Volunteer Leaders: Anthea Farr (604-576-7731),
Mr. Lynn Pollard (604-531-6307) & Sarah Brookes
Mr. Lynn Pollard (604-531-6307) & Sarah Brookes
Please pre-register for all Explorer Days as early as possible and
don’t forget to bring your passport!
don’t forget to bring your passport!
*To take part in the outdoor Explorer Days all participants must sign a waiver form available on the day. Friends are welcome if space permits. NatureKids Club members 14 years and under must be accompanied by an adult. Please stay with the leader and let him/her know if you are leaving early.
There are also some excellent “Birds on the Bay” activities that you can enjoy. To see the Birds on the Bay schedule, go to www.birdsonthebay.ca
Winter Walk & Bird Spot
Sunday, December 18, 2016, 1:30pm
Location: Blackie Spit, 3136 McBride Ave
Come spot the waterfowl and other birds that spend their winter in Boundary Bay. Lynn will guide us in spotting and identifying birds, and help us practise bird counting skills so that we can one day help with a Christmas Bird Count! Lynn will have binoculars available to borrow.
Directions: Drive west along Crescent Road. After crossing the train tracks turn right onto Sullivan St. Turn right again onto McBride Ave and drive to the very end of the parking lot.
Spawning Salmon
Saturday, November 19, 2016, 10:00am
Location: Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club, 1284 184 St, Surrey
We will try to spot salmon coming up the Little Campbell River, and see if we can catch the Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club volunteers helping salmon through the fish gate. We may also take a stroll up the interpretive forest loop trail.
Fungus Foray
Sunday, October 16, 2016, 2:00pm
Location: Irene Pearce trail, Langley Municipal Natural Park, East side of 224 Street at about where 6th Ave. would be.
Come search for mushrooms, and any other interesting natural things we come across. Joel (Orson’s dad) will help us identify and learn about the fungi we discover. Don’t forget to pack your camera (with a macro lens is even better) and any mushroom guide books you have! A small mirror would also be useful.
Walk on the Wild Side – Critter Care Walk-A-Thon Fundraiser
Sunday, October 2, 2016, 10:30am-1:30pm
Location: Campbell Valley Park, Old Orchard Picnic Site off 8th Ave. Entrance
Join the Nicomekl NatureKids “pack” for a 2km or 4km walk at Campbell Valley Park to raise money for Critter Care Wildlife Society. Critter Care Wildlife Society provides short and long term care to native mammal species and through rehabilitation and public education, helps to prevent suffering of injured and orphaned wildlife. Canine friends are welcome to join in on the walk if under control. Stick around after the walk to enjoy a BBQ, exhibits by several animal and environmental organizations, and several local artisans selling products.
“Pack Captain” Sarah will email registration forms & pledge sheets to interested families. Registration fees: 12 & under is $5; 13+ is $10 up to September 25, and $15 after September 25.
Forest Games
Sunday, September 25, 2016, 10:00am
Location: Redwood Park, 17900 20 Avenue, Surrey
Come join us for an active morning in the park! Jennifer Pollard will lead us in a variety of games in the forest. The entrance to the parking lot is on the south side of 20 Ave, between 176 St. and 180 St. Meet in the paved parking lot.
Sept. 2 – Sept. 5, 2016
GREEN LAKE CAMP
Location: Sunset View Group Site, Green Lake Provincial Park
Join us for our annual summer weekend camp! It will be for 3 nights, with nature hikes, pond dipping, nature games, nature arts & crafts, botany, swimming, horseback riding (trail ride for those interested - cost is extra), night walks, etc. Families bring their own tent, RV or tent trailer, plus sleeping bags, camp stove, food, etc. Subsidized cost is $35 per family.
Saturday, July 23, 10 am HOW TO DRAW A BIRD
Saturday, June 25, 2 pm 1001 SCULPINS
Saturday, April 23, 9:30 am STEWARDSHIP
Sunday, March 20, 2 pm POND LIFE
Leaders: Lynn & Anthea Location: TBA
We will hunt for early aquatic life and see what we can find! Dip nets will be provided. Rubber boots recommended.
Sunday, Feb. 21, 11 am
O.W.L. (Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society) for ages 5 and up
Leaders: O.W.L. staff
Location: O.W.L., 3800 72 St., Delta
This 90 minute program will incude a tour of the facility and an onsite “schoolhouse program”. For more info, go to www.owlcanada.org.
COST: $5 donation per child.
