Join us for a squishy, gooey morning of exploration and fascination! Get ready to dive into the complex world of mushrooms, slime molds, slugs, sap, and all things goopy in the ecosystems of Stanley Park. On this ooze-tastic journey, we’ll roam through lush trails, discovering the surprises of critters with crucial roles in the ecosystem and fascinating forms of life in the forest.
As you wander the trails of local coastal forests, do you recognize the trees towering above, and the plants trailing your feet? Join us for a stroll through the forest to get to know the common trees and forest plants of our region, including the fascinating life of ferns and the importance of mosses! From spore catapults to hidden bats in bark, we'll learn about some native plants and forest ecology on this beginner-friendly nature walk.
Each fall and winter, thousands of birds arrive here from northern or interior summer ranges. Filling our waters, forests, and skies with vibrant feathers and fun calls and quacks, the cold season birds are always a pleasure to witness and get to know. Join local birder Kim for a relaxed interpretive outing, with the pace set by participants and tailored to the group's speed. No experience required, just bring your curiosity!
Each year, dozens of Pacific Great Blue Herons nest in Stanley Park. Learn about this unique urban colony with Urban Wildlife Programs Coordinator Rose Wilkin who will be discussing highlights from the 2025 heron season and exploring how this year compares to previous seasons here in the Park.
Looking for a family event to spend time in nature this weekend? Come along to our Family Forest Field Trip nature walk, where we'll explore the forest ecosystem and learn about the plants and animals who live there. Join us as we engage our senses and listen for the calls of nearby birds, feel the textures of the forest, and use magnifiers to get an up-close look at the hidden life around us.
Try your hand at the art of Ayacuchan embroidery in this beginner-friendly workshop with artist Valeria Valdeiglesias. This traditional technique comes from Ayacucho, located in Perú. During this workshop, we will learn traditional stitches and put them to practice to create a flower!
Every second of every day and night, countless cycles are churning around us, carried on by millions of organisms big and small. Join us to discover the intricate relationships that bind the forest ecosystem together -- from the textured lichens clinging to tree bark, to the mysterious mycelial network under the soil, to the flying squirrels who spread the spores of mushrooms as they collect and dry them in the forest!
Do you find yourself wandering through the Park and wondering about the tall trees that greet you? If you’re curious about learning some beginner tree identification, join us for a relaxed outing in "Stanley Park"! We’ll learn how to recognize the late fall/early winter traits of some common forest and urban trees by taking a closer look at their bark, cones, and needles. No plant ID experience necessary!
