DELTA - Reifel Bird Sanctuary
2024-02-17 10:30 - 13:30 (America/Vancouver)
Join NatureKids BC for a fun family event at Reifel Bird Sanctuary! Make new friends, play games and enjoy birding together!

This birding event is an open house! We welcome non-members and current NatureKids members to join in!

Registration is required! Click here to register.
Spaces are limited and will be offered on a first come, first serve basis. If spots have been filled you will be put on a waitlist.

A big thank you to Nature Canada NatureHOOD for their support of our visits to Migratory Bird Sanctuaries!

PRINCE GEORGE - Winterfest
2024-02-17 11:00 - 16:00
Join NatureKids staff at Prince George Winterfest, a family-friendly winter festival! Stop by and say hello at our outreach table and play some fun winter-themed games!

Learn more about the event here!

SALT SPRING ISLAND - Creekside Rainforest Walk
2024-02-18 10:00 - 12:00
Come and celebrate Family Day weekend with a NatureKids family outing! We’ll walk amongst huge cedar, maple, alder, fir and hemlock trees and learn a bit about each kind. We’ll observe the creek and imagine being an adult salmon, swimming upstream to spawn, or a salmon fry hatching in these rushing waters. We’ll listen and watch for birds and other critters, and explore this newly-expanded Nature Reserve. The mosses, ferns and other plants will appreciate us staying on the paths while we admire them and learn some of their names.
Wear warm clothes and comfortable waterproof footwear for this outing. Feel free to bring a notebook and pencil, a magnifying glass, binoculars etc. and a snack. We have some magnifiers and binoculars we can share, too. All children need to be accompanied by a responsible adult. For registration and more information please contact Jean Wilkinson at jdwilkin@telus.net. We hope to see you there!

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

NANAIMO - Astronomy Night
2024-02-18 18:30 - 19:30
Join NatureKids BC Nanaimo and Chris Boar from the Nanaimo Astronomy Society for an evening of astronomy and stargazing!

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

VICTORIA - Wrigglers at Work
2024-02-24 10:00 - 11:30
Wrigglers at Work with Compost Education Centre

On this Explorer Day, Compost Education Centre will be leading us through a Worm Composting Workshop on Sunday February 24th from 10am to 11:30am.

Learn the basics of composting by meeting fun puppets, and explore how red wriggler worms transform food waste into soil. Students will learn all about red wrigglers by creating a worm composting bin, which we will be able to harvest!

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

MERRITT - Winter Plant ID and Pine Needle Tea
2024-02-24 10:00 - 12:00
Join NatureKids Merritt for their next explorer day is February 24, 10 am at Marquart Lake.
Meet at the first parking area when you arrive at the lake. There will be a fishing derby happening at the same time so be aware that it may be a bit crowded!
For questions about this event email merritt@naturekidsbc.ca
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

TEXADA - Raven Bay Hike
2024-02-24 11:00 - 13:00
Join NatureKids Texada for a hike at Raven Bay! Make new friends, practice survival skills, enjoy a fire and some hot dogs!

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

KAMLOOPS - Museum Mystery Kit
2024-02-25 10:00 - 12:00
Join NatureKids Kamloops for a fun morning of exploration with a Royal BC Museum Mystery Kit. What mysteries will be uncovered? Make new friends and learn about nature together!

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

COWICHAN VALLEY - Exploring Estuaries
2024-02-25 11:00 - 13:00
Join the Cowichan Valley NatureKids Club for the first explorer day of 2024! Experience hands-on learning activities at the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre. Learn about marine life, birds, the Cowichan estuary and its watershed.

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

BURNABY - Barnett Marine Park: Where the Industrial past meets the Wild present!
2024-03-03 10:00 - 12:00
Join the Burnaby NatureKids Club and take a walk through the remains of the Barnet mill!

