NatureKidsBC

WILDROOTS - Bird Banding with WildResearch
2023-10-01 08:45 - 10:30 (America/Vancouver)
Enjoy an early morning of birding with WildResearch! See birds up close and learn about bird banding at the Iona Island Bird Observatory (IIBO). NatureKids will also enjoy an educational walk in the park.

IIBO is the only migration monitoring station in BC that operates during both spring and fall migration. Data collected by these programs demonstrate the importance of Iona Island as a migration stopover site for thousands of migratory birds each year.

This event is limited to 25 participants.

Click here to register!

Banding station location
WildResearch’s operates Iona Island Bird Observatory (IIBO) at Iona Beach Regional Park in Richmond. The other banding station that runs out of Colony Farm in Coquitlam is operated by the Vancouver Avian Research Centre (VARC); also a really beautiful place!

Just a note that Iona Beach Regional Park isn’t accessible by transit. The closest station would be Templeton Station on the Canada Line, but folks can carpool or bike the rest of the way. There is a lot of free parking though. After the tour, families can explore the trails, beach, jetty, and relax at the picnic tables.

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

TRICITIES - Bird Banding with WildResearch
2023-10-01 10:00 - 11:30
Enjoy an early morning of birding with WildResearch! See birds up close and learn about bird banding at the Iona Island Bird Observatory (IIBO). NatureKids will also enjoy an educational walk in the park.

IIBO is the only migration monitoring station in BC that operates during both spring and fall migration. Data collected by these programs demonstrate the importance of Iona Island as a migration stopover site for thousands of migratory birds each year.

This event is limited to 25 participants.

To register email tricities@naturekidsbc.ca

Banding station location
WildResearch’s operates Iona Island Bird Observatory (IIBO) at Iona Beach Regional Park in Richmond. The other banding station that runs out of Colony Farm in Coquitlam is operated by the Vancouver Avian Research Centre (VARC); also a really beautiful place!

Just a note that Iona Beach Regional Park isn’t accessible by transit. The closest station would be Templeton Station on the Canada Line, but folks can carpool or bike the rest of the way. There is a lot of free parking though. After the tour, families can explore the trails, beach, jetty, and relax at the picnic tables.

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

NORTH VANCOUVER - Spectacular Salmon
2023-10-01 13:00 - 14:30
Join the Streamkeepers to learn more about the return of the salmon to the Seymour River! Learn about the salmon life cycle and the work that Streamkeepers groups do to restore rivers.
Register here: https://ecologycentre.zaui.net/booking/web/#/default/activity/58?
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

NELSON - ART-venture!
2023-10-01 13:00 - 15:00
We will gather together for a fun mountain hike, and create beautiful works of art inspired by the colours of fall!

Our mentor this month is Abby Wilson, local artist and avid hiker who leads hikes with the West Kootenay Mountaineering Club. Art supplies will be provided.

There are a limited number of spots available for this event. If you sign up and cannot make it, please let us know so we can open your space to another family.

We plan to hike up the Summit Trail. You can find a trail description here: https://westkootenayhiking.ca/summit-trail-whitewater-ski-resort/
There are washrooms at Hummingbird Lodge.
Once we have finished our art stop at approximately the 1.3km mark, you may continue your hike higher into the alpine, or choose to return to the parking lot.

Click here to register!
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

VANCOUVER - Exploring our Coastal Forest Ecology
2023-10-07 13:30 - 15:30
To welcome the change of seasons, on Saturday, October 7, from 1:30pm to 3:30pm, we will be visiting Pacific Spirit Park to learn all about coastal forest ecology with Nature Mentors from the National Forest Week – BC Coalition. Nick Reinhardt, Registered Professional Forester, and volunteers Jordan, and Anne will be our guides as we explore our coastal forest ecosystem. With 3 mentors, we’ll be able to get all our questions answered whether it be about trees, shrubs, mosses, or anything else we see in the forest. Nick will be bringing fun maps that will help us with orienteering in the park, and to locate the tallest trees in the area.
The National Forest Week – BC Coalition works to inspire British Columbians to explore our forests and forest heritage, and to support forest education and awareness.
Meeting Location West 16th Ave, Vancouver, just west of Blanca St. See map here.
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!
Register here. Pls note, if the form accepts your registration, you are confirmed. You will receive a reminder email a few days before the Explorer Day.
Cancellation Please inform us if you know, in advance, that you are unable to attend this Explorer Day. We realize that busy families are not always able to attend at the last minute.
What to bring:

Dress for the weather.
Footwear that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty and possibly wet.
A small magnifying glass, binoculars, and camera can be useful. We’ll have some to share.

Weather We will go in light rain but will postpone if heavy rain is forecast.

Parking is available on 16th Ave.

Transit Both the #25 and #33 buses stop here.

NICOMEKL - Releaf Tree Planting
2023-10-14 10:00 - 12:00
Plant trees and shrubs in a local park and help grow Surrey’s urban forest. Tree planting will be led by City of Surrey staff. Wear sturdy, close-toed shoes and dress for the weather. Be prepared to get dirty! All tools and instruction will be provided.

