here.

SALT SPRING ISLAND - Explore and Celebrate Spring
2023-03-31 13:30 - 15:30
Spring is here! Let’s get outside and enjoy Nature!
Come and join us as we look, listen, feel, smell and taste some spring-time gifts!
We’ll search for buds, frogs, skunk cabbages, birds, bugs, and blossoms.
And maybe there will be some surprises!
The location is not accessible by strollers.
For more information and to RSVP please email jdwilkin@telus.net

NICOMEKL - Fools in Nature
2023-04-01 10:00 - 12:00
Celebrate April Fool’s Day by exploring how species in nature fool other species. Some species adopt bright colours or patterns to look like another species that is poisonous or dangerous. Other species try to become invisible to a predator, using camouflaging colours or patterns. What will we find in the forest, marsh or river?
Wear something that might help you to blend in, or that might frighten off a predator!
To register please email nicomekl@naturekidsbc.ca

NORTH VANCOUVER - Ivy Weaving
2023-04-01 14:00 - 16:00
Learn about invasive ivy and how it can be used to create beautiful woven objects. Varsha Gill from Still Moon Arts Society will guide us in an ivy weaving workshop at Lynn Canyon Park.
To register please call 604-990-3755.

LANGLEY - Story in Nature - Forest Friends
2023-04-08 13:00 - 14:00
Join us on a journey of science storytelling, imagination, and movement getting to know some of British Columbia’s Keystone Species at Hi-Knoll Park in Cloverdale.
Click here to RSVP.

TEXADA -Annual Earth Day Event
2023-04-19 10:00 - 13:00
Celebrate Earth Day with us at Lafarge Park! Be kind to the environment and drop off batteries, old paint cans, waste oil, old computers or monitors at the Lafarge recycling event. Join in on a NatureKids scavenger hunt!
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today it’s FREE!
To register email texada@naturekidsbc.ca

BURNABY - Explore the Alaksen National Wildlife Area
2023-04-20 10:00 - 12:00
The Alaksen National Wildlife area (NWA) is located on the unceded lands of the Stz’uminus peoples and is an exceptional habitat and important area of migrating birds. A mentor from NWA will lead us on a tour around Alaksen’s ecology, operations, site history – and of course, see some birds!
Bring water, a snack, wear sturdy shoes or rubber boots.
Accessibility: Location is accessible by car. There is a parking lot and accessible washrooms. Most of the trail is flat and is stroller / wheelchair accessible.
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today it’s FREE!
Click here to register.
*Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. All confirmed registrants will receive an email confirmation.

MERRITT - Windy Canyon Clean Up
2023-04-22 10:00 - 12:00
Join us on earth day for a hike through one of Merritt’s most unique spots and help us pick up some trash along the way.
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today it’s FREE!
Please let us know if you plan on attending be emailing merritt@naturekidsbc.ca

EAST KOOTENAY - Community Clean Up
2023-04-22 10:00 - 14:00
Celebrate Earth Day by pitching in and cleaning up our local community! Join us at the Kimberley Civic Centre. We’ll have some plant pots, soil and sunflower seeds for the kids to take home.
Become a member today it’s FREE!
To register please email ek@naturekidsbc.ca

NELSON - Earth Day Beach Clean Up
2023-04-22 12:00 - 14:00
NatureKids will be joining the team at Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society for a much needed Earth Day beach clean up at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park. There will be some extra buckets and gloves available, or you can bring your own. Lets help keep the beach safe for birds and other wildlife by removing the litter and polystyrene foam that poses a risk to their health. We will also have a table set up with a kids activity when you’re finished with the clean-up.
Accessibility: We will be walking along the sandy and rocky beach, starting close to the boat launch. Participants can join the clean up for as long as they feel comfortable.
Become a member today it’s FREE!
Click here to register!

KAMLOOPS - Celebrate Earth Day
2023-04-22 13:00 - 15:00
Join us as we experiment with dyes/pigments made from plant material, craft our own quills and engage in a few nature journaling exercises at McArthur Island Park.
Questions or RSVP to kamloops@naturekidsbc.ca

BULKLEY VALLEY - Shoreline Clean Up
2023-04-22 13:00 - 15:00
Join us for the perfect Earth Day activity! Help clean garbage from the banks of Buck Creek to prevent it from washing to the ocean during spring run off. We will have a campfire to follow! We will meet at the Buck Creek Hatchery and Nature Centre in Houston. Looking forward to seeing you there!
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today it’s FREE!
Accessibility: The trails will most likely be muddy so we encourage you to dress appropriately.
Questions or RSVP to bulkleyvalley@naturekidsbc.ca

RIDGE MEADOWS - Discover Kanaka Creek
2023-04-23 13:00 - 15:00
Join us at the Kanaka Creek Fish Hatchery to explore aquatic habitats and participate in citizen science. We will be helping the Kanaka Education & Environmental Partnership Society conduct water testing in the creek, they will provide all the equipment.
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today it’s FREE!
Please register no later than April 15th by emailing ridgemeadows@naturekidsbc.ca
