Nature House / The Nature of Forests - Today's Events

Here's what's on today at the Nature House:

9-11 Harvest Hours (all ages)
Location: The People’s Apothecary Garden, Lot 62

What's in season: Mid-July is still a rewarding time to visit the PAG, though the dry conditions have shaped what's ready this week. Lavender is at its fragrant peak - harvest just as the flowers begin to open for the highest essential oil content. The aromatic herbs - Sage, Thyme, Oregano, and Rosemary are loaded with essential oils right now, and the leafy herbs - Lemon Balm, Mint, and Raspberry Leaf, are best taken now before the summer heat sets seeds. Mugwort, Wormwood, and Betony are putting up their best growth of the year. Come during Harvest Hours and we'll guide you through what's ready and how to use it.

The PAG is open to the public during daylight hours - come wander and explore anytime.

1-3 SLC Drop-in: From the Forest to the Sea (all ages)
Location: Sea Life Centre at Telegraph Harbour Marina

The SLC is open Friday–Sunday whenever the seastar flag is flying!
See Friday for information on this week's activity.

The Nature of Forests at Forbes Hall

9:30 - 1130 am Forbes Hall

Quw'utsun Cultural Connections and the Xpey' (Cedar Project) with Cheyenne Williams and Sarah Jackman.

Can you imagine living on a cedar-less Thetis Island? Learn how the Xpey' (Cedar) Restoration Project is taking action to mitigate the loss of Xpey' (Cedar), a cultural keystone species threatened by climate change and land development. Led by the Quw'utsun Cultural Connections Society, this project engages youth and Elders to revitalize traditional cultural practices for the stewardship and use of Xpey', reconnecting youth to cultural knowledge and teachings about the land.

1:30–2:45 pm Forbes Hall

The Past, Present and Future of Gulf Island Forests with Dr. Richard Hebda

Richard has given hundreds of technical and popular public lectures in British Columbia and beyond covering topics from growing snowdrops to global climate change. He has also been an authoritative voice on television and radio on topics such as Climate Change and invasive species. Richard played, and plays, a key role in the conservation, preservation and restoration of natural areas, most prominently Burns Bog in the Lower Mainland of BC. Richard co-organized and participated in a key national gathering about wildfire and restoration. (UVIC, Feb 2025).

3-4:30 pm Q & A Panel - Forbes Hall

Bring your questions about Thetis Island's forests and trees! Our guest presenters come together for an open conversation moderated by Dr. Mary DesChene.