Nature House Week 6: August 6-9

This week, Nature House steps out of its usual rhythm for something a little different. Wild Creatives makes way for Family Fun Day on Saturday, and in place of our regular S4 talk, we're closing the week with something truly magical - Music in the Forest on Sunday afternoon. In between, Dr. John Errington guides us through a hands-on apple grafting workshop, while the SLC, PAG, and TIME Jr. keep the week grounded in the natural world we love.

Last year's average score was 4 out of 10. Think you can do better?

Thursday, August 6

2-3:30pm TIME Jr: Spectacular Salmon (Youth 8-15)

Location: Sea Life Centre, Telegraph Harbour Marina

Join us this week to learn all about the remarkable Pacific Salmon - the backbone of the BC coast. With a life cycle unlike almost any other creature, salmon touch multiple ecosystems across BC, from the headwaters of mountain streams to the open ocean and back again. Come find out what makes them so extraordinary.

New to TIME Jr.? Contact Maya at maya@thetisislandnatureconservancy.org

Friday, August 7

9am-12pm Tides to Trails: Apple Grafting Workshop with Dr. John Errington (youth, adults)

Location: Lot 92, Hollyberry Lane - please park near the entrance to Hollyberry Lane, leaving ample room for residents to get in and out

Ever wanted to grow your own apple tree? Here's your chance! Join Dr. John Errington at his remarkable Hollyberry Lane property for a hands-on grafting workshop. You'll be introduced to tree terminology, grafting tools, and techniques before trying your hand at T-Bud grafting, first on spare branches, then on real rootstock. Once you've got the hang of it, choose your apple variety from John's collection, do your graft, and take your very own tree home.

All tools and materials provided. A couple of spots still available - contact Zoé at zoe@thetisislandnatureconservancy.org to register. More people are welcome to come along and observe!

About John: John has university degrees in botany and plant ecology, and a PhD in Forestry. His two-acre Thetis Island property is home to over 40 grafted apple varieties. A member of the BC Fruit Testers and the Victoria Horticultural Society, John ran several grafting workshops this spring for the Fruit Testers and at the Welland Orchard in Victoria.

1-3pm SLC Drop-in: Underwater Acoustics (All ages)

Location: Sea Life Centre, Telegraph Harbour Marina

Did you know the call of a fin whale can be heard from 6,000km away? Come to the SLC this weekend to discover how sea creatures use sound to communicate, hunt, and navigate the deep.

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

Saturday, August 8

10am-2pm Family Fun Day (All ages)

Location: Forbes Hall - our table is next to the playground, under the maple

We're back at Family Fun Day with two activities to test your senses and stump your brain!

Mystery Tea Tasting

Last year's average score was 4 out of 10. Think you can do better? Ready your sniffers and taste buds and take on our Mystery Tea Tasting challenge - 10 mystery herbs, one small sip at a time. Bragging rights await. A running leaderboard will be kept throughout the day.

Guess the Age of the Tree

How old is that cedar!? Take a close look at our tree rounds (aka tree cookies!) on display and jot down your guesses along with your email - we'll work through them after the day and notify the top scorers by email. Harder than it looks, and more fascinating than you'd expect.

Top scorers in both activities will be awarded a prize!

1-3pm SLC Drop-in: Underwater Acoustics (All ages)

Location: Sea Life Centre, Telegraph Harbour Marina

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

Sunday, August 9

9-11am Harvest Hours (All ages)

Location: The People's Apothecary Garden, Lot 62

This week's harvest: Wild Bergamot (Bee Balm), Borage, and Blue Vervain remain the stars of the garden. And a new one to watch - Plantain seeds are ready to harvest! Rich in mucilage, they swell when wet to gently support digestion and keep things moving!

The PAG is open during daylight hours - plant card decks organized by category are in the box on the back of the gate. Join us during Harvest Hours when we're on hand to guide you through what's ready and how to use it.

2pm Music in the Forest (All ages)

Location: Fairyslipper Forest Nature Reserve

What happens when musicians take their instruments into the forest? Come find out. On Sunday afternoon, wander the trails of the Fairyslipper Forest Nature Reserve as drums, fiddle, and more weave their way through the trees - an immersive experience where music and nature meet.

The Fairyslipper Forest loop is 2.5km with mellow gradients and a well-maintained trail. Parking is limited - carpooling or alternative transport is much appreciated!