Getting outside and learning something too

We chose to live close to nature when we all made homes in Lynn Valley. As summer ticks along and we try to take advantage of dry(er), sunny(-ier) days by embracing our outdoor neighbourhood, there are a number of chances to learn something while we are at. The Wild Bird Trust at Maplewood Flats and the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre are offering some education programs throughout the summer. 

Wild Bird Trust

Nestled on the shores of Burrard Inlet, the Wild Bird Trust at Maplewood Flats has the goal to provide wild birds with sanctuary through ecological protection and restoration, and to support communities with education, culture, and reconciliation programs. Much of their programming is led by First Nations experts to provide learning opportunities to decolonize local ecology education.July 16, 11 am-1 pm Basics of Nature Photography with Shou Ye Gauthier. $20The nature walk and nature photography workshop will include a photo walk around the site and guidance from workshop leads on the technical aspects of lighting and composition when shooting nature with a digital camera. You can bring a camera or just bring your smartphone to shoot with. We welcome folks with no knowledge or lots of experience. All welcome.Participants will have the opportunity to submit an image to our annual photography exhibition titled “Framing Our Relations: Annual Wild Bird Trust Photo Exhibition.” Participants will receive a print of your photograph(s). The photography exhibit celebrates and reflects the traditional and ancestral relationship of the Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish Nations to the land on which Maplewood Flats resides. Registration is required or emailing [email protected].July 21, 7-8:30 pm, Native Plant Advocacy in Salish Lands hosted by Senaqwila Wyss. Free. OnlineThe Wild Bird Trust will be hosting an in-depth conversation on pesticide use in the Lower Mainland and its effects on local Indigenous nations.Angelina Hopkins Rose is addressing threats to traditional plant gathering practices of Interior Salish and Coastal Salish First Nations People, due to BC Timber Sales pursuing a Glyphosate-based Pest Management Plan. Her research and advocacy have contributed to the resurgence of awareness about the importance of traditional foods and medicines, as well as confronting the lack of self-determination local First Nations have in their own lands. Angelina and her partner Ronnie Dean Harris will be highlighting the importance of access to traditional plants. Senaqwila Wyss is Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), Tsimshian, Sto:lo, Hawaiian and Swiss. She holds a Bachelors of the Arts Degree in the faculty of Communications, Arts and Technology, minor in First Nations Studies. She also holds a First Nations Languages Proficiency Certificate and Diploma in the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim. Senaqwila is the Coast Salish Programs Coordinator at Maplewood Flats. Register on Eventbrite for the online event. 

Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre

The Ecology Centre is offering mini camps, Treetop Tales and its Summer Nature Club. There are still spaces in three of its Mini Camps. Join Ecology Centre naturalists for three days of adventures, fun and outdoor education. Suitable for children ages 5 to 8 or 8 to 12. Each mini-camp costs $83.00. Get 15% off mini-camps with a family Ecology Centre membership. Please ensure you have read the Centre's Covid-19 Policies, which includes their refund policies.Phone 604-990-3755 to register. Take a HikeWednesday, July 20 to Friday, July 22, 1-4 pmAges 8-12Go on an afternoon adventure through Lynn Canyon Park and beyond, learning about local plants and wildlife and playing games along the way. Deer DiscoveryWednesday, August 10 to Friday, August 12, 1-4 pmAges 5-8Explore the realm of our local Columbian black-tailed deer, and see what it eats and where it travels through the forest. Eco-ExperimentsMonday, August 15 to Wednesday, August 17, 9:30 am-12:30 pmAges 8-12Dig in and discover what makes our ecosystem tick. We’ll investigate animals and explore the forces at work in nature with experiments, projects, and games.The centre also offers the interactive storytime Treetop Tales for ages two and up, with an adult on the first and third Fridays of the month. This summer, Treetop Tales will be held outdoors in our covered back walkway. Masks are recommended for adults and distancing will be possible. Please stay home if you’re not feeling well.July 15, Aug. 5 & 19th 10-10:30am, by donation. New this year is the Imagine and Explore Series. During these adult-participation programs for children ages 3-8, you’ll explore Lynn Canyon Park and enjoy learning about local plants and animals, both big and small. Each program in the Imagine & Explore series incorporates a walk, a story, and a simple craft to take home.Tickets are $11 plus fees per child. You do not need to purchase a ticket for the accompanying adult.July 23 - Hole in One - 10 am-noon, Register here. Learn how woodpeckers are an important part of the Ecosystem. Aug. 13 - Hum and Buzz, register here.Aug. 20 - Going Batty, register here.

Looking for more?

There's always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.