NOTE: Space Limited. Register EARLY if you want a spot, and please indicate the total number of adults & young naturalists (5 years or older) that are coming.
Sunday, Feb. 7th, 2016, 1:00pm
Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club Hatchery, 1284 184 St. Surrey
Leaders: Norma & Carlo Giovanelli
Come and learn about fossils! Feel free to bring your own fossil, for “show & tell”, or just come and be fascinated by other people’s fossils! Optional: After the fossil event, there will be a nature walk on the loop trail on the property.
Sunday, Jan. 17, 2 pm SWEET AS HONEY
Leader: Honeybee Centre staff
Location: Honeybee Centre, 7480 176 St. (Fraser Hwy & 176 St.)
Come and learn about the secret lives of honeybees and how to be a beekeeper. For more info, go to http://www.honeybeecentre.com/
Sunday, Nov. 15, time TBA
Friday, Oct. 16, Evening
Saturday, Oct. 10, 1:30 pm
Friday, Sept. 4 to Monday Sept. 7
Sunday, May 31, 2015
10 AM
Saturday, April 25, 2015
2 PM
Sunday, March 29th, 2015
2 PM
Tynehead Regional Park, 96 Ave., Surrey
Sunday, Feb. 15th, 2015
2-3 PM
There are also some excellent “Birds on the Bay” activities that you can enjoy. To see the Birds on the Bay schedule, go to www.birdsonthebay.ca
Upcoming Explorer Days
For the events below, please pre-register as early as possible with Anthea (nicomekl@naturekidsbc.ca) or Lynn (604-531-6307) jacquielynn@telus.net & don’t forget to bring your passport!
Dinosaur Plants
Sunday, March 26, 2016, 2:00pm
Location: Redwood Park, 17900 20 Avenue, Surrey
Can you spot the living fossils in Redwood Park? Join us to learn about some of the plants that have survived since dinosaurs roamed the earth, and search for modern feathered dinosaurs too! The entrance to the parking lot is on the south side of 20 Ave, between 176 St. and 180 St. Meet in the paved parking lot.
Year of the Rooster
Saturday, April 15, 2pm
Location: Kingfisher Farm, 512- 172 Street
Celebrate the year of the rooster by rubbing feathers with the hens and rooster at Kingfisher Farm. We will also take a dip in their pond (with a net) to discover who is living beneath the surface.
Tube Feet
Sunday May 28, 2017, 1:00pm
Location: White Rock pier
Who is hiding in the tide pools below the pier? Join us to find out! Footwear suitable for wading is recommended. Meet at the base of the White Rock pier on West Beach (pay parking available along the waterfront).
Beautiful Bugs
Sunday, June 25, 2:00pm
Location: Jackman Wetlands Park, Langley, on the west side of 272 St. between 8th Ave. and 16th Ave. NOTE: Map showing exact location will be sent out to registrants.
Search high and low for the creepy crawlies living in Jackman Park. Bring your bug jar if you like. Meet in the parking lot off of 32 Ave. *No washrooms on site at this park
Friday, Sept. 1 – Monday, Sept. 4, 2017
NICOMEKL LONG WEEKEND CAMP
Location: Lone Duck Group Site 1 on Lightning Lake at Manning Park
Join us for our annual summer weekend camp! It will be for 3 nights, with nature hikes, pond dipping, nature games, nature arts & crafts, botany, swimming, canoeing (optional – cost is extra), night walks, etc. Families bring their own tent, RV or tent trailer, plus sleeping bags, camp stove, food, etc.
Subsidized cost is $35 per family. NOTE: Minimum age at this camp is 5 – no younger siblings. ALSO NOTE: Space is limited – register by email early if you want to come. Once registration is full, we will start a waiting list.
Dinosaur Plants
Sunday, March 26, 2016, 2:00pm
Location: Redwood Park, 17900 20 Avenue, Surrey
Can you spot the living fossils in Redwood Park? Join us to learn about some of the plants that have survived since dinosaurs roamed the earth, and search for modern feathered dinosaurs too! The entrance to the parking lot is on the south side of 20 Ave, between 176 St. and 180 St. Meet in the paved parking lot.
Year of the Rooster
Saturday, April 15, 2pm
Location: Kingfisher Farm, 512- 172 Street
Celebrate the year of the rooster by rubbing feathers with the hens and rooster at Kingfisher Farm. We will also take a dip in their pond (with a net) to discover who is living beneath the surface.
