conservation Archives - Stanley Park Ecology (SPE)

Jun 13, 2026 @ 11:00 amEvents

Seaweeds of Stanley Park

How much do you really know about the slippery, salty, spectacular, and sometimes stinky lives of seaweeds? British Columbia is home to some of the highest diversity of seaweeds in the world, thanks to the cold and nutrient-rich waters. Join a UBC researcher for a wander at low tide to learn all about these vital marine organisms that capture carbon in the ocean, provide crucial habitat and food, and thrive along the shores of Stanley Park. Take a closer look with hand lenses and learn how to recognize different traits of seaweed species during Ocean Month!

close-up of rockweed seaweed in the sun — Photo: Denis Seguin; rockweed

Jun 6, 2026 @ 12:00 pmEvents

Test the Water! Water Quality Demo with Water Rangers

Celebrate Ocean Week (June 1-8) in Stanley Park! In this free hands-on intro session with Water Rangers, participants get to try a suite of water testing tools used by community scientists monitoring lakes, rivers, and ocean sites across Canada. We’ll measure dissolved oxygen, air and water temperature, water clarity using a Secchi disc, and key chemical parameters including pH, hardness, nitrate, and nitrite using test strips including a salinity meter to explore what makes marine and freshwater environments so distinct. No experience needed, just curiosity about the water around you.

view of several people dipping cups into the ocean — Photo: Harry Gray; water quality testing at Stanley Park

Jun 28, 2026 @ 09:30 amEvents

Birds of a Feather: Summer Wings

It’s officially summer, and Stanley Park is teeming with life from the water to the skies. Discover the incredible variety and lives of local birds in 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 seasonal bird species, keeping our eyes and ears out for swallows, ducklings, bright warblers, eagles, and more. No experience required, just bring your curiosity and take flight! There will be binoculars available to borrow.

a spotted towhee perched on a small branch facing sideways — Photo: Don Enright; Spotted Towhee

Jun 6, 2026 @ 09:30 amEvents

Whales to Wings: Seawall Wildlife Walk for Ocean Week [full – more dates available]

Join us during Ocean Week Canada (June 1-8)! Take time on your seawall visit to meet the marine mammals and birds of səl̓ilw̓ət. Led by Nature House Educator and wildlife photographer, Frank Lin, join us to view birds along the shoreline like cormorants and gulls, plus possible sightings of orcas, grey whales, or harbour porpoises. Harbour seals are a regular sight and a river otter may share the morning with us too. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours and come out for exciting wildlife encounters along the iconic seawall.

səl̓ilw̓ət (Burrard Inlet) is part of an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), supporting wildlife food chains. Land-based wildlife watching is a sustainable way to appreciate local biodiversity.

Note: This program is scheduled for 2 hours. Tour length may be adjusted to accommodate reported sightings of wildlife that day. Please ask your guide for updates.

view of orca dorsal fin and spout coming out of the water off of the seawall — Photo: Frank Lin; orca dorsal fin (T101A Rush)

Jun 17, 2026 @ 06:00 pmEvents

Heron Colony Tour: Fledging Season

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 SPE 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 monitoring their success during regular surveys and installing anti-predation tools. This is part of our annual series of heron programming! This time of year, more and more hatchlings can be heard making their chorus of ‘tik-tik-tik’ sounds in the nests above, and some older chicks are getting ready to learn how to fly and fledge the nest!

3 immature great blue herons are in a nest, seen from below — Photo: Martin Passchier

May 2, 2026 @ 02:00 pmEvents

Your Observation Matters: Post-Panel Bird Walk

Come along for our “Your Observation Matters” Bird Walk Series, and meet our panelists in an outdoor setting!

Join Khalid Boudreau, Education Director at Special Bird Service, and Frank Lin, SPE Educator and wildlife photographer, for a special bird walk here in Stanley Park. Explore the birds found in nearby ecosystems during the peak of spring migration, with singing warblers and colourful hummingbirds flying through trees and flower-filled shrubs. No birding knowledge or experience necessary, just bring your curiosity! Participants can borrow binoculars, and there is also a chance to sign up after the main Panel event.

This Bird Walk is associated with our Your Observation Matters: Citizen Science in Birding Panel. Register to attend the panel on May 2nd for a discount code that can be used on this event. The discount code will be automatically sent in your registration email.

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