The Ripple is back with our September issue! This time around, we're celebrating the people and programs that made this a summer to remember - from a community spotlight on a talented local artist, to reflections from our ThINC summer staff on everything from music in the forest to bat counts under the stars.

Spring is in full swing on Thetis Island, and there is so much to look forward to. The Sea Life Centre recently reopened for the season at Telegraph Harbour Marina, our summer programs are taking shape, and the People's Apothecary Garden is blooming and open to visitors. We've also taken on an exciting new responsibility - stewarding the Returnables Program that has served this community for more than two decades. We hope this issue gives you a taste of what's coming and a fe

The January issue of The Ripple kicks off the year with a focus on learning and ecological clarity. Inside, we’re excited to introduce our new learning badge program, created to encourage engagement and lifelong environmental stewardship. We also take a fresh look at native honeysuckle, unpacking common myths and sharing why this often-maligned plant is actually a valuable part of healthy ecosystems.

This summer was filled with vibrant activity at the Nature House, from nature-inspired arts and crafts to guided walks, talks, and expert-led workshops. As the season begins to turn, this issue of The Ripple offers a chance to reflect on two standout summer programs. We dive into the story of the Sea Life Centre at Telegraph Harbour Marina, the new floating home of our beloved Seaquarium, where marine creatures meet curious minds. We also celebrate the inspiring success of th

This summer, the ThINC Nature House program returns with a full calendar of hands-on exploration, creative activities, and community connection - and it’s all featured in the latest issue of The Ripple, our triannual newsletter. From the brand-new Sea Life Centre at Telegraph Harbour Marina to beloved programs like Junior Biologists and the S4 Speaker Series, this season celebrates the vibrant relationship between our island community and the land, sea, and sky we call home.

It’s the middle of winter, and while the snow hasn’t arrived yet, the days have been surprisingly sunny. So much so, in fact, that the grass is starting to grow! Even though spring feels far off, it’s never too early to start thinking about your garden. In this edition of The Ripple, we’re diving into the benefits of “messy gardening”—a simple approach where a little benign neglect can go a long way in supporting the creatures and life that call your garden home.

Albeit a quieter summer, ThINC hosted several events, including community science activities, gatherings at the People's Apothecary Garden, and workshops and presentations led by members of the community as well as visitors. This issue of The Ripple touches on two of our summer events: sea star monitoring and a book launch. Andy Lamb shares his observations and expert take on sea star wasting disease and where we are now. And Ann Eriksson provides an uplifting review of auth

In this issue of The Ripple we update you on our summer plans, and Andy Lamb will give you the low-down on our new community science monitoring program for invasive green crabs.

Who can become a "Nature Steward" and what's new with our Western Screech Owl Program? In the first issue of the new year, we outline the different categories of the Nature Stewards Program and actions anyone can take on their property to be a better steward of the land. Also, ThINC's bat (and bird) man, Rob Welsh, brings us up-to-date on the Western Screech Owl program with positive news!

The summer Nature House coordinator team, Eden Luymes and Erica Ralston share their experiences on a summer full of learning, exploring, and generally having fun with the Thetis Island community. Their reflections are thought provoking and encourage you to take a step back and ponder some of the things that really matter in life - relationships - to the Earth and to each other. Once again, thank you to the wonderful group of volunteers and guest speakers who generously shared

Did you know that the Western Screech Owl does not, in fact, 'screech'. But instead has a call akin to a bouncing ball? And this call is being heard around Thetis Island! To learn more about our local Western Screech Owl population and recovery program, read more from Rob Welsh, ThINC's Coordinator for the Western Screech Owl Recovery Project, Purple Martin Recovery Project, and BC Community Bat Program. Also in this issue, meet our summer Nature House Coordinator team, Eden

In our first issue of the new year, Ann Eriksson and Gary Geddes share their experience as land owners in the soon-to-be launched Nature Stewards Program and Sahir Advani provides insight into ThINC's Forage Fish Program - what it is, how it works, and why it is important to learn more about these little fish. In connection to the Forage Fish article, keep your eyes peeled for a follow-up blog post of all the amazing photos Thetis Islanders shared of the recent bait ball acti