Tube Feet
Sunday May 28, 2017, 1:00pm
Location: White Rock pier
Who is hiding in the tide pools below the pier? Join us to find out! Footwear suitable for wading is recommended. Meet at the base of the White Rock pier on West Beach (pay parking available along the waterfront).
Beautiful Bugs
Sunday, June 25, 2:00pm
Location: Jackman Wetlands Park, Langley, on the west side of 272 St. between 8th Ave. and 16th Ave. NOTE: Map showing exact location will be sent out to registrants.
Search high and low for the creepy crawlies living in Jackman Park. Bring your bug jar if you like. Meet in the parking lot off of 32 Ave. *No washrooms on site at this park
Friday, Sept. 1 – Monday, Sept. 4, 2017
NICOMEKL LONG WEEKEND CAMP
Location: Lone Duck Group Site 1 on Lightning Lake at Manning Park
Join us for our annual summer weekend camp! It will be for 3 nights, with nature hikes, pond dipping, nature games, nature arts & crafts, botany, swimming, canoeing (optional – cost is extra), night walks, etc. Families bring their own tent, RV or tent trailer, plus sleeping bags, camp stove, food, etc.
Subsidized cost is $35 per family. NOTE: Minimum age at this camp is 5 – no younger siblings. ALSO NOTE: Space is limited – register by email early if you want to come. Once registration is full, we will start a waiting list.
Past Explorer Days
Snowshoe Hike Saturday
February 11, 9:00am
Location: Mt Seymour
Amelia will lead us on a snowshoe hike through the BC Parks snowshoe trails on Mt. Seymour while building our winter wildlife knowledge.
Monday, January 2
February 11, 9:00am
Location: Mt Seymour
Amelia will lead us on a snowshoe hike through the BC Parks snowshoe trails on Mt. Seymour while building our winter wildlife knowledge.
Monday, January 2
Christmas Bird Count with the White Rock Naturalists
Campbell Valley Regional Park.
We will meet Rebecca and Vanessa at the Nature House at 9am. We will walk the area around the ponds and farm buildings, and possibly the ravine trail. We will go inside the red barn to check out the barn owls via webcam! Park in the lot off of 8th Ave. Pack a lunch, drinks, and mug (hot water provided at the Nature House) and dress for the weather. If you have them, bring your bird ID cards or field guides. You can bring your binoculars or borrow.
The WR Nats are starting their count at 8am, and we will meet up with them for lunch. If you wish to continue birding after lunch for a full Christmas Bird Count experience you are welcome to join them.
We will meet Rebecca and Vanessa at the Nature House at 9am. We will walk the area around the ponds and farm buildings, and possibly the ravine trail. We will go inside the red barn to check out the barn owls via webcam! Park in the lot off of 8th Ave. Pack a lunch, drinks, and mug (hot water provided at the Nature House) and dress for the weather. If you have them, bring your bird ID cards or field guides. You can bring your binoculars or borrow.
The WR Nats are starting their count at 8am, and we will meet up with them for lunch. If you wish to continue birding after lunch for a full Christmas Bird Count experience you are welcome to join them.
Winter Walk & Bird Spot
Sunday, December 18, 2016, 1:30pm
Location: Blackie Spit, 3136 McBride Ave
Come spot the waterfowl and other birds that spend their winter in Boundary Bay. Lynn will guide us in spotting and identifying birds, and help us practise bird counting skills so that we can one day help with a Christmas Bird Count! Lynn will have binoculars available to borrow.
Directions: Drive west along Crescent Road. After crossing the train tracks turn right onto Sullivan St. Turn right again onto McBride Ave and drive to the very end of the parking lot.
Spawning Salmon
Saturday, November 19, 2016, 10:00am
Location: Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club, 1284 184 St, Surrey
We will try to spot salmon coming up the Little Campbell River, and see if we can catch the Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club volunteers helping salmon through the fish gate. We may also take a stroll up the interpretive forest loop trail.
Fungus Foray
Sunday, October 16, 2016, 2:00pm
Location: Irene Pearce trail, Langley Municipal Natural Park, East side of 224 Street at about where 6th Ave. would be.
Come search for mushrooms, and any other interesting natural things we come across. Joel (Orson’s dad) will help us identify and learn about the fungi we discover. Don’t forget to pack your camera (with a macro lens is even better) and any mushroom guide books you have! A small mirror would also be useful.
