05/07/2026
🦋📣Biodiversity Extravaganza: Workshop Registration is Now Open (List below👇)!
Join Nature Salt Spring and the Salt Spring Island Conservancy for a series of engaging workshops exploring the island’s rich biodiversity! From birding to pond life, marine ecosystems to plant structures, there’s something for everyone -whether you’re a family, a budding naturalist, or an adult looking to deepen your knowledge.
PRESENTATION:
Introducing Small-Life Biodiversity by Dr. Elaine Humphrey
Date & Time: Thursday May 21, 7 - 8:30 pm
Cost: Free for Nature Salt Spring and Salt Spring Island Conservancy members, otherwise $10
Elaine will introduce the world of small-life biodiversity that can be investigated with microscopes including the a portable SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) she will bring over from UVIC. This is a unique opportunity for Salt Spring Islanders to explore our biodiversity with some essential tools of biological research.
WORKSHOPS:
Session 1: Birding 101
Date & Time: Friday, May 22, 7:30–11:00 AM
Cost: $10
Learn the basics of birdwatching with expert-led hikes, explore feather structures under microscopes, and enjoy stunning bird photography. A special optional session on bird photography with Pierre Mineau is also available (email [email protected] to sign up).
Session 2: Small Life in the Salish Sea
Date & Time: Friday, May 22, 1:00–4:30 PM
Cost: $10
Dive into the hidden world of the Salish Sea! Collect plankton and marine samples, then examine them under high-powered microscopes. Discover the fascinating life histories of Dungeness crabs, skeleton shrimp, and more.
Session 3: Plant Structures & The Elusive Water Bear
Date & Time: Saturday, May 23, 8:30 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $10
Explore the intricate structures of plants and hunt for the elusive water bear (tardigrade)! Use microscopes to uncover the tiny adaptations that help plants thrive and survive.
Session 4: Muddy Buddies are Pond Detectives
Date & Time: Saturday, May 23, 1:00–4:30 PM
Cost: Free for families (register via Nature Kids BC)
Get hands-on with pond life! Search for turtles, tadpoles, dragonfly larvae, and more. Use nets, buckets, and magnifiers to uncover the hidden critters of Blackburn Lake. Note: Wear waterproof boots and bring a snack!
Session 4b: Pond Studies for Adults
Date & Time: Saturday, May 23, 1:00–4:30 PM
Cost: $10
A deeper dive into pond ecosystems! Join marine naturalist David Denning to explore freshwater inhabitants like phantom midges and leeches. Observe your findings under microscopes and return them safely to their habitat.
Session 5: Plants, Pollen, and Pollinators
Date & Time: Sunday, May 24, 8:30 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $10
Uncover the vital relationships between plants, pollen, and pollinators! Examine flowers, learn about their adaptations, and discover the tiny world of pollinators that keep ecosystems thriving.
Session 6: Who's Feeding the Birds?
Date & Time: Sunday, May 24, 8:30 AM–12:00 PM
Cost: $10
This nature walk will address questions about who, or what, is feeding all the birds, and what we can do to support our fine-feathered friends. Join us for this final session which reveals the stories of native plant and insect stewardship which is essential to support biodiversity on our island home.
Appetizer Potluck & Happy Hour
Date & Time: Saturday, May 23, 5-6:30 pm
Cost: Free
Join us for an informal social/happy hour gathering at the SSI Conservancy Blackburn Lake facility. Please bring along a ‘finger-food’ appetizer. No-host bar available. Donations gratefully accepted.
For more information about individual workshops and to register, please visit:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/biodiversity-extravaganza
If you are interested in volunteering for any of these events, please email [email protected]