Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Spend some time learning about the natural world or volunteering to restore the environment this fall. Remove invasive species, learn about the ocean, go bird watching, or gaze at the stars. With lots of online and in-person ecology events happening in the Vancouver area, there’s something for everyone.
Ocean Depths to Tree Tops Youth Online Nature Program, November 5 and 12 (Youth 12-15)
This online ecology program helps youth learn how to engage with local habitats and how to get involved to protect them. It’s a joint program from Ocean Wise and the Stanley Park Ecology Society, so it covers everything from the depths of the ocean to the treetops. With morning and afternoon sessions, it’s easy to fit into your teen’s schedule. Register in advance for upcoming events on November 5 and November 12.
Invasive Species Removal with the Lower Mainland Green Team, November 7 and 8 (All-ages)
Join the Lower Mainland Green Team to help remove invasive species like Himalayan blackberry in Vancouver area parks. Upcoming events take place in Richmond’s Terra Nova Rural Park and Reg Franklin Park in Maple Ridge. Register in advance for events on November 7 and 8th.
Restoration Saturdays in Surrey’s Little Campbell River Watershed, Every Saturday (All-ages)
Spend the morning planting native trees and removing invasive vegetation in the Little Campbell River Watershed in South Surrey. The Brooksdale Environmental Centre is organizing a volunteer party nearly every Saturday. Register in advance for events on November 7, 21, and 28 or December 5 and 12.
Photo: Tina Witherspoon on Unsplash
Piper Spit Bird Count at Burnaby Lake, November 10 (Ages 15+)
See how many birds you can spot at Piper Spit in Burnaby Lake Regional Park during this citizen science bird count. The fall migration will be in full swing, so you’re sure to spot many different species. A park interpreter will be on hand to help with identification. Register in advance for the November 10th event.
Eco-Stewards in Stanley Park, November 14 and 28 (All-ages)
Unfortunately, many invasive species grow in Vancouver’s Stanley Park. Aggressive plants like English ivy, Himalayan blackberry, and yellow flag iris threaten native ecosystems. Volunteer to help remove them while learning about the urban forest as part of Stanley Park Ecology Society’s Eco-Stewards Program. Register in advance for Eco-Steward events on November 14 or November 28.
Everything Made of Stars in Campbell Valley Regional Park, November 16 and December 13 (Ages 11+)
Learn about the stars, spot constellations, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the Leonid or Geminid meteor showers at this ecology event in Langley’s Campbell Valley Regional Park. A park interpreter will be your star guide for the evening and you can even warm up around a campfire. Register in advance for the November 16th or December 13th events.
Woodpeckers and Waterfowl on the Wing at Aldergrove Regional Park, November 25 (Ages 12+)
Get access to prime birding locations in a restricted-access section of Aldergrove Regional Park on this guided walk. Bring your binoculars since you’re sure to spot woodpeckers and many types of waterfowl. Register in advance for the November 25th event.
Photo: Bill Pennell on Unsplash
Nature Talks at Capilano Suspension Bridge, Daily Staring December 1 (All-ages)
Take in the view from the Capilano Suspension Bridge, then join a guide for a nature talk. You’ll learn about the plants and animals that live in our local West Coast rainforest ecosystem. There are talks every hour once the Suspension Bridge reopens on December 1, with the last talk of the day at 2:30 p.m. Talks are included in park admission.
