We’ve rounded up 10+ events from local organizations doing great things in our community and environment
As we navigate the challenges posed by a changing climate, it becomes increasingly important to find moments of serenity and inspiration in nature. From guided nature walks to eco-friendly workshops and immersive outdoor experiences, these events offer a unique opportunity to not only enjoy Vancouver’s stunning landscapes but also contribute to environmental conservation efforts. So join us this coming month as we explore these remarkable events that will foster solace, joy, and a renewed sense of hope in the embrace of nature. Let’s embark on a journey of connection, resilience, and sustainability together.
Birds of the Inlet: Songs and Stories with Les George
Saturday, May 27 9:30am – 11:00am
Maplewood Flats
Join this engaging family-friendly event to explore the fascinating connection between birds and Tsleil-Waututh members on these lands and waters. Through storytelling, this event will inspire creative expression centered around birds, setting the stage for an exciting weekend filled with related activities.
This event is part of the Arts in the Garden 2023 event. Learn more and register here.
Birds of a Feather: Bird Celebration
Saturday May 28, 10:30am -12:30pm
Nature House 712 Lost Lagoon Path
Be delighted as you learn about the incredible diversity of the birds who call Vancouver home. Enjoy a relaxing walk as you learn to observe and identify birds around you. This is a great opportunity to connect with the amazing world of birds!
Learn more about this event and Vancouver’s Bird Celebration here.
Forest Movement Practice: Embodied Meditations Inspired by Fungi and the Natural World
Saturday May 28, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Nature House 712 Lost Lagoon Path
Be delighted as you learn about the incredible diversity of the birds who call Vancouver home. Enjoy a relaxing walk as you learn to observe and identify birds around you. This is a great opportunity to connect with the amazing world of birds!
Learn more about this event and Vancouver’s Bird Celebration here.
Vancouver Mycological Society: Spring Mycology Show & Sale
Sunday June 4, 10.00am – 3.00pm
VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St
Join the Vancouver Mycological Society to learn about mushrooms: Food, art, vendors, books, fresh foraged and gourmet mushrooms for sale, crafts, and exciting presentations. Mushrooms play a crucial role in biodiversity as they act as decomposers, breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. Understanding and learning about mushrooms is beneficial for us because they provide valuable ecological services, contribute to soil health, and offer potential medicinal and culinary benefits, highlighting the interconnectedness between fungi, nature, and human well-being. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn about local mushrooms for your next nature walk!
Birding with Me: Welcoming BIPOC Youth and Adults
Friday June 9, 9:00-11:00am
Jericho Beach Point Grey Rd
Led by birder and lead of the BC Rare Bird Alert website, Melissa Hafting, this walk will introduce you to the birds found at Jericho Park. See birds like warblers, Black-capped chickadees, and Hooded mergansers while meeting new people and sharing in the outdoors. Both youth and adults are welcome for this program!
Pollination: Fruits and Flowers (SPEC Event!)
Saturday June 10:00-11:00 am
Burnaby Village, 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Did you know that 70-90% of the foods we like to eat—from apples to coffee—are pollinated? Join Garden Educators from SPEC and explore how flowers use their colour, shape, scent and size to attract specific pollinators such as bees, wasps, flies, beetles, and birds
Wisdom of Nature
Saturday June 10:00-11:00 am
Lynn Valley Regional Park,
Receive practical, nature-based knowledge in a group setting, while taking a break from the city hustle. In this event, you will experience grounding, forest bathing, boundary and space holding and learn about the natural elements and how you may connect with them.
Drawing Botany Home: Nature Journaling
Tuesday June 13, 2:00-5:00pm
Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street
Engaging in drawing allows us to observe and appreciate the intricate details of nature, fostering a deeper connection and sense of mindfulness. Through the act of drawing, we can immerse ourselves in the beauty of the natural world, capturing its essence on paper and cultivating a greater appreciation for its wonders. Participants will use a series of drawing and writing exercises to create a visually captivating page-spread as a first step in exploring how the practice of nature journaling can help weave a reciprocal relationship between people and place.
Medicine Wheel Ceremony
Sunday June 18 12.00pm – 3.00pm
VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St
Embrace the arrival of the summer season and join individuals from diverse backgrounds and spiritual traditions to come together and rejoice at VanDusen Garden Botanical Garden. Join in honoring the sacred Medicine Wheel, a symbol representing holistic teachings rooted in the cycles of nature, where drumming and prayers intertwine to create a meaningful and harmonious experience for all who attend.
Garden Workshop Hands-On Day at Loutet Farm
TuesdayJune 20th, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
1400 Rufus Ave, North Vancouver
Enjoy a day in the garden at Loutet Farm with the dedicated staff of the Edible Garden Project. Enjoy a tour, engaging discussion, and delve into the growing and harvesting processes. Explore topics such as irrigation strategies, crop planning, mindful harvesting, and holistic approaches to farming that considers the broader ecosystem. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or aspiring to expand your horticulture endeavors, this event offers valuable information for all, from balcony and backyard growers to those seeking to elevate their gardening practices and connect with the natural world.
Connect with nature all summer long with local produce: Local Farmers Markets
UBC Farmers Market
Wednesdays 11:00am-2:00pm
Outside of UBC Bookstore, 6200 University Blvd
Thursday 4:00-6:00pm
Saturdays 10:00am – 2:00pm
3461 Ross Drive
https://ubcfarm.ubc.ca/food/
Downtown Farmers Market
Wednesday 2-6
750 Hornby St.
https://eatlocal.org/markets/downtown/
West End
Saturdays 9am – 2pm
1100 Comox St btw. Bute & Thurlow
https://eatlocal.org/markets/west-end/
False Creek
Thursdays 3-7pm
Creekside Park
https://eatlocal.org/markets/false-creek/
Kitsilano
Sundays 10am-2pm
Kitsilano Community Centre
https://eatlocal.org/markets/kitsilano/