Come with us and explore the cool history of this abandoned town and see how nature has reclaimed over time it’s old structures. We will learn tricks to identify the sea birds that so often visit Barnet’s shores and take a closer look to the brimming marine life of the coast.
*Registration is limited to 30 participants.
Click here to register!

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

Virtual Ecosystem Explorer Day - #4 Grasslands: Burrowing Owls in BC
2024-03-06 18:00 - 18:30
Join us for a Virtual Ecosystem Explorer Day! This is the fourth virtual event of a four part series that will run during fall and winter of 2023/2024! Our focus will be on ecosystems!
Explore the dry grasslands of British Columbia and learn about the endangered burrowing owl! For over 30 years the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of BC has been working on the reintroduction of the endangered burrowing owl back to the interior grasslands of BC. We will explore the lifecycle of the owls, how they are released and how the society is working to improve their habitat.
The event will take place on Zoom. Click here to register!
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

NICOMEKL - Signs of Spring
2024-03-09 10:00 - 11:30
Join NatureKids Nicomekl and look for signs of spring on a beautiful forest walk in Sunnyside Acres.

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

VANCOUVER - Tour of Trottier Observatory
2024-03-09 10:30 - 12:00
Feel the mystery and excitement of the universe with a visit to the Trottier Observatory and an Astronomy workshop on Saturday, March 9th, 10:30-12:00. With our guides, we’ll participate in hands-on activities and demonstrations exploring the wonders of astronomy, from planets and galaxies to constellations. Explore the mysteries of gravity, unravel the timeline of key astronomical events, and discover the Doppler effect. Other activities may include an outdoor walking tour of the Trottier Observatory with introduction to star charts, a cosmic calendar, sun dial and a peep into the telescope inside the dome (weather-permitting). This Explorer Day is recommended for children ages 5 and up.
Nestled within the heart of the Simon Fraser University, Burnaby campus, the Trottier Studio for Innovative Science Education and the Trottier Observatory and Science Courtyard have been bringing science education and astronomy to students, families, and the general public since 2014.
The event is now FULL. If you’d like to be placed on a waitlist please email vancouver@naturekidsbc.ca
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

COMOX VALLEY - A day with MARS Wildlife Rescue!
2024-03-10 10:00 - 11:30
Join the Comox Valley NatureKids BC club while we are hosted by the lovely people and animals of MARS wildlife rescue Center.
We will get to hear the stories of their animal patients and learn about the care they receive while at MARS. We will get to view recovering Bald Eagles, visit non-releasable ambassador owls, eagles, and albino crows, and meet one of the ambassador birds up-close with a handler!
Click here to register!
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

SALMON ARM - What is a Watershed?
2024-03-10 13:00 - 15:00
Join the Salmon Arm NatureKids BC club and explore what a watershed is through fun activities. Be prepared to go outside.
For questions about this event email salmonarm@naturekidsbc.ca

KAMLOOPS - Creating Maps
2024-03-10 13:00 - 15:00
Come join us to learn how to create a map! We’ll meet at Dufferin Wetlands, near the Dufferin Elementary School.

Please dress for the weather and bring snacks and water
Bring your friends! All are welcome and feel free to share this.

Please RSVP yes, if you will join us, but don’t stress if you decide to join at the last minute. We always bring extra supplies! 🙂

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

TRICITIES - Exploring Wildlife at Mossom Creek Hatchery
2024-03-16 10:00 - 11:30
Join the TriCities NatureKids Club for the first explorer day event of the spring!
This is a close-up, hands-on experience in the Mossom Creek Hatchery and its education centre, in the nearby forest, and at the creek. Learn about the life cycles of salmon species and study the aquatic insects the young salmon eat in the creek.
You will be guided through the activities by the co-founder of the Mossom Creek Hatchery and nationally recognized environmental education specialist, Ruth Foster.
This event is now FULL
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

TEXADA - Investigating Invasive Species
2024-03-16 11:00 - 13:00
Join NatureKids Texada and the Invasive Species Council of BC to learn about local invasive species! Play fun games, make new friends and learn how to support biodiversity.

