Stanley Park Archives - Page 2 of 27 - Stanley Park Ecology (SPE)

Aug 30, 2026 @ 09:30 amEvents

Birds of a Feather: Summer on the Wing

If you direct your senses to the skies, waters, and bushes, you’ll find birds swooping for flying insects, feasting on ripe berries and seeds, and enjoying the late summer abundance. Come along on our monthly birding program, Birds of a Feather! This month, join a local birder for a relaxed interpretive outing and learn to identify and appreciate the birds around us, looking out for ducks, chickadees, woodpeckers, herons, and more. No experience required, just bring your curiosity and take flight!

Pileated woodpecker up in a berry bush against a blue sky — Photo: Josephine Hrynkiw; pileated woodpecker

Aug 29, 2026 @ 10:30 amEvents

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

Aug 6, 2026 @ 06:00 pmEvents

Summer Berries and Edible Plants [CANCELLED]

Wandering the trails in the summertime, you likely notice the colourful, juicy berry gems hidden amongst lush green plants. Or maybe you’ve wondered how to find relief from bug bites while out on a hike. Join this beginner-friendly plant walk to learn about the common berries and other plants found across our region, which ones are edible or otherwise useful, and tips on how to identify them. We’ll learn about trailing blackberry, staghorn sumac, Oregon grape, and more!

Note: No non-Indigenous harvesting or foraging is allowed in city parks, and this educational walk will not include any foraging or tasting. Information will be shared on where to forage in our region and how to do so responsibly. Do not use this walk as your only resource on edible plants, and be aware of the risks of foraging.

red huckleberries hanging from leafy branches — Red huckleberry (Photo: Michael Schmidt)

Aug 1, 2026 @ 09:30 amEvents

Take Flight: Beginner Bird Walk

With bird songs in the air and flashes of colour flitting through trees and bushes, now is a great time to dive into the world of birds! Join an Educator from Stanley Park Ecology and fellow bird-curious individuals for a relaxed bird walk for beginners and amateurs. We’ll keep our eyes and ears tuned for nearby birds while learning basic tips and tricks to get started as a responsible birder. No experience required, just bring your curiosity and take flight!  Participants can borrow binoculars.

Participants may choose to download the (free) apps Merlin and eBird ahead of time if you’d like to learn how to use them, as these will be referenced and demonstrated on the walk. This is optional and the walk content will not be dependent on apps.

black-capped chickadee perched on a branch, looking to the side — Photo: Don Enright; Black-capped Chickadee

Aug 9, 2026 @ 08:30 amEvents

Kelp Fest’s Intertidal Adventure (FULL)

Ever wondered who those slimy-looking things down by the seawall actually are? Come explore Stanley Park during a low tide to see one of the biggest seaweed hotspots in Vancouver! Join seaweed scientist and enthusiast Ruby Burns to learn the names of our local marine “fronds” with a morning coffee in hand, plus some light breakfast snacks. This event is part of Vancouver Kelp Fest, a celebration of our unique urban coastline. Come stop by Kelp Fest’s main event on August 23rd at the Museum of Vancouver to eat kelp snacks, make seaweed art, and learn from local restoration experts

image of kelp and seaweeds in the water flowing on the surface — Photo: Ruby Burns; bull kelp and other seaweeds

Sep 23, 2026 @ 06:00 pmEvents

Twilight Tour: Beaver Lake is Awake

As sunset approaches in Stanley Park each day, the wetland ecosystems awake with activity. Join this guided evening tour to learn about the history, ecology, and twilight wildlife of Beaver Lake! Led by an Educator from Stanley Park Ecology, we’ll keep our senses tuned to the signs of wildlife – listening for the croaks of frogs, the buzz of dragonflies, and calls of wetland birds. With any luck, the bats and beavers will emerge for an evening of feeding at the lake. Space is limited to 20 participants.

Join Us!