Walk on the Wild Side – Critter Care Walk-A-Thon Fundraiser
Sunday, October 2, 2016, 10:30am-1:30pm
Location: Campbell Valley Park, Old Orchard Picnic Site off 8th Ave. Entrance
Join the Nicomekl NatureKids “pack” for a 2km or 4km walk at Campbell Valley Park to raise money for Critter Care Wildlife Society. Critter Care Wildlife Society provides short and long term care to native mammal species and through rehabilitation and public education, helps to prevent suffering of injured and orphaned wildlife. Canine friends are welcome to join in on the walk if under control. Stick around after the walk to enjoy a BBQ, exhibits by several animal and environmental organizations, and several local artisans selling products.
“Pack Captain” Sarah will email registration forms & pledge sheets to interested families. Registration fees: 12 & under is $5; 13+ is $10 up to September 25, and $15 after September 25.
Forest Games
Sunday, September 25, 2016, 10:00am
Location: Redwood Park, 17900 20 Avenue, Surrey
Come join us for an active morning in the park! Jennifer Pollard will lead us in a variety of games in the forest. The entrance to the parking lot is on the south side of 20 Ave, between 176 St. and 180 St. Meet in the paved parking lot.
Sept. 2 – Sept. 5, 2016
GREEN LAKE CAMP
Location: Sunset View Group Site, Green Lake Provincial Park
Join us for our annual summer weekend camp! It will be for 3 nights, with nature hikes, pond dipping, nature games, nature arts & crafts, botany, swimming, horseback riding (trail ride for those interested - cost is extra), night walks, etc. Families bring their own tent, RV or tent trailer, plus sleeping bags, camp stove, food, etc. Subsidized cost is $35 per family.
Saturday, July 23, 10 am HOW TO DRAW A BIRD
Leader: Kathleen Fry, Sanctuary Manager Location: Reifel Bird Sanctuary, 5191 Robertson Rd, Delta
We will use both the museum (not open to the general public) and the outdoors to learn how to draw a bird. A very special opportunity for young naturalists to learn from an artist/biologist who REALLY knows the birds at the sanctuary! Parents are also encouraged to draw. All materials will be provided.
Saturday, June 25, 2 pm 1001 SCULPINS
Leaders: Sarah & Anthea Location: 1001 Steps, Surrey
We will hunt for intertidal life and see what we can find! Rubber boots or footwear with good soles suitable for wading are recommended. Meet at the west end of 15A Avenue on top of the steps. Please note that there are no washrooms on site.
Saturday, April 23, 9:30 am STEWARDSHIP
Leaders: Lynn & A Rocha staff Location: 20470 4th Ave., Langley
We will be joining A Rocha staff on their “Stewardship Saturday” to help restore nature. This will involve planting native species, so bring a shovel if you have one. Older members can also learn how to build fences, to protect natural areas from grazing farm animals. Younger siblings & friends are welcome!
Sunday, May 1, 2 pm BIOBLITZ!
Leaders: Anthea, Lynn & Sarah Location: Williams Park, 6595 238 St., Langley
We will record every species of flora and fauna we find, in the woods, in the grass, in the stream, in the sky. Fun for everyone!
Saturday, May 7, time 11:30 am NatureKids BC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Nature House, Campbell Valley Park, 8th Ave. entrance, Langley. Families welcome!
Sunday, March 20, 2 pm POND LIFE
Leaders: Lynn & Anthea Location: TBA
We will hunt for early aquatic life and see what we can find! Dip nets will be provided. Rubber boots recommended.
Sunday, Feb. 21, 11 am
O.W.L. (Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society) for ages 5 and up
Leaders: O.W.L. staff
Location: O.W.L., 3800 72 St., Delta
This 90 minute program will incude a tour of the facility and an onsite “schoolhouse program”. For more info, go to www.owlcanada.org.
COST: $5 donation per child.
NOTE: Space Limited. Register EARLY if you want a spot, and please indicate the total number of adults & young naturalists (5 years or older) that are coming.
Sunday, Feb. 7th, 2016, 1:00pm
Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club Hatchery, 1284 184 St. Surrey
Leaders: Norma & Carlo Giovanelli
Come and learn about fossils! Feel free to bring your own fossil, for “show & tell”, or just come and be fascinated by other people’s fossils! Optional: After the fossil event, there will be a nature walk on the loop trail on the property.
Sunday, Jan. 17, 2 pm SWEET AS HONEY
Leader: Honeybee Centre staff
Location: Honeybee Centre, 7480 176 St. (Fraser Hwy & 176 St.)
