Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES) offers quality diverse educational programming for individuals and groups on a wide variety of ecology related topics. We aim to connect people to nature in a way that is fun, experiential, fosters a conservation ethic, builds community, and grows the individual’s knowledge and experience in a way that strengthens their relationship to the natural world around them.
“It feels so satisfying learning more about the beauteous nature around us. Not just learning but also coming to understand them better, their personalities, characteristics, habitats, etc… SPES – what a priceless gem and resource. Please let everyone know the invaluable resource SPES is to our society, community, and ecology. Keep up the great work you’re all doing to make this a stellar organization.”
– Program participant and Nature House visitor, 2021
Public Workshops, Walks, and Webinars
Experience hands-on and experiential learning while discovering fascinating facts about Stanley Park though guided walks, workshops, online programs and special events for all ages and abilities. Led by SPES staff or passionate knowledgeable community members.
“We thought your program, last evening, was one of the best interpretative events we have attended. It was organized into categories, had interesting videos/photos and was designed to be informative for people who do, and don’t, know much about beavers. The first set of questions was fun and the program was interactive.”
– Webinar program participant, 2021
Nature House
Come visit us at our ecology center located on Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park. Talk to one of our knowledgeable hosts and check out the taxidermy of some of the critters you might get a glimpse of in the Park.
“…the new Nature House displays look fantastic! So very clean and attractive. Please thank those who worked hard to redesign the displays and layout. Bravo SPES team and leadership!”
– Nature House visitor, 2021
Seasonal Events
Throughout the year, SPES offers seasonal programming for the Ghost Train in Stanley Park and Vancouver Bird Week, as well as summer volunteer opportunities through our EcoRangers program. Learn how to get involved and learn about this special programming.
Clubs and Camps
We also offer many opportunities for children to connect with nature, including ecology-oriented clubs and camps. Week-long day camps are held in the Spring and over the Summer and we hold periodic club series throughout the year. Learn more, sign up, and request a private club series here!
“(Our son) really enjoyed the program and he enjoyed sharing what he had learned in the program with friend(s) and family. He was excited every week. I wanted to thank you for being so kind and inclusive. I know he was younger than your target audience but you still included him and kept him engaged.”
– Guardian of club participant, 2020