Nature House Week 7 Events: August 14 - 17

As we enter the second-last week of our summer Nature House program, we invite you to join us for a rich lineup of events and activities. From monitoring Purple Martins in flight to exploring the collaborative spirit of a communal garden, this week offers opportunities to connect with nature, learn something new, and celebrate the season’s abundance. Check out the schedule below and join us in making the most of these final summer days!

A few members of the communal garden gang working on giant hugelmound beds

Thursday, August 14

Wild Creatives: Cancelled

Friday, August 15

10:00 AM Junior Biologists: Purple Martin Monitoring (youth)

Location: Telegraph Harbour Marina

Did you know that, with the help of volunteers, the Purple Martin coastal population has skyrocketed around BC since the implementation of nest boxes? You’ve likely seen, or heard, these vocal swallows around the island - swooping through Telegraph Harbour, chattering at the Hollyberry Lagoon, or catching the updrafts behind the ferry. Join us for a special monitoring session where we’ll observe nestlings preparing to fledge, explore the fascinating story of their migration and evolution, and watch selection in action through the lives of a few mating pairs.

Female Purple Martins (photo credit: Marcie Welsh)

2:00 PM Expert Excursion: Exploring Protected Places with Stephanie Cottell (youth, adults)

Location: Meadow Valley (meet at the trailhead at the end of Kenwood road, where it meets Meadow Valley road).

Join local conservation professional and nature enthusiast Stephanie Cottell for a guided walk along the north end of the Lawrence Valley Trail. Through the lens of ecological protection and conservation, discover the unique plants and other-than-human beings that thrive under the care of a conservation covenant. Learn how this protected land supports biodiversity - and how you can help protect it too.

Saturday, August 16

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Garden Tour: Meadow Valley Communal Garden (all ages)

Location: 412 Klahowya (Drive past the main driveway - the garden is in the valley behind the horse barn)

Wheelchair accessible

You’ve probably heard of community gardens, but have you ever visited a communal garden? This Saturday, we invite you to explore the Meadow Valley Communal Garden, the final stop on the summer garden tour. Unlike a community garden, where individuals tend their own plots, a group of 11 works the land together, sharing the planning, planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, and the bounty! It’s a space where tools, resources, knowledge, and effort are pooled, and every week feels like opening a CSA box filled with fresh, homegrown food. 

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

Location: Telegraph Harbour Marina

Come and visit our new and diverse tunicates! The ocean dwelling chordates might be our closest relative in the tank outside of the fish. Discover the simple body plan of the sea squirt while tracing the path of water through their two siphons!

Sunday, August 17

9:30 - 11:30 AM PAG Drop-in & Harvest Hours (all ages)

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

Drop by the PAG and explore what’s in bloom!

2:00 PM Sensational Sunday Speaker Series: From Molecules to Empires:

The Colourful Plant Chemistry that Shaped Local Communities and Global Trade (youth, adults)

Location: Forbes Hall 

Dr. Rosado will talk about the incredible power of plants as chemical factories, producing compounds that humans use as sources of flavouring agents, medicines, and drugs. We will dive into a group of these compounds in particular - secondary metabolites - and discover their fascinating function within plants. With examples from herbs, spices, and local berries, he will illustrate some of these uses as well as their historical and social significance.

About the Speaker

Dr. Abel Rosado is an associate professor in Plant Physiology at UBC. Outside of the classroom, his research explores the nutritional properties and quality parameters of culturally significant berries native to the Pacific Northwest, such as salmonberries, huckleberries, and salal. The Rosado Lab analyses their unique phytochemical profiles, bioactivity, and health benefits, while also evaluating key factors for commercialization such as post harvest behaviour, breeding potential, and flavour. By bridging traditional uses and advanced analytical techniques, our work aims to promote sustainable local food sources and support the health of our communities.

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

• Supervision: Children under 8 years old 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.