forest Archives - Stanley Park Ecology (SPE)

Aug 29, 2026 @ 10:30 amEvents

[CANCELLED] Learn your Ferns! Beginner Plant Walk

This is your sign to befriend your local ferns! By getting to know native plants, you can open a new way of connecting to the world around you and enrich your day-to-day outings in nature. Join us for a beginner-friendly plant walk to learn some common ferns, trees, and other local plants on this late summer stroll in the forest! Dive into the world of spore-producing ferns, uncover why some plants are deemed “invasive”, and pick up some new fun facts along the way.

close-up of underside of sword fern frond with spores — Photo: Justine Kaseman; sword fern spores

Apr 18, 2026 @ 11:30 amEvents

Earth Day Family Forest Walk

This Earth Day, connect with nature with the whole family! As part of our Stanley Park Earth Day celebration, join our Family Forest Nature Walk, where we’ll explore the forest ecosystem and learn about the plants and animals who live there. Come along 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.

northern flicker perched on the side of a tree trunk — Photo: Martin Passchier; northern flicker

Feb 7, 2026 @ 11:00 amEvents

Frosty Forest: Winter Plant Walk

Join us for this wintery forest walk, where participants will learn about various species of ferns, evergreen trees, and other resilient plants that thrive in winter conditions, and how to identify them. We will delve into the fascinating adaptations these species have developed to survive snow, frost, and relatively limited sunlight. Discover the hidden ecosystems that flourish beneath a blanket of snow, and gain insight into the crucial roles these plants play in forest ecology!

several snowy licorice ferns hanging down in dappled sunlight — Photo: Julia Taylor

Feb 28, 2026 @ 05:00 pmEvents

Owl Prowl [FULL – Rescheduled from Feb 7]

A wintertime evening in the woods becomes an earthly soundscape with the calls of courting owls. From the charismatic great horned owl, to the ubiquitous barred owl, to the elusive and petite northern saw-whet owl, there are many nocturnal hunters to learn about in their peak activity! Join us to experience the breeding season activity and sounds of Stanley Park’s owls on this popular nighttime walk, as we try our luck to encounter these lively birds.

barred owl perched on western hemlock branch close to trunk, back to us but head turned towards camera — Photo: Michael Schmidt; barred owl

Dec 6, 2025 @ 10:30 amEvents

The Hidden Web: Mycelial Networks and Forest Connections

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!

cluster of beige sulfur tuft mushrooms on a mossy stump surface — Photo: Michael Schmidt

Nov 29, 2025 @ 10:00 amEvents

Family Forest Field Trip

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.

Join Us!