What we’re about
We hold meetings most Thursday evenings with a lecture and discussion. We also host frequent field trips for members to get out into Nature and learn more about this wonderful world we live in.
Members of Nature Vancouver have been working for more than 100 years to promote the enjoyment of nature, to educate ourselves and others about the natural world and to preserve and protect natural areas in the vicinity of Vancouver.
Visit us at https://naturevancouver.ca/ to learn more and e-mail info@naturevancouver.ca if you have any further questions. If you like our events please consider becoming an official member of Nature Vancouver here: https://naturevancouver.ca/membership/
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Hawk Watch Sit at Cypress Provincial Park - Part of the Welcome Walk seriesNeeds location
Date: Sunday September 21, 1:00-4:00 pm
Accessibility Description: This location is an open grassy area with picnic tables scattered around the perimeter and in the middle. The distance is approximately 100 meters from the parking lot to our sitting location. There is no trail, and the grass is not perfectly even but it’s between a 0%-5% grade and is no steeper than a 1:12 slope (suitable for wheelchairs and walkers).
Bathrooms: Porta Potties are available next to the parking lot
Type of bird outing: This outing is designed to be intentionally inclusive and accessible for beginner to advanced birdwatchers who have accessibility needs. Everyone is welcome on this Hawk Watch.
Description: Join us for a fun, relaxed afternoon of stationary hawk watching! Let’s look to the skies to watch the hawk migration. Please bring a foldable chair and if you wish, any art supplies and/or snacks. At the end of our session, we will engage in citizen science and submit our observations to eBird to contribute to a valuable set of scientific data.
Target Birds: Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle, Turkey Vulture, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Osprey
Last year’s eBird lists are here https://ebird.org/checklist/S195416214 and https://ebird.org/checklist/S197414629
Additional Information: A limited number of loaner binoculars will be available on a first come first serve basis. In the event of rain, this event will be postponed to a later date. Exact location will be emailed to you after you register. To register, please email Joanna Chin at joachin@yorku.ca
- Living with Coyotes:How we can improve our relationship with our wild neighboursLink visible for attendees
No animal species has received more publicity in Vancouver since 2020 than coyotes. From the attacks on humans in Stanley Park in 2020-2021 to the recent viral footage showing coyote pups in a suburban yard, they are frequently in the news and on our minds, but how much do we really know about them? More importantly, how much do we know about how to get along with them? This presentation will begin with an introduction to coyote biology before shifting to an in-depth discussion about how to avoid conflicts with coyotes in the city. We will discuss (1) the effects of wildlife feeding by humans, (2) best practices for keeping pets safe, (3) what to do when you see a coyote, (4) lessons learned from the attacks in Stanley Park, and more. All you need to bring is an open mind and any questions you have about coyotes!
Nathan Lewis' natural fascination with animals led him to begin a career in wildlife research, through which he has studied several species, from snails to squirrels, and now coyotes. He is now doing a PhD at UBC with the Department of Zoology and recently led a research project focused on determining what likely contributed to the coyote attacks on humans in Stanley Park in 2020-2021. He is currently working on several other coyote-focused projects, both in Vancouver and across North America. Researching such a charismatic but controversial species has helped him realize the importance of working with the community to improve our collective understanding of how to appreciate wildlife while keeping ourselves and the wildlife safe.
Follow Nathan's photography and education-based instagram account (@fieldnotesbynathan), where he shares photos, fun facts, and tips for how to avoid negative interactions with all sorts of animals.
