Nature House Week 5: July 30 - August 2

Welcome to Week 5, and to August! This week we're heading into the forest to forage wild edibles along the Lawrence Valley Trail, getting hands-on and intuitive with local artist Marcia Aftimus in a truly unique outdoor art experience, and diving deep into the world of eelgrass - one of the most vital and overlooked ecosystems on our coast. Eelgrass takes centre stage all weekend at the SLC and carries through to Sunday's S4 talk with Nikki Wright.

And with August now upon us, our full August calendar is out - find it below and start marking your calendars!

Thursday, July 30

2-3:30 TIME Jr: Protecting Endangered Species (youth 8-15)

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

This week we will be learning about some special creatures that have become endangered, and what we can do to help them recover. Come create an informative sign about the species of your choice, that will be placed somewhere on the island to raise awareness about the importance of protecting it!

Friday, July 31

9-11 Tides to Trails: Foraging Walk (all ages)

Location: Lawrence Valley Trail - meet in front of the Firehall

Thetis Island is home to a surprising abundance of wild edible plants, if you know where to look. Join us on the Lawrence Valley trail for a gentle foraging walk, learning to identify the edible plants growing right beneath our feet and all around us. From berries to leafy greens to roots and more - we'll explore how these plants have been used for food and medicine, and how to identify them safely. There may even be a little tasting along the way!

Central to our walk is the concept of the Honourable Harvest - the idea that we take only what we need, never more than half, give thanks for what we receive, and always give something back. A framework not just for foraging, but for how we might relate to the natural world more broadly.

1-3 SLC Drop-in: Extraordinary Eelgrass (all ages)

Location: Sea Life Centre at Telegraph Harbour Marina

Explore the extraordinary habitat that is an eelgrass meadow! Come learn about the species who call them home (some you can meet up close and personal in the touch tank!), the threats they face, and why they are so important. 

The SLC is open Friday–Sunday whenever the seastar flag is flying - drop in anytime!

Saturday, August 1

1-3 Wild Creatives: Soul of the Trees with Marcia Aftimus (all ages)

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

An invitation to create with nature. In this outdoor workshop, each participant receives a section of deeply grained trunk from a standing dead tree, a unique gift from the forest, to print, paint, and explore. Through touch, observation, and intuition, we'll let the textures, shapes, and curves of the wood guide us, revealing the hidden soul within.

About Marcia: Born in São Paulo and now based in Chemainus, Marcia's richly detailed, spiritually infused mixed-media paintings draw inspiration from her travels across Asia and Europe - each a meditative invitation to reconnect with our deeper selves.

Website: https://www.marciaaftimus.com/en

1-3 SLC Drop-in: Extraordinary Eelgrass (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, August 2

9-11 Harvest Hours (all ages)

Location: The People’s Apothecary Garden, Lot 62

This week's harvest: The stars of the garden right now are Wild Bergamot (Bee Balm), Borage, and Blue Vervain - all at their peak and not to be missed. Much of last week's harvest is still going strong.

The PAG is open during daylight hours - site map and plant card decks organized by category are in the box on the back of the gate.

1-3 SLC Drop-in: Extraordinary Eelgrass (all ages)

Location: Sea Life Centre at Telegraph Harbour Marina

The SLC is open Friday–Sunday whenever the seastar flag is flying - drop in anytime! See Friday for information on this week's activity.

2-4 S4: Eelgrass Restoration with Nikki Wright

Location: Forbes Hall

Nikki Wright, the executive director of SeaChange, will be joining us to discuss the importance of eelgrass habitat and how much it contributes to the coastal ecosystems around the Salish Sea and Thetis Island. Come learn about how community engagement, advocacy and restoration efforts have led to the conservation and restoration of these magnificent underwater meadows!