Stanley Park

The Stanley Park YNC meets at the Stanley Park Nature House at Lost Lagoon (generally) the first Saturday of every month from 2:00pm to 3:30pm. The Nature House is at the foot of Alberni Street, on the southeast corner of Lost Lagoon below the Lookout Plaza in the old boathouse at the waters edge. Pay parking is nearby behind the Park Office on Beach Avenue, along the tennis courts.

The themes and project vary from month to month, and generally “follow the seasons.” Members will be added to my “shout-out” list which is sent out each month outlining the content of the upcoming meeting. Click here to join the YNC Stanley Park.

**Preregistration is advised given the popularity of these programs**
To preregister email Celina Starnes at ync@stanleyparkecology.ca, call 604-718-6522 or check out our Public Events Calendar


Participants checking soil samples in "Rotting Away"
UPCOMING EXPLORER DAYS

To Be Announced! Check back later! 


PAST EXPLORER DAYS
June 6th
2:00-3:30pm
Stanley Park Young Naturalists: Animal Detectives
It might not be every day that you spot a beaver or a coyote. Chew marks on a tree, prints in the mud and tufts of fur caught on branches are all clues left behind by the animals of Stanley Park. Put on your detective hats and join us for a sleuthing good time! For accompanied children ages 5-14.

May 2nd
2:00-3:30pm
Stanley Park Young Naturalists: Birds of Prey, Up-Close
Get to know the bird of prey living in our neighbourhood. With strong claws for gripping and sharp beaks for tearing, these animals are perfectly adapted to their hunting lifestyles. Meet two real birds of prey with O.W.L. the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society. Learn about the biology of birds of prey and what you can do to help them in the wild. For accompanied children ages 5-14. To preregister email ync@stanleyparkecology.ca.

April 4th
Stanley Park Young Naturalists: Nest Quest 
Eggs are hatching all over Stanley Park this season! Embark on a quest to find toy eggs in the forest that contain fun bird riddles. Solve the riddle and learn more about our feathered friends! For accompanied children ages 5-14. Stick around after the quest and book your ride on the mini-train (train admission fee not included with the YNC program). To preregister email ync@stanleyparkecology.ca.

March 7th
Wildlife Habits and Habitats
10 am - noon
To preregister email ync@stanelyparkecology.ca. 
What do local animals eat, where do they live, why? Get familiar with food chains, learn the four essentials of habitat, and look for animal signs on an outdoor wildlife treasure hunt. You’re guaranteed to see a beaver lodge and maybe even a beaver, too! For accompanied children ages 5-14.

Sat. February 7th

Discover Winter Birds!
10 am - noon
To preregister email ync@stanelyparkecology.ca.

A winter bird treasure hunt! Join the Stanley Park Ecology Society for an exploration of the birds that live in the Park through the winter. Handle bird wings, skulls and talons and head into the woods in search of these same species and more. For accompanied children ages 5-14.

Sat. January 10th, 2015
Mini-Mural Making Jam
10 am -noon  
Stanley Park Dinning Pavilion
Join our artist in residence Kim Hunter for a fun morning of inspiration, art and nature. What are your favourite animals? Your favourite places in the Park? How about a favourite plant? Come in from the cold and share your “faves” in a collaborative mini-mural making jam! For accompanied children ages 5-14. To preregister email ync@stanelyparkecology.ca. Meet at the Stanley Park Dinning Pavilion.  

Saturday Dec 6, 9:30-1:30pm Christmas Bird Count
Calling all young birders!  Join other youth and experts for this annual bird survey!  After a quick introduction to bird identification, we split into groups and head into the forest for a 1.5 hour bird counting adventure and regroup to share our findings. Remember to pack a lunch. For accompanied children ages 5-14. To preregister, email ync@stanleyparkecology.ca 

Sat. Nov 1, 10:00-noon Crafting Wood Critters
The holiday season is not far away.  Artist in Residence Kim Hunter will lead this workshop to craft ornaments of Stanley Park animals.
For accompanied children ages 5-14. To preregister, email ync@stanleyparkecology.ca.
Meet at Stanley Park Dining Pavilion, 610 Pipeline Rd.

Sat. Oct 4, 10:00-noon Halloween Leaf Crafting
Leaves are starting to fall, the days are getting shorter and Halloween is approaching.  Join Kim Hunter, Stanley Park Ecology Society’s Artist in Residence, to transform fallen leaves into Halloween creatures!
For accompanied children ages 5-14. To preregister, email ync@stanleyparkecology.ca.

Saturday, September the 6th is “Painting the Park” from 10am - noon.
Join Kim Hunter, Stanley Park Ecology Society’s Artist in Residence for a painting class in Stanley Park.  Take a closer look at the subtleties of the natural world around us and learn the skills of painting.
Everyone gets to take home their glass-framed artwork.  $2 for materials.
Remember to wear paint-friendly clothing.

