NatureKidsBC

MERRITT - Winter Wildlife Tracking
2023-03-11 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver)
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

VANCOUVER - Sky Gazing Anyone?
2023-04-27 19:00 - 22:00
Sky gazing anyone?? Astronomer Justin Lee has invited us to join him at Kitsilano Beach in the last week of April, from 7:30 to 10:00, to view the moon, Venus, and Mars through this telescope. Even though it will still be light at 7:30, the moon will be bright enough for us to see. This might be a great time for younger sky gazers. For those who want to see Venus and Mars, 8:30 will be a better start time.
We won’t know the exact date of this “Explorer Evening” (Tues. 25th, Wed. 26th, or Thurs. 27th) until we check the weather forecast the week before. This is an all-ages event, and you can drop by anytime.
Justin is an amateur astronomer, an interest he has had since the age of 11. Throughout university, he was a member of the UBC Astronomy Club. Now Justin loves to host public observation events and to share the night sky with as many people as possible. You can check out Justin’s blog here, and see his Instagram here.
For astronomy lovers in your family, see Night Sky Bright Planets, which gives planets rise and set times for Vancouver as well as other locations.
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today it’s FREE!
Register your interest here.

MAPLE RIDGE - Goodbye Chums
2023-04-29 11:00 - 14:00
NatureKids BC will be hosting an outreach table at the Goodbye Chums event hosted by the Kanaka Education & Environmental Partnership Society.
All families are welcome to attend!
Kick start a salmon fry’s journey to the ocean by helping release them into Kanaka Creek. Enjoy activity stations and chat with hatchery volunteers to discover more about your watershed and how to keep it clean for salmon.
For more information, location and directions click here.

SURREY - Party for the Planet
2023-04-29 11:00 - 19:00
NatureKids BC will be hosting an outreach table at the Party for the Planet event hosted by the City of Surrey.
All families are welcome to attend!
Celebrate Earth Day! Experience free live entertainment by local musicians, dancers, and environmental educators.
For more information, location and directions click here.

SALMON ARM - Birding for Families
2023-04-30 08:30 - 10:00
Enjoy a morning walk on the Salmon Arm wharf with local nature experts. Bring your family and learn about birds on the foreshore!
Participant are asked to meet at the Salmon Arm Bay Nature Enhancement Society’s Nature House parking lot at 8:30 am.
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!
For more details please contact salmonarm@naturekidsbc.ca

EAST KOOTENAY - Birds and Flowers at the Butte
2023-04-30 09:00 - 10:30
Join us for a morning of exploring the Butte trails with nature mentor Ruth Goodwin. Learn all about the plants and birds that call this beautiful area home.
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!
To register email ek@naturekidsbc.ca

TEXADA -Pollinator Planting and Crafting
2023-04-30 11:00 - 14:00
Join us at the Texada Home and Garden Centre and celebrate pollinators! Get your face painted, plant some flowers and enjoy some crafts!
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today it’s FREE!
To register email texada@naturekidsbc.ca

VICTORIA - Camas Day Celebration
2023-04-30 12:00 - 15:00
We will be joining Friends of Uplands Park who are hosting multiple Nature groups and non-profits and members of the public for a day celebrating camas! We will have a Nature Kids table set up where you can sign in and get a stamp in your passport. Enjoy live music with the Bald Eagles, food, drink, and prizes. Wildflower walks throughout the afternoon, led by local expert botanists, will showcase the beauty of Uplands Park and highlight the importance of its threatened ecosystems and the rare species that inhabit them.
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!
Click here to register!

BURNABY - Bird Banding at Colony Farm
2023-05-03 07:30 - 09:30
Join the Vancouver Avian Research Centre (VARC) on the unceded traditional lands of the Kwikwetlem peoples, at Colony Farm! We’ll learn about their research and get close to birds in a unique and meaningful way as they band the migratory birds.
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.

VANCOUVER - Chum Salmon Fry Release
2023-05-03 16:30 - 18:30
Brian and Eric from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) will be taking 15,000 chum fry to Spanish Banks Creek for release! NatureKids BC is being invited to this release.
Kids with rubber boots and parents with cameras are most welcome to help us with the release. Adults can get involved by carrying fry to upstream pools so that the fry will stay longer in the Creek and become better imprinted.

Sorry, dogs are not invited.
This chum fry release will take place (rain or shine) where Spanish Banks Creek flows under Northwest Marine Drive, a short distance west of the Spanish Banks West Concession. The address for the Concession is 4875 NW Marine Drive.
Free parking is available on the north side of Marine Drive immediately west of the Concession. Toilets are available at the Concession.

While this event will be starting at 4:30pm, you will have time to participate if you come from school. I think it will take us a while to safely bring all those fry to the stream.

To make it easier to contact interested families in case of last minute changes, register your interest here.

This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

SALMON ARM - Explore Neskonlith Meadows
2023-05-06 08:00 - 16:00
Day trip to Neskonlith meadows (located close to Chase) with Salmon Arm Nature Kids club. We will be taking in the blooms that the meadow provides at this time of year and joined by a guest or two. This place is difficult to visit and you will be amazed!! The Kamloops Club will also be joining us.
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today it’s FREE!
For more details please contact salmonarm@naturekidsbc.ca
