Events

To find out more about events, call the festival coordinator at 250-586-3838

To register for events, call toll free 1-866-288-7878 or e-mail rrivers@naturetrust.bc.ca

Green Spaces & Wild Places

Join mountaineer Peter Rothermel for an incredible evening presentation about the rich diversity of wildlife and ecosystems in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Reserve.

Peter will explore opportunities for connecting a network of wildlife corridors with a series of protected parklands and wild spaces, effectively conserving the living legacy of the Mount Arrowsmith watershed and all of its species and processes for future generations.

Saturday, March 13, 2010
6:30 to 9 p.m.
Beach Acres Resort
#25 - 1051 Resort Drive, Parksville
Wine and cheese reception (no host bar)
$10 per person payable at the door

To reserve your spot, contact Robin Rivers at rrivers@naturetrust.bc.ca or toll free at 1-866-288-7878

Wild Shores Salish Sea Tour

Discover the biological riches of the Salish Sea with Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tours at one of our favourite places where lapping waves and sounds of nature all contribute to the ambiance of this special location.

Wear boots and warm clothes.

Sunday, March 14, 2010
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meet at Parksville Community Centre
100 Jensen Avenue, Parksville
$20 per person

Space is limited.
To register contact Robin Rivers at rrivers@naturetrust.bc.ca or calling toll free 1-866-288-7878 or for more information call Gary & Ronda at Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tours 250-248-3667.

Wild Shores Intertidal Tour

Come explore fascinating tide pools with Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tours and see a variety of wild creatures in one of nature's most intriguing places where ocean and land meet.

Wear boots and warm clothes.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Meet at Parksville Community Centre
100 Jensen Avenue, Parksville
$20 per person

Space is limited.
To register contact Robin Rivers at rrivers@naturetrust.bc.ca or calling toll free 1-866-288-7878 or for more information call Gary & Ronda at Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tours 250-248-3667.

Biosphere Community Cafe:Think Global Eat Local

Humans used to know how to eat well. Less than a generation ago, people traveled less than 10 miles to obtain the majority of the food they ate. Today the average conventionally grown vegetable has travelled more than 1,500 miles by the time it has reached your pantry. Our food today is over processed and lacks nutrition. Over 30% of our climate change footprint comes from the food we eat. To tackle these problems, we need to know the answers to all kinds of questions in order to make good decisions.

Join Rich Crowley from the Mt. Arrowsmith Biosphere Foundation and Barb Ebell from Nanoose Edibles, who has 23 years of experience as an organic farmer, for a chat about things we need to know about food security and biodiversity.

Thursday, March 18, 2010
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Shelley Hall
Shelley Road, Parksville
Discussion and refreshments
By donation

For more information please contact Robin Rivers at 1-866-288-7878 ext. 226 or e-mail rrivers@naturetrust.bc.ca

Family Day on the Farm

Nanoose Edibles is hosting an open house and invites the community to help celebrate the first day of spring and the rich diversity of organic produce in our region. Try some tasty treats, take a tour of the farm, do some bird watching, visit the potting shed for children, see the newly arrived chicks and meet the staff who will be on hand to show you around.

Nanoose Edibles specializes in growing year-round organic salad greens, fruits, herbs, flowers and many vegetables for local markets.

Adults and children are welcome to tour the farm and take part in hands on activities. Dress warmly and wear walking shoes.

Saturday, March 20, 2010
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Nanoose Edibles
1960 Stewart Avenue, Nanoose Bay
Free

Nanoose Bay Art Studio Tour

Take a tour with Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tours through the community of Nanoose Bay and visit artists at work in their studios.

Saturday, March 20, 2010
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Meet at Parksville Community Centre
100 Jensen Avenue, Parksville
$20 per person

For more information please contact Robin Rivers at 1-866-288-7878 ext. 226 or e-mail rrivers@naturetrust.bc.ca

Wild Shores Secluded Shores Tour

Enhance your understanding of plants and animals that live in tide pools with Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tours.

Wear boots and warm clothing.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Meet at Parksville Community Centre
100 Jensen Avenue, Parksville
$20 per person

Space is limited.
To register contact Robin Rivers at rrivers@naturetrust.bc.ca or calling toll free 1-866-288-7878 or for more information call Gary & Ronda at Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tours 250-248-3667.

Wild in Alberni: Somass Estuary Tour

Explore one of Vancouver Island's natural gems with the Alberni Valley Enhancement Association. Enjoy great birding, beautiful views, discover evidence of historic tsunamis and First Nations sites that date artifacts back 4000 years.

The Somass River Estuary lies at the north end of Alberni Inlet and is the confluence of a vast watershed that encompasses 1,280 square kilometres of rivers and lakes including the Ash, Stamp and Sproat River systems, Great Central and Sproat Lakes, and the western side of the Beaufort Range. The estuary holds a significant cross section of healthy ecosystems that support over 150 species of birds, 240 plants species, and five species of Pacific salmon - Chinook , Sockeye, Coho, Chum and Pink - as well as summer and winter steelhead runs.