Meeting location/parking: 16723 24 avenue, additional parking available at the South Surrey Operations centre at 2336 166 St.

To register please email nicomekl@naturekidsbc.ca with your name and children’s name(s).
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

KAMLOOPS - Forest Walk & Plant Impressions
2023-10-14 10:00 - 12:00
Enjoy a morning exploring forest ecology, forestry and making plant impressions with Community Forest Technician, Sky Jarvis.
We are currently working out the best location to host the event, but it will be within city limits so those using transit can still join. Feel free to share with friends and please RSVP if you plan to join.
To register email kamloops@naturekidsbc.ca
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

TEXADA ISLAND - Fire Safety
2023-10-14 13:00 - 14:00
Learn about fire safety with the Gilles Bay Fire Department during Fire Safety Week!
To register please email texada@naturekidsbc.ca
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

COMOX VALLEY - Nature Walk & Salmon Exploration
2023-10-15 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for a nature walk at Puntledge Park, explore the trails, meet new friends and investigate the salmon spawning areas. We’ll also play a salmon themed game and learn about the salmon life cycle!
We’ll meet after the little bridge by the little park. For questions please email comox@naturekidsbc.ca

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

FREE THE FERN - Native Food Forest Planting
2023-10-21 10:00 - 12:00
Free the Fern is inviting NatureKids BC members to join their Native Food Forest Planting event on October 21st in South Vancouver. This event will be a planting celebration, complete with fresh baked Bannock and music. The event is free to attend.
Click here to register!

NANAIMO - Mushroom Walk at Lost Lake Trail
2023-10-21 10:00 - 12:00
Join NatureKids BC Nanaimo for a guided walk of the Lost Lake Trail! NaturekidsBC club member and resident mycology expert Erin will lead a walk where we will get up close and personal with all kinds of fungi!
Registration is limited to 20 participants.
Click here to register!
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

COWICHAN VALLEY - Salmon Spotters
2023-10-22 11:00 - 12:00
Join the Cowichan Valley NatureKids Club for a morning of learning about salmon at Averill Creek. The walking trail is stroller friendly. Let’s see if we can spot some spawning salmon.
Click here to register!
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

DELTA - Visit OWL - Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society
2023-10-28 09:45 - 11:30
Join the Delta NatureKids Club for an education program and tour at OWL! OWL (Orphaned Wildlife) Rehabilitation Society is a registered non-profit organization whose staff and volunteers are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and orphaned raptors and to educating the public on the conservation and importance of them.
Click here to register! Spaces are limited!
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

MERRITT - Mushroom Explorer Day
2023-10-28 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for a fall mushroom walk with Michael Ebenal from Forest Moon Fungi. Looking forward to seeing you and your family out in the forest! We’ll meet at the Colletville Elementary School parking lot. Wear a Halloween costume and win a prize!

To register please email merritt@naturekidsbc.ca.
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

JERICHO - Fall Leaf Fun
2023-10-28 13:00 - 14:00
Join NatureKids to learn about fall leaves, do a leaf experiment, and create leaf prints!

Click here to register!

We will be meeting at Jericho across the street from the Arts Centre.

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

VICTORIA - 100 Years of Birding in the City
2023-10-28 13:00 - 15:00
Join Friends of Uplands Park and NatureKids BC in celebration of the 100 year Anniversary of the Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary!
Enjoy family friendly activities – make a bird craft, match bird beaks to tools and plant berry bushes for birds, and enjoy a bird walk!
No registration is required, join us at Cattle Point in Oak Bay, BC!

NICOMEKL - Orange and Black Walk
2023-10-29 10:00 - 12:00
Come explore and search for spooky things in nature that are orange or black as we head into Halloween. We invite you to wear your favourite orange and black clothing as we explore the Langley Municipal Nature Park.

Meeting location/parking: Meet at the east side of 224th Street (where 5th avenue would be if it existed). If you’re heading south, it’s just past the horse sign. Turn left into the gravel driveway.

To register please email nicomekl@naturekidsbc.ca with your name and children’s name(s).
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

BURNABY - Birding for Beginners
2023-11-04 10:00 - 12:00
Join NatureKids BC at Deer Lake Park to learn all about birding! Local bird experts will lead families through the park and share birding tips and tricks. This is a great event to learn about the basics of birding and to enjoy a morning of nature exploration with your family and friends.
A warm thank you to the Burnaby Neighborhood Fund for Climate Action and our volunteer nature mentors for bringing this event to Burnaby families. Our hope is to build community connections and inspire individuals to volunteer and lead a nature club in the Burnaby area.

We invite everyone to join us for a morning of nature exploration and community connections!
Click here to register!