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

SALT SPRING ISLAND - Middens, Moss and Mergansers
2024-03-17 10:00 - 12:00
Hey NatureKids let’s mix it up with moss, middens and mergansers at Ruckle Park! How are they connected? We’ll walk in the footsteps of the First Nations’ peoples, looking for evidence of old village sites. With luck, we’ll see all 3 of the different mergansers which hide out in the bays at Ruckle through the winter. The mosses! They are sprouting fruiting bodies. Let’s have a closer look. Using a quadrant, magnifying glasses, graph paper and coloured pencils we will plot the different types and explore how they create wonderful ‘micro-forests’ on the rocks.
This outing may cover a lot of ground, possibly about 2 km, some of which will be challenging. Of course we’ll have marvelous views and lovely places to stop for snacks.
A few pairs of binoculars will be available along with the magnifying glasses.
Dress for the weather with good hiking shoes or boots.
Bring your NatureKids’ passports!
Place: Meet at the picnic tables beside the lower parking lot at Ruckle Park
Date and Time: March 17, 10 – 12 noon
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

WildRoots - Bird Sanctuary Visit
2024-03-19 10:00 - 11:30
We’ll explore the wetlands, natural marshes and low dykes of this beautiful bird sanctuary in the heart of the Fraser River Estuary. This is an area of refuge for millions of birds as a feeding and resting area during their annual migrations along the Pacific Coast. A nature mentor will guide us to explore the sanctuary, and you’re welcome to stay afterwards to explore further on your own.
Registration is FULL but you are still welcome to join the waitlist.
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

MERRITT - Day on the Farm
2024-03-23 10:00 - 11:30
Join the Merritt NatureKids BC club for a day on the farm! Make new friends and meet some fuzzy farm animals.
To register email merritt@naturekidsbc.ca
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

VIRTUAL - Earth Hour with NatureKids BC. A light pollution lights out activity for the whole planet!
2024-03-25 19:30 - 20:30
Join us for a NatureKids BC virtual explorer day and learn more about one of the easiest forms of pollution to fix, light pollution, and have some fun in your own homes before lights out time!
The event will take place on Zoom. Click here to register!
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

BURNABY - Discover the Hidden Traits of Wintering Plants
2024-03-30 10:30 - 12:30
Join the Burnaby NatureKids Club and explore the hidden world of wintering plants!

When seasons change and plants lose their leaves, it may seem like a dull and sleepy time of year— but there is much to observe and get excited about the outdoors! In fact, there are some plant traits that you can only clearly observe in winter. Wintertime is a great time to build your plant identification skills and hone your observational abilities.
In this session, we will begin with an indoor lecture where you will learn the basics of winter plant identification, including key traits and terms. The second part of the class will be an outdoor walk around the garden, where we will stop and observe the interesting features of various native shrubs and trees.
Julia Alards-Tomalin is an instructor at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in Burnaby, Canada. She studied Forestry and Ecological Restoration at BCIT and completed a Master of Education at Simon Fraser University. Her background is diverse, including horticulture, arboriculture, invasive species management and ecological restoration, but is united by a common theme of plants.
Starting in 2019, Julia began to work with her students to create an Open Education textbook focusing on the winter identification of plants entitled Buds, Branches and Bark: A Guide to Winter ID in the Pacific Northwest. Buds, Branches and Bark is free to download, and the 2nd edition is currently available on the BCIT website. In 2022, Julia was awarded the Teaching Excellence in Open Education Employee Excellence Award at BCIT for her involvement in this Open Education Resource. In 2023, the 2nd edition of Buds, Branches and Bark was awarded the Open Education Global Award for Excellence in the Open Pedagogy category and the BC Campus Award for Excellence in Open Education.

Click here to register!

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

KELOWNA - Green Guardians - Kids Clean Up!
2024-04-01 11:00 - 12:30
Join the Kelowna NatureKids BC club for a morning of making new friends and help clean up Kelowna City Park as we head into spring! The more green guardians help protect our nature the cleaner our parks and waters will be!