Come and learn about the secret lives of honeybees and how to be a beekeeper. For more info, go to http://www.honeybeecentre.com/
Sunday, Dec. 13, 2 pm
WINTER WALK
Location: Elgin Heritage Park, 13723 Crescent Road, Surrey
Leader: Lynn Pollard
This winter walk will focus on birds, but as usual, we will be looking up, down and all around, to find anything interesting in the natural world. Take the entrance to Elgin Heritage Park (where the historic Stewart Farm is) and we will meet in the lower (bottom) parking lot.
Sunday, Nov. 15, time TBA
KANAKA SALMON
Location: Bell-Irving Hatchery, Kanaka Regional Park, Maple Ridge
Leader: Ross Davies
First we will have a guided tour of the hatchery, then we will walk downstream to try and spot spawning salmon in Kanaka Creek. NOTE: Space limited. Register early if you want to go.
Friday, Oct. 16, Evening
AMPHIBIAN ROAD SURVEY for ages 10 & up
Location: South Surrey (time & site details will be sent to registrants).
Nature Mentor: Elke Wind, biologist
This is an opportunity for older Nicomekl young naturalists to take part in Citizen Science. Other clubs have already done this kind of survey– now it’s our turn! Wearing proper safety vests, we will go out with experts to count all the amphibians we find on the road, in the dark. We may even hope for rain (“the wetter the better” for amphibians). Great fun!
Saturday, Oct. 10, 1:30 pm
SPIDER HUNT
Location: Campbell Valley Park in Langley, 16th Ave. entrance.
Leader: Al Grass.
On this walk, we will explore different habitats to try and find different kinds of spiders. Find out why spiders are one of Al’s favourite critters. Yes, really! NOTE: Space limited. Register early if you want to go.
Friday, Sept. 4 to Monday Sept. 7
NICOMEKL LONG WEEKEND CAMP at Manning Park
Sunday, Sept. 13, 9 am
BIRD BANDING (for ages 8 & up)
Location: Iona Beach Regional Park, Richmond
Nature Mentor: WildResearch Staff
This
will be an amazing opportunity to learn how birds are caught, banded
& released. Our leaders will tell us why bird banding is so
important. A chance to get up close & personal with birds! Space
Limited. Register EARLY if you want a spot, and please indicate the
total number of adults & young naturalists (8 years or older) that
are coming.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
10 AM
SAND DOLLARS
White Rock west beach
Anthea & Lynn
Anthea & Lynn
We will explore both sandy and rocky habitats at low tide. Wear gumboots or footwear you can get wet (wading shoes), sunhats, sunscreen, etc. Bring a credit card or cash to pay for parking (it is $3 an hour and we will be there about 2 hours).
Friday, June 5, 2015
9:30 PM
9:30 PM
Brydon Lagoon, Langley
BAT WATCH
BAT WATCH
Lorraine Andrusiak
This is a fabulous place to watch bats feeding and swooping above the water. Biologist Lorraine will bring her bat detector so we can find out which species we are looking at!
Sunday, May 3, 2015
2 PM
Doubleday Arboretum, Fraser Hwy, Langley
2 PM
Doubleday Arboretum, Fraser Hwy, Langley
BUG SAFARI
Anthea & Lynn
We will explore different habitats & record every kind of bug we find. This important data may be used to create an interpretive sign at this site. Bug catching containers & hand lenses will be provided.
Saturday, April 25, 2015
2 PM
512 172 St. Surrey
KINGFISHER FARM
KINGFISHER FARM
Karin Boisclair-Joly
Feed some chickens, meet a milking cow, hunt for frogs & newts, check out the compost for creepy crawlies - just some of the activities to do at Kingfisher Farm!
Sunday, March 29th, 2015
2 PM
Tynehead Regional Park, 96 Ave., Surrey
YELLOW IS THE COLOUR
Anthea & Lynn
Yellow is one of the colours of spring. On this nature walk, we will look for anything yellow. We will ask the question: What does the colour yellow mean to insects, amphibians, birds & mammals? Wear something yellow!
Sunday, Feb. 15th, 2015
2-3 PM
St. George’s hall, 9160 Church St., Ft Langley
HOT SNAKES!
HOT SNAKES!
Mike the Reptile Guy
Come and meet a huge snake and other travelling reptiles that the Reptile Guy will bring to show us. Most of his reptiles were rescued as unwanted pets or as injured individuals.