NORTH VANCOUVER - Forest Fungi
2023-11-04 12:00 - 13:00
Join mycologist Willoughby Arevalo to learn more about the fungi that are hard at work helping the forest grow. This family walk will cover mushroom ID and also discuss how fungi support the functioning of local ecosystems.
Register here: https://ecologycentre.zaui.net/booking/web/#/default/activity/59?
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

SALT SPRING ISLAND - Salmon on Salt Spring
2023-11-05 13:00 - 15:00
Join NatureKids Salt Spring Island for an Explorer Day led by Kathy Reimer, a biologist who has worked for years to monitor and improve salmon habitat on Salt Spring. We expect to see young salmon fry getting ready to head to the ocean. and hope to see some adults returning from the ocean to Duck Creek to spawn. We’ll learn more about their habitats, their life cycle, what they need to live and how we can help salmon thrive.
Pre-register and get information about where to meet by contacting Club Leader Kathleen at khmaser@shaw.ca.
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

WILDROOTS - Hyde Creek Fish Hatchery Tour
2023-11-07 10:00 - 12:00
Join us on a tour of the Hyde Creek Hatchery and learn about its role in sustaining salmon numbers within the Hyde Creek Watershed. We will cover the stages in a salmon’s life cycle and how each stage has specific needs and is vulnerable to disruption and mortality and how each stage in the salmon life cycle relies on parts of the aquatic ecosystem in which they live.
Please bring water, a snack, and weather appropriate clothing.
*All confirmed registrants will receive an email confirmation prior to the event. ”
Click here to register!
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

WILDROOTS - Rooting for Plants
2023-11-14 10:00 - 12:00
How do native plants propagate? How do native plants support wildlife? The Environmental Youth Alliance will be leading this hands-on activity where we will be learning how to propagate woodland strawberry and yarrow plants to take back to our home gardens. Event located at the Strathcona Community Garden, on the shared, unceded, ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Click here to register!
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

VICTORIA - INVASIVE IVY PULL
2023-11-18 09:45 - 11:30
On this Explorer Day we will join the Greater Victoria Green Team and help with an invasive ivy pull. There will be snacks, refreshments (aka juice boxes), and the potential to use some of the ivy we pull to make mini wreaths.

Click here to register!
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

Virtual Ecosystem Explorer Day - #2 Wetlands: Scouting the Swamplands
2023-11-18 10:00 - 10:30
Join us for a Virtual Ecosystem Explorer Day! This is the second virtual event of a four part series that will run during fall and winter of 2023/2024! Our focus will be on ecosystems!
Scout the swamplands with us! Join an educator from the BC Wildlife Park and learn the difference between marshes, swamps, bogs and fens, learn why wetlands are important, and discover some of the wildlife that calls these habitats home in BC!
We’ll even see a live animal up close!!
The BC Wildlife Park is a non-profit organization and registered charity located in Kamloops, British Columbia since 1965. The BC Wildlife Park is home to nearly 200 animals and 65 different species that are native to British Columbia including cougars, bears, wolves, reptiles, birds of prey, and the only Kermode bear in human care in the world. Many of the animals at the Park have been rescued or were orphaned and are unable to survive on their own in the wild. The BC Wildlife Park is an accredited facility in Canada, by Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA).
The event will take place on Zoom. Click here to register!
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

JERICHO - Fly Into Winter
2023-11-18 10:00 - 11:30
Get ready for the winter bird count that happens every year in December! Meet with Hana Hermanek, bird biologist. Jericho ponds and bay are full of our feathered friends who like to call these spots their home even during the winter months.

Click here to register!
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

COMOX VALLEY - Birding at Lazo Marsh
2023-11-18 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for a morning of birding at Lazo March! Meet new friends, get outside and explore nature.
Click here to register!
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

KAMLOOPS - Orienteering
2023-11-18 10:00 - 12:00
Join the Kamloops NatureKids club for a morning of orienteering! Make new friends and learn map reading skills.
For more information and to register for this event email kamloops@naturekidsbc.ca
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

NANAIMO - Birdwatching and Crafting
2023-11-19 10:00 - 12:00
Join NatureKids BC Nanaimo for some birdwatching and a fun take-home bird feeder craft!

We will meet at Northfield Marsh. Bring along binoculars if you have them, and maybe a warm drink!
Registration is limited to 20 participants.
Click here to register!
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

NELSON - Fireside Story
2023-11-19 13:00 - 15:00
For this explorer day we would like to invite you to enjoy a fireside story with a guest Barry Gray. Barry is an amazing story teller whose stories are always very entertaining.

We will be practicing our fire skills and making small fires as families and working together to contribute to a large fire to enjoy the story around. If you have a Ferro Rod and any dry tinder materials you would like to try out please bring them along with you.

Warm drinks will be provided – please bring your own mugs

Morning mountain has a trail network – afterwards we invite families to check out the trail system for a stroll however this will be at your own leisure as the Nature Kids portion will be complete after the fire and story.

Click here to register!
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

DELTA - Migratory Bird Sanctuary Visit
2023-11-25 10:00 - 11:30
It is the season for bird migration, let’s join to see what kinds of birds are here with us now!

The George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary consists of wetlands, natural marshes and low dykes in the heart of the Fraser River Estuary. For the millions of birds seeking feeding and resting areas during their annual migrations along the Pacific Coast, the Sanctuary is ideally located. Nature mentor will guide us to explore the sanctuary, this would be an amazing experience !

Click here to register! Spaces are limited!
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!
