Nature

An online workshop on Feb. 10 will provide the tools to map habitats in the region like the one frequented by the rough-skinned newt. (Photo contributed by the Habitat Acquisition Trust)

Greater Victoria program hosts free habitat mapping workshop

Tools provided support landowners, land managers and others interested in mapping

 

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary volunteers and district staff built a new fence around a restoration site at the top of Christmas Hill after the first one was damaged by vandals in mid-January. (Swan Lake Nature/Twitter)

Team rebuilds fence vandals tore down at Saanich nature restoration site

No suspects identified, work underway to educate about purpose of fencing

 

The City of Victoria’s artist in residence, Kathryn Calder, created a toll-free phone line designed to give people a calm escape during COVID-19. (Photo by Steve Calder)

Victoria’s artist in residence creates toll-free ‘Be Calm’ phone line

Phone line offers meditation, poetry, children’s laughter

 

(Courtesy Photo | Frank Zmuda)

VIDEO: Beaver waddles through downtown Vancouver

‘Makin’ my way downtown…’

(Courtesy Photo | Frank Zmuda)
The District of Saanich has purchased a new piece of land off Swan Lake Road that will eventually be added to the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. (Swan Lake Nature/Twitter)

Saanich purchases new land for Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary

3890 Swan Lake Road bought for $999,000, to be rezoned and added to sanctuary

The District of Saanich has purchased a new piece of land off Swan Lake Road that will eventually be added to the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. (Swan Lake Nature/Twitter)
Two giant grizzly bears engaged in a territorial fight. (Wayne Duke photo)

Trouble’s a bruin: B.C. photographer’s images of grappling grizzlies garner international acclaim

Amazing photos taken on trip to Tahumming River in Toba Inlet picked up by Daily Mail in Britain

Two giant grizzly bears engaged in a territorial fight. (Wayne Duke photo)
The Bateman Foundation’s outdoor learning program starts Oct. 10. Registration is $120 for juniors and $126 for adults. (Courtesy of the Bateman Foundation)

Nature Sketch program returns in Victoria with COVID-19 safety protocols

Bateman Foundation reintroduces in-person wildlife and art lessons

The Bateman Foundation’s outdoor learning program starts Oct. 10. Registration is $120 for juniors and $126 for adults. (Courtesy of the Bateman Foundation)
The District of Saanich will give away more than 150 trees on Sept. 21 to help residents celebrate National Tree Day. (Needpix)

Saanich offers free saplings to encourage residents to spruce up for National Tree Day

Giveaway to take place Sept. 21 in Glanford Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The District of Saanich will give away more than 150 trees on Sept. 21 to help residents celebrate National Tree Day. (Needpix)
Bats may roost in unusual places this time of year as they leave summer roosts. (L. Parker photo)

Bats behaving oddly is a late summer natural phenomenon, says B.C. program coordinator

Pups in strange places as they move out on their own for the first time

Bats may roost in unusual places this time of year as they leave summer roosts. (L. Parker photo)
In July 2020, Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow captured a slow-motion video of an eagle fishing for its next meal near Bowen Island. (Screenshot of video)

VIDEO: Musqueam Chief captures captivating footage of bald eagle catching meal

‘This is why we have chosen to live here since time immemorial,’ Chief Wayne Sparrow’s nephew says

In July 2020, Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow captured a slow-motion video of an eagle fishing for its next meal near Bowen Island. (Screenshot of video)
Laurie Morphet was hiking on Mt. Arrowsmith when she spotted a rare Vancouver Island Marmot near the peak. (Laurie Morphet photo)

Several unique-to-Canada species found in B.C., on Vancouver Island

New study shows West Coast is a hot spot of endemic plants, animals, insects

Laurie Morphet was hiking on Mt. Arrowsmith when she spotted a rare Vancouver Island Marmot near the peak. (Laurie Morphet photo)
File Photo

VIDEO: Injured bald eagle rescued in B.C. First Nations community

Bird suspected injured in fight, whisked off to Coquitlam rehab

File Photo
Amateur photographer captured this photograph on April 28, 2020 of a leucistic Canada Goose on a Chilliwack waterway. (William Snow photo)

Amateur B.C. photographer captures rare pale-coloured Canada Goose

Bird with the condition ‘leucism’ appears almost ghostlike

Amateur photographer captured this photograph on April 28, 2020 of a leucistic Canada Goose on a Chilliwack waterway. (William Snow photo)
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary staff are reminding visitors to practice physical distancing and respect the existing rules regarding off-limits areas, dogs and smoking. (Photo courtesy Kathleen Burton)

Rules still apply regarding dogs, off-limits areas at Swan Lake, Christmas Hill

Pandemic safety measures also implemented on nature sanctuary property

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary staff are reminding visitors to practice physical distancing and respect the existing rules regarding off-limits areas, dogs and smoking. (Photo courtesy Kathleen Burton)
The best thing a flower-lover can do is buy locally to reduce the travel-related carbon footprint, says Julia Zini. (Black Press Media)

VIDEO: Flower fans push industry to be more eco-conscious

Vancouver shop owner Rosemin Jutha says she buys 90 per cent of her flowers from United Flower Growers

The best thing a flower-lover can do is buy locally to reduce the travel-related carbon footprint, says Julia Zini. (Black Press Media)
Although global warming is usually reported in terms of average degrees per year, climatologists say that’s not how it’s actually experienced. (Black Press Media file photos)

Research shows climate change silencing spots once buzzing with bees

Bees have faced a series of threats for years, including habitat loss, parasites and pesticide use

Although global warming is usually reported in terms of average degrees per year, climatologists say that’s not how it’s actually experienced. (Black Press Media file photos)
The yellow-rumped warbler tends to arrive on Vancouver Island in early March. (Black Press Media file)

Despite reports of decline, birds flocking to national parks in Canadian Rockies

Recent studies suggest overall bird population has slid by three billion since 1970

The yellow-rumped warbler tends to arrive on Vancouver Island in early March. (Black Press Media file)
Gordon Cyr was recognized as one of North America’s most dedicated advocates for pollinators in 2018. (Black Press Media file photo)

Saanich mayor signs up for mason bee rental service

Fred Haynes rents mason bee colony from Oyster River beekeeper for his Prospect Lake home

Gordon Cyr was recognized as one of North America’s most dedicated advocates for pollinators in 2018. (Black Press Media file photo)
Nature Conservancy Canada is suggesting “purchasing” an endangered species or landscape as a green Christmas gift. (giftsofnature.ca)

Unique gift alert: adopt a grizzly bear for Christmas

Nature Conservancy Canada is hosting its 25th annual Gifts of Nature campaign

Nature Conservancy Canada is suggesting “purchasing” an endangered species or landscape as a green Christmas gift. (giftsofnature.ca)
‘Cartoony’ mushrooms popping up across Vancouver Island are poisonous

‘Cartoony’ mushrooms popping up across Vancouver Island are poisonous

Fly Agaric mushrooms can cause hallucinations and gastrointestinal pain

‘Cartoony’ mushrooms popping up across Vancouver Island are poisonous