Nature House Week 3 Events: July 17-20

Capture nature’s imprint - cyanotype art with ferns and blooms.

Thursday, July 17

11:00 AM Wild Creatives: Cyanotyping with Carol Swann (all ages) - Pre-register!

Location: The Pavilion at Telegraph Harbour Marina

Come work some magic with solar rays in our upcoming cyanotyping workshop with Carol Swann. Cyanotyping is a photographic printing process that uses sunlight to create beautiful blue-and-white images - often made with leaves, flowers, and other natural materials. It’s a fun and creative way to explore the intersection of art and nature.

We have 9 spots left. Please pre-register to reserve yours! Drop-ins are welcome if space allows, but cannot be guaranteed.

To confirm your attendance, email: amelia@thetisislandnatureconservancy.org

Friday, July 18

10:00 AM Junior Biologists: Microbial Mysteries (youth)

Location: The Nature House at The Portal, 254 North Cove Road

This week we will be exploring the invisible world of microbes at the Nature House. Join us to understand microbiology from field to slide by using our microscopes. We will be getting up close and personal with all kinds of bacteria, algae, and protozoa. If you come out you might even get the chance to meet our new Nature House pet. 

2:00 PM Expert Excursion: Forestry and Ornithology Walk & Talk with Keith Rush (all ages)

Location: Fairyslipper Nature Reserve 

Come out for a walk and talk with professional forester Keith Rush. We are honoured to have Keith as our expert guide this week as we get familiar with the many flora and fauna that call the Fairyslipper Forest Nature Reserve their home. We will be identifying and learning about trees and gaining insights into the changing face of forestry in B.C. As we go along, we will be listening to and tracking bird calls to get to know the forest's inhabitants better. This one is BYOB - bring your own binoculars. We look forward to seeing you there!

Saturday, July 19

9:30 AM Garden Tour: John and Paula Errington (all ages)

Location: 92 Hollyberry Lane

Parking: Parking is tight. Ride share if possible!

Wheelchair accessible

Our second Garden Tour of the summer takes you to Paula and John Errington’s ever-evolving garden on Hollyberry Lane. This vibrant, abundant space is a celebration of diversity - bursting with berries, squash, root vegetables, herbs, flowers, and a remarkable collection of fruit trees. Designed to yield fresh produce year-round through careful planning and preservation, the garden is both practical and inspiring. As you wander through, you'll discover a wide array of apple varieties and get a firsthand look at the art of grafting.

1:00 - 3:00 PM Drop-in at the Sea Life Centre (all ages)

Location: Telegraph Harbour Marina

This week we will be exploring the sea anemone. As new critters are being moved into our aquarium we want to discuss one of the little known underdogs: insert species! These plant-like staples of the sea are actually predatory invertebrates in the cnidaria phylum alongside jellyfish and coral. Join us in getting more familiar with our ever-present anemone friends.

Sunday, July 20

9:30-11:30 PAG Drop-in (all ages)

Location: The People’s Apothecary Garden, 62 North Cove Road

Drop by the PAG for a wander - or to harvest a few treasures. A rich variety of culinary herbs is yours for the picking, and many medicinal plants are now in bloom, including mullein, calendula, yarrow, feverfew, zinnia, and more.

S4: There is no scheduled event for this Sunday

Things to keep in mind for this summer's Nature House program:

• Supervision: Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all events.

• Events at The Portal (254 North Cove Road):

  • Parking: Please park at Heneage House - the first red building you'll see on the driveway. From there, follow the signs down to the Nature House.

  • Sheep Neighbours: We share the area with some friendly sheep! Please don’t feed them, and do not touch the electric fence - it delivers a painful shock. For everyone’s safety (including the sheep's), please leave dogs at home.

  • Washrooms are available on-site.