Sunday, March 28, 2010
1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Space is limited so please pre-register for this free event

Directions
In Alberni - Turn right at the foot of Johnston Road and cross Kitsuksis Creek bridge. Take the first right up Beaver Creek Road immediately after bridge and park in the parking lot half a block down on the right.

From Parksville
If you would like to catch a ride from Parksville to Port Alberni, meet at noon at the Parksville Community Centre, 100 Jensen Ave, and travel with Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tours $20 per person (minimum 6 people). Please pre-register by March 21.

To reserve your spot for the walk or with Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tours, please contact Robin Rivers at 1-866-288-7878 ext. 226 or e-mail rrivers@naturetrust.bc.ca

Wild in Alberni: New City Trails

Join a walk led by the Alberni Valley Enhancement Association on part of a new trail system along the eastern boundary of Port Alberni. The route takes in impressive shale banks, a heronry, part of the historic alignment of the Log Train Trail and the Rogers Creek Nature Trail. Or pick up a brochure and take a self-guided tour.

Brochures will be available for anyone preferring to do a self-guided walk.

Sunday, March 28, 2010
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Meet at the Echo Centre parking lot, 4255 Wallace Street, Port Alberni, to carpool
Space is limited so please pre-register for this free event

To reserve your spot, please contact Robin Rivers at 1-866-288-7878 ext. 226 or e-mail rrivers@naturetrust.bc.ca

Wild Shores Intertidal Tour 2

Explore tide pools with Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tours to see wild creatures where ocean and land meet.

Wear boots and warm clothes.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010
noon to 2 p.m.
Meet at Parksville Community Centre
100 Jensen Avenue, Parksville
$20 per person

Space is limited.
To register contact Robin Rivers at rrivers@naturetrust.bc.ca or calling toll free 1-866-288-7878 or for more information call Gary & Ronda at Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tours 250-248-3667.

Oceanside Community Arts for Kids

Kids aged 6 to 12 are invited to learn about objects that are local, natural and can be used to make neat crafts.

Thursdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22
3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (after school)
Oceanside Art Gallery
133 McMillan Street, Parksville
Pre-register $27.50 per class or $100 for all 4 classes

Register by contacting Lauren Sabine at 250-248-8185.

Learn to Bird

Join birder Guy Monty to learn about the pleasures of being able to locate and identify birds by sight and song. Whether on a morning walk or travelling there is something very special about being able to identify the birds you see and call them by name.

In the Classroom
Learn how to use a field guide to identify birds, how to get the most out of your binoculars, how to choose a spotting scope and where to go to find birds. Bring your binoculars and a field guide if you have one.

In the Field
Explore forest, field, and ocean shores to see where owls roost, hummingbirds nest and shorebirds feed. Learn to identify warblers, sparrows, and seabirds where they congregate in spring before migrating to their nesting grounds.

Thursday, April 1, 2010
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Bread & Honey Food Co.
#4 - 162 Harrison, Parksville

Saturday, April 3, 2010
8:30 a.m. to noon
Rathtrevor Provincial Park
3 km south of Parksville on Hwy 19a

Pre-register $20 per person for both sessions

Register by contacting Robin Rivers at 1-866-288-7878 ext. 226 or e-mailing rrivers@naturetrust.bc.ca

The Organic Mechanic

Come on down to Cannor Nursery in Parksville and learn all about organic solutions for healhty gardening with Simon Hart.

Saturday, April 3, 2010
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Cannor Nursery, Parksville
Free

Seating is limited so please register early for this seminar by calling Cannor at 250-248-0093 or dropping by the store at 609 East Island Highway, Parksville.

Buttertubs Marsh Nature Walk

Join naturalist Bill Merilees for a walk around this special wetland in Nanaimo. An author and world traveler, Bill is known for his curiosity and dedication to discovery. You will have the opportunity to learn about the plants, wildlife and birds that make the marsh their home.

Wear comfortable shoes/boots and be prepared for wet and muddy conditions. Dress warmly. Binoculars and cameras welcome

Saturday, April 3, 2010
10 a.m. to noon
Meet in the parking lot on Jinglepot Road
Buttertubs Marsh, Nanaimo
$5 per person

Hamilton Marsh Easter Tour

Meet at the marsh and explore local plants and creatures with the Friends of French Creek Conservation Society. Visit the Easter Bunny station.

Saturday, April 3, 2010
Noon to 4 p.m.
Hamilton Marsh
$5 per person
$10 per family

Directions
Driving from Qualicum Beach-travel straight out Memorial Drive towards the new highway.(Memorial Drive becomes Hwy 4 to Port Alberni.) Drive under Hwy 19 and keep going straight. Turn right at the bottom of the first hill onto Hilliers Rd. S.Drive 1.1 km into the parking lot on the left side of the road.

For more information please contact Robin Rivers at 1-866-288-7878 ext. 226 or e-mail rrivers@naturetrust.bc.ca

Wild Shores and Tide Pools Tour

Have an exciting educational experience with Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tours visiting the unique habitat where the ocean meets the land.