Gloves and bags will be provided. Parking and public transportation is readily available.
To register for this event email kelowna@naturekidsbc.ca

WILDROOTS - Why should I care about invasive plants?
2024-04-02 13:00 - 14:30
Learn why you should care about invasive plants and see how many invasive plants you can spot. Join us and learn about invasive plants with Erica Mulder from the Capitol Hill Tree Keepers. Erica is a European settler who grew up in Burnaby. Since the beginning of the pandemic, she’s been exploring her relationship and responsibility with invasive plants. She’s passionate about the importance of native plants within our cities.
Accessibility: We will be walking along a dirt trail that is not very accessible. There are some steeper sections and often roots and such along the way. If that is a barrier or if you need additional support, please let me know.
Click here to register!

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

COWICHAN VALLEY - Junior Birders
2024-04-07 11:00 - 12:00
Join the Cowichan Valley NatureKids Club for a fun morning of birding! What birds can you spot? Join us for a fun morning of learning about birds and making new friends.

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

NELSON - Primal Skills - Shelter and Fire
2024-04-07 13:00 - 15:00
Inspired by coyote mentoring, bushcraft skills and elemental wisdom – expect forest play, games, songs & stories that reconnect us to our ancestors and to the land.

This Explorer Day is free for members of NatureKids BC. Non members may attend if there is space. Please email us if you are not currently a club member: nelson@naturekidsbc.ca. For kids age 5-12 and their families.

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

EASTERN FRASER VALLEY - Foraging in the Forest
2024-04-14 11:00 - 12:00
Join the Eastern Fraser Valley NatureKids BC club for a morning of making new friends and learn about foraging in the forest with nature mentor, Raeanna, owner of Foraging in the Forest.

Location: Thompson Regional Park – click here for location map

Accessibility: There is parking and washrooms on site. This park is not accessible by transit.

This explorer day is limited to 20 participants.

Click here to register!

If you register and are unable to attend please make sure to cancel your registration so other families can attend.

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

DELTA - Rain Garden Walk
2024-04-14 11:00 - 13:00
Spring is coming and let’s have a walk in nature together.

The Cougar Creek Streamkeepers is a volunteer group focusing on protecting waterways in the Delta Area. Their principal projects are stream monitoring, instream improvements, streamside restoration, salmon release and creation of rain gardens to reduce stormwater damage to the creeks.

Our Club invited Deborah Jones, Rain Gardens Coordinator of Cougar Creek Streamkeepers, to have a walk with us at their “Rain Garden Ramble” in the Social Heart of North Delta. It will definitely be a lovely walk!

It will be an almost 2 hours walk activity, please consider before register. Thanks a lot!

Learn more about Cougar Creek Streamkeepers Here
Click here to register!
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!

VANCOUVER - Searching for the Elusive Fairy Shrimp!
2024-04-14 13:00 - 15:00
Have you ever heard of a Fairy Shrimp? Pacific Spirit Park Society (PSPS) is conducting monitoring activities for the Oregon Fairy Shrimp, and they have invited us to join them to learn about these invertebrates and to try pond-dipping ourselves. We might be able to catch some fairy shrimp – and perhaps a few other critters! After this activity (time dependent), we’ll take a short walk to the “Beaver Pond” area to listen for frogs and birds.
We are fortunate to have several Nature Mentors for this Explorer Day from the Fairy Shrimp Monitoring Team: Caitie, Emily, Daniel and Lisa, as well as Laura, Program Coordinator of PSPS, and volunteer.
Register here
Please note: If the form accepts your registration, you are confirmed, and you will receive a reminder email a few days before the Explorer Day. If the form is not accepting registrations, it is full. You can be placed on a waitlist by replying to this email with the number of people that would be coming.
This event is for NatureKids BC members. Become a member today!