June 7, 2014 - 10am-noon - Secrets in the Shallows
Meet at the Stanley Park Dining Pavilion, 610 Pipeline Rd., VancouverWhat do bugs, ducklings, and frogs love? The fresh water of Beaver Lake in Stanley Park! Using our eyes and dip nets, we’ll explore the creatures that call this special place home. Meet the Stanley Park Ecology Society leader at the Stanley Park Dining Pavilion.

May 3, 2014 - 10:00am - Noon- Bird Week Grand Opening
at Stanley Park Nature House on Lost Lagoon 
Celebrate the official launch of Bird Week in Vancouver. Kids, spread your wings and join the festivities at the Grand Opening! We will learn why so many birds stop by Stanley Park for a visit, and what we can do to help our feathered friends.


April 5, 2014- 10:00am-noon - Flower Power
at Stanley Park Nature House on Lost LagoonFlowers are in bloom and a buzz is in the air. Discover the powerful partnerships between plants and pollinators in Stanley Park. Bugs, birds, bees and other crafty creatures all work together to keep every spring colourful.


March 1, 2014 – 10:00-Noon - Our Feathered Friends
Come join us as we create bird nest-boxes out of recycled materials, and help us answer lots fo questions. Such as: "What happens to a nest in a tree cavity when it is abandoned?"  "Why are woodpeckers integral to the survival of so many Stanley Park birds?"

February 1, 2014 – 10:00- Noon - Animal Origami
Try your hand at the unique art of origami as we create our favorite forest creatures from Stanley Park and around the world out of colourful paper.

Cool Conifers
January 4, 2014 – 10:00-Noon
Have you ever wondered why certain trees flourish in certain areas? Why Does Stanley park have Conifers instead of, say, palm trees? Join us on an exploration of how Conifers adapt and thrive in this temperate rainforest! 

Saturday, December 14th, 2013  Details on our website-see link above
Amazing Eagles – A visual presentation
Saturday, Nov 2, 2013 1-3pm at West End Community Centre
Join Stanley Park Ecology Society on Saturday for Amazing Eagles, a free talk by wildlife biologist, author and film producer David Hancock.

Fun with Fungi
Saturday, October 5th, 2013       10-12noon
Do garden gnomes really live in little mushroom houses? Come along as we learn all about the fantastic fungi that live in the forests of Stanley Park. For accompanied kids aged 5-14

Nature Through New Eyes
Saturday, September 7th,2013       10-12noon
Connect with nature, uncover your inner animal, and create a mask that shows your wild side. Join nature art therapist Nicole Ankelman to explore  the wonderful world around us.
Educational, ecofriendly and full of fun, this program is for kids 5-14, and accompanying parents too! 
Rotting Away
Sunday, May 4th,2013 10 am-12 noon - STANLEY PARK
Join us on May 4th from 10-12 as we discover what it would be like to live in a tree stump or under the ground. Meet the creatures that do as we discover the incredible world of decomposition and its importance to our everyday lives. Meet at the Stanley Park Nature House on Lost Lagoon. 

Urban Camping

Saturday May 11th 1:30pm – Sunday May 12th,2013 1:30pm  (overnight)
This extra special program will be full of fun activities and introduce participants to how easy it is to take the family camping. Based on the SPES’s Urban Camping program for teachers and students from grades 4-7, our trained educators are by your side throughout the program to lead activities, create meals, and explain helpful hints on how to set up a tent or shelter. Cost
$100 for one adult and one child; additional children are welcome under the supervision of the accompanying adult at a fee of $50 per additional child. Participants must be current YNC members, children between the ages of 5-14.



Natural Neighbours at Salmonberry Room - Stanley Park Ecology Society, April 6, 2013, 10 am - 12 pm
With April showers come west coast flowers and signs that spring is on the way. Learn about native plants that support our wild neighbours. Help us decorate our plant nursery by painting your own native plant cut out for the garden fence here in Stanley Park,  just in time for spring.
For accompanied kids ages 5-14.
Young Naturalists' Club: Birdy Buffet at @ Salmonberry Room - Stanley Park Ecology Society, March 2nd, 2013, 10 am -12 pm
Explore the world from the point of view of a bird. From feet to feathers, you’ll be amazed at all the special features that help them find food.For accompanied kids ages 5-14.
Preregistration is advised given the popularity of these programs.

Young Naturalists' Club: Discover Winter Birds at Stanley Park Nature House, February 2, 2013, 10 am - 12 pm
Chilly temperatures don’t seem to bother the birds. Learn to identify our local birdy neighbours in preparation for the Backyard Bird Count on Feb 17th. For accompanied kids ages 5-14.

Young Naturalists’ Club and Animal Origami @ Salmonberry Room - Stanley Park Ecology Society, January 5, 2013, 10 am - 12 pm
Try your hand at the unique art of origami as we create our favorite forest creatures from Stanley Park and around the world out of colourful paper.  For accompanied kids (ages 5-14).
                                                                                                            Congratulations to Kai, age 10, for receiving 1st place in the Young Naturalist category for his photograph entered in the Nature Vancouver Photography Competition.




Kai receiving the Al Grass photo award