Wear boots and warm clothing.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Meet at Parksville Community Centre
100 Jensen Avenue, Parksville
$20 per person

Space is limited.
To register contact Robin Rivers at rrivers@naturetrust.bc.ca or calling toll free 1-866-288-7878 or for more information call Gary & Ronda at Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tours 250-248-3667.

Biodiversity Art Show and Gallery Reception

Opening reception fundraiser for the Brant Wildlife Festival. View art from the Robert Bateman's Get to Know children's program, Oceanside Photographers and special guests.

Silent and live auctions.

Reception
Thursday, April 8, 2010
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Art Show
April 8 to 30, Tues. to Sat.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oceanside Art Gallery
133 McMillan, Parksville
By donation

Big Day Birding

This is a fun event that gives everyone a chance to test their abilities finding birds. Teams will find and record as many bird species as they can during the allotted time. There are tons of prizes and a good time is had by all at the post count gathering where lists are tallied, prizes awarded, stories told and dinner served.

If you don't have a team but would like to participate, let us know and we will try to match you up with a group.

Birding takes place from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. is the post count gathering and opportunities to share stories of the day

Saturday, April 10, 2010
Counting 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mt. Arrowsmith Biosphere Reserve
Post-count meal at Shelley Hall 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Shelley Road, Parksville
Pre-register $20 for adults, $10 for children

Register by calling toll free 1-866-288-7878 or e-mailing rrivers@naturetrust.bc.ca

Gardening for Wildlife

Explore wildlife gardening with native plant specialist Heather Ward at Cannor Nursery in Parksville.

Saturday, April 10, 2010
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Cannor Nursery, Parksville
Free

Seating is limited so please register early by calling Cannor at 250-248-0093 or dropping by the store at 609 East Island Highway, Parksville.

Carving Competition

The 20th annual Brant Wildlife Wood Carving Show and the 12th annual Canadian Fish Carving Championship will be held at Parksville Community Centre, 100 Jensen Avenue.

The public are invited to view the outstanding carvings

* Saturday, April 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Sunday, April 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission is $5.

For registration in the competitions, visit www.thebrant.ca

If you have any questions, contact
Les Trelenberg, Show Chair (250) 898-8887
lestrelenberg@shaw.ca

Dennis Drechsler, Assistant Show Chair (250) 479-9165
whalecarvings@shaw.ca

Buds 'n Blooms Plant Walk

Join Karen Barry to explore forest trail and wild meadows in search of spring's first blooms. Learn about flowering phenology and native plants. Hosted by Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tours.

Sunday, April 11, 2010
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Meet at Parksville Community Centre
100 Jensen Avenue, Parksville
$20 per person

Space is limited.
To register contact Robin Rivers at rrivers@naturetrust.bc.ca or calling toll free 1-866-288-7878 or for more information call Gary & Ronda at Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tours 250-248-3667.

Biosphere Community Cafe: Safe Passage

This event looks at the benefits of connecting green corridors for nature and for people. Presentation, discussion and refreshments hosted by the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Foundation.

Thursday, April 15, 2010
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Shelley Hall, Parksville
By donation

Brant in the Bay in Comox

Join birders from the Comox Valley Naturalists to celebrate Goose Spit Park and the migration of Pacific Black Brant. Learn about the Brant's long journey and get a chance to observe the birds up close through spotting scopes set up along the beach.

Saturday, April 17, 2010
noon to 3 p.m.
Goose Spit Park, Comox
Free

For more information, contact Robin Rivers at rrivers@naturetrust.bc.ca or call toll free 1-866-288-7878.

Learn to Fish

Hands on learn to fish with expert instructors. Kids aged 5 to 15 will learn to tie a hook, rig a rod and cast a line.

Sunday, April 18, 2010
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Nanaimo
Ages 5 to 15, parent supervision mandatory
Pre-register $10 per child
Bring a lunch

To register, contact rrivers@naturetrust.bc.ca or call toll free 1-866-288-7878.

Voices of Nature

Celebrate children, music and the wonders of nature at the Port Theatre. Holly Arntzen, Kevin Wright and the Dream Band will lead students from Seaview Elementary and other schools in a night of song.

Thursday, April 22, 2010
Port Theatre
125 Front Street, Nanaimo
Tickets are $12 and available at www.porttheatre.com/tickets.html or by calling 250-754-8550.

Eagle Release

Visit the North Island Wildlife Recovery Association and see a rehabilitated eagle released into the wild.

Saturday, April 24, 2010
Eagle release at 2 p.m.
Sandor & Bardo presentation at 2:45 p.m.
Refreshments throughout the afternoon
Free draw for a framed picture at 4 p.m.
North Island Wildlife Recovery Association
Leffler Road, Errington
Admission by donation

Splash!

A special event celebrating local food, wine and beer benefiting the Brant Wildlife Festival.

Join us to sample an amazing buffet prepared by executive chef Andrew Howarth and taste fine wines and beer. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy live music and bid on silent and live auctions.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 6 p.m.
Pacific Shores Resort & Spa
1-1600 Stroulger Road, Nanoose Bay
Tickets are $75 per person. Call toll free 1-866-288-7878 to reserve tickets or e-mail tloewen@naturetrust.bc.ca