Nature House Week 3: July 16-19

This week we're exploring the connections that hold our island ecosystems together - from the mucky business of green crab monitoring with TIME Jr., to the buzzing world of native pollinators at the PAG, to the remarkable journey of a salmon from forest stream to open sea at the SLC. And it all builds toward something very special: the Nature of Forests Weekend on July 18 & 19, co-presented with Community Climate Resilience. Two days of field workshops, indigenous knowledge, and expert talks!

Pollinator or pest? Not every "wanna-bee" is what it seems. Come to Friday's BioBlitz and sharpen your eye for who's really doing the work!

Thursday, July 16

2-3 TIME Jr: European Green Crab Monitoring (youth 8-15)

Location: Meet at the end of Blue Heron Road

This week TIME Jr. is getting into the muck - literally! We're joining ThINC's European Green Crab monitoring program, helping measure and count the critters turning up in our traps. The European Green Crab is an invasive species with a big impact on local ecosystems, and community science projects like this one are a vital tool in tracking and managing their spread. Fingers crossed for lots of native crabs and very few green ones!

Be prepared to get a little mucky, and wear shoes you don't mind getting wet.

New to TIME Jr.? Get in touch with Maya at maya@thetisislandnatureconservancy.org

Friday, July 17

10-12 Tides to Trails: Pollinator Bioblitz (all ages)

Location: The People’s Apothecary Garden (Lot 62) - please park on the shoulder of North Cove Road or at Forbes Hall

Did you know that some native BC bees grab onto a flower and vibrate their flight muscles at exactly the right frequency to shake the pollen loose? Honeybees can't do this, and it turns out the buzz you hear in the garden is doing a lot more work than you might think.

Join us at the PAG to learn about native pollinators and why they are so critical to ecological health. Then explore the garden in teams for a mini BioBlitz - spotting, identifying, and tallying as many pollinator species as you can find.

iNaturalist is a handy tool for identifying what you spot, but don't worry if you don't have it, we'll have identification resources on hand.

1-3 SLC Drop-in: From the Forest to the Sea (all ages)

Location: Sea Life Centre at Telegraph Harbour Marina

Ever wondered how the health of the forest and the health of the ocean are connected? This weekend at the SLC, we're exploring the remarkable journey of a salmon, from forest stream to open sea, and the intricate web of coastal ecosystems that depend on each other along the way. A perfect warm-up for the Nature of Forests Weekend!

The SLC is open Friday–Sunday whenever the seastar flag is flying!

Saturday, July 18

10-12 Wild Creatives: Hapa Zome Plant Prints

Location: The Nature House at The Portal - please park at Heneage House (large wine-coloured building) or at the Fairyslipper parking area

Hapa Zome is a Japanese printing technique that transfers the natural pigments of fresh flowers and leaves directly onto paper or fabric - no paint or ink, just the plant itself, and a satisfying amount of hammering. Join us at the Nature House for this beautiful and surprisingly percussive art form.

1-3 SLC Drop-in: From the Forest to the Sea (all ages)

Location: Sea Life Centre at Telegraph Harbour Marina

Missed Friday's session? Same great activity running again today - see Friday for details.

Sunday, July 19

9-11 Harvest Hours (all ages)

Location: The People’s Apothecary Garden, Lot 62

What's in season: Mid-July is still a rewarding time to visit the PAG, though the dry conditions have shaped what's ready this week. Lavender is at its fragrant peak - harvest just as the flowers begin to open for the highest essential oil content. The aromatic herbs - Sage, Thyme, Oregano, and Rosemary are loaded with essential oils right now, and the leafy herbs - Lemon Balm, Mint, and Raspberry Leaf, are best taken now before the summer heat sets seeds. Mugwort, Wormwood, and Betony are putting up their best growth of the year. Come during Harvest Hours and we'll guide you through what's ready and how to use it.

The PAG is open to the public during daylight hours - come wander and explore anytime.

1-3 SLC Drop-in: From the Forest to the Sea (all ages)

Location: Sea Life Centre at Telegraph Harbour Marina

The SLC is open Friday–Sunday whenever the seastar flag is flying!

See Friday for information on this week's activity.

Ancient, connected, resilient - and worth knowing better.

Nature of Forests Weekend - July 18 & 19

A special two-day event, co-presented with Community Climate Resilience.

Our trees are at the heart of what makes Thetis Island so special - and this weekend we're celebrating and exploring them. Join us for a packed two days of field workshops, indigenous knowledge, and expert talks on the forests of the Gulf Islands.

Saturday, July 18

9:30-11:30 Fire Management through an Ecological Lens with Mitch Sherrin

Location: Meet at 364 Mill Road

Mitch Sherrin, retired Captain with Salt Spring Island Fire and Rescue, leads a field workshop exploring fire resilience through an ecological lens - a timely and essential conversation for island communities.

1:30-2:30 Fabulous Plants and their Fungal Friends with Andy MacKinnon

Location: Forbes Hall

Dr. Andy MacKinnon, a leading forest ecologist, explores the fascinating relationship between trees and the ectomycorrhizal fungal species that support them. A talk that will change the way you look at the forest floor.

2:30-4 Lawrence Trail Walk with Andy MacKinnon

Location: Meet at Forbes Hall

Join forest ecologist Andy MacKinnon for a walk along the Lawrence Trail, putting the morning's learning into practice in the forest itself.

Spaces are limited - reserve your spot by contacting ann@thetisislandnatureconservancy.org

Sunday, July 19

9:30-11:30 Quw'utsun Cultural Connections and the Xpey' (Cedar) Project

Location: Forbes Hall

Cheyenne Williams and Sarah Jackman of the Quw'utsun' Cultural Connections Society share the role of indigenous knowledge and the Xpey' (Cedar) Project in our understanding of forest ecology.

1:30–2:45 The Past, Present and Future of Gulf Island Forests with Dr. Richard Hebda

Location: Forbes Hall

Dr. Richard Hebda, paleontologist and botanist, traces the origins and history of Gulf Islands forests and looks ahead to what climate change may bring. A leading authority on our climate systems, Dr. Hebda brings the deep past into vivid focus.

3-4:30 Q&A Panel

Location: Forbes Hall

Bring your questions about Thetis Island's forests and trees! Our guest presenters come together for an open conversation moderated by Dr. Mary DesChene.