april events Archives - Stanley Park Ecology (SPE)

Apr 22, 2026 @ 06:00 pmEvents

Birds and Brews [CANCELLED]

Join us for a walk to the heron colony, where we’ll learn all about the herons who nest in what we call “Stanley Park” and get updates about the rookery so far this season. In late April, the herons typically spend a lot of time coming and going from the nests to continue nest maintenance and feed the incubating adult heron in the nest, and these birds should be quite active as we venture around Lost Lagoon and to their nests. The walk will end with a drink at Stanley Park Brewing with a view of the heron colony at the reserved group table, and participants can stay for a meal if desired. Tickets include one can* of a beer from Stanley Park Brewing, supporting Stanley Park Ecology’s ongoing conservation and monitoring efforts of the heron colony.

This event is in collaboration with Stanley Park Brewing and offered as part of the Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration!

heron up in tree next to large nest and blue sky — Photo: James Stevenson; great blue heron

Apr 18, 2026 @ 02:30 pmEvents

Earth Day Trees and Forest Plant Walk [pre-registration full]

As you wander the trails of our coastal forests, do you recognize the plants around you? Are you familiar with the trees towering above, and the ferns and mosses at your feet? Join us for a stroll through the forest to get to know the common trees and forest plants of our region and appreciate the “green” that we celebrate this Earth Day!

salmonberry flower with a forest background — Photo: Julia Taylor; salmonberry

Apr 25, 2026 @ 11:00 amEvents

City Nature Challenge: BioBlitz at Beaver Lake

Get ready to immerse yourself in nature and contribute to community science! Bring your smartphone and join us in competing with cities across North America to collect the most observations of wildlife and plants. Explore the forest surrounding the Beaver Lake wetland ecosystem while using the iNaturalist app. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert – no species identification knowledge is required! We’ll have staff and volunteers at the event hub to help get you started uploading your observations on the app, assist with species identification, and teach you about the ecology of the surrounding ecosystems. Join us and our partners at the University of British Columbia Beaty Biodiversity Museum, Douglas College Institute of Urban Ecology, the Entomological Society of British Columbia, and a member of the iNaturalist Ambassador Program!

City Nature Challenge graphic with image of outreach table by beaver lake with staff and visitors near the tables — Photo: Marisa Bischoff

Apr 26, 2026 @ 09:30 amEvents

Birds of a Feather: Spring Wetland Migrants

We’re in the height of the spring season and the birds are plentiful! Join our flock for our monthly birding program, Birds of a Feather. This month, join local birder Melissa Hafting for a relaxed interpretive outing and learn to identify and appreciate spring migrants like the first returning warblers, flycatchers, and hummingbirds. No specific birding experience necessary, come along and take flight! We will have binoculars available to borrow.

a yellow warbler among willow branches — Photo: Frank Lin; yellow warbler

Apr 11, 2026 @ 02:00 pmEvents

The Herons are Here: Colony Tour [FULL]

Did you know that every spring, Pacific great blue herons take to over 100 nests to raise their young, right here in Stanley Park at the edge of Downtown Vancouver? Join Educator Julia for a special site visit to the heron rookery and learn all about how these beautiful and large birds navigate the canopy, build their nests, and raise their fledglings. You’ll also discover how Stanley Park Ecology supports the heron colony by protecting them from predators and monitoring their success in summer surveys. This is part of our annual series, “The Herons are Here”! This time of year, there is a lot of bustling activity in the canopy as herons maintain their nests and start to lay eggs.

heron flying with a stick in its beak — Photo: Martin Passchier; great blue heron

Apr 18, 2026 @ 10:30 amEvents

Stanley Park Earth Day

This April, join us for a day of nature education and connecting with local ecosystems in Stanley Park. We’ll have nature walks, information booths, and hands-on activities to learn more about our planet and commit to taking action for the Earth!

Join Us!