Parks Program Guide: Spring 2024

Park Program Guide March - May 2024

for 50 Y EARS

Program registration at rdco.com/parkprograms

e eco@rdco.com 250 469-6140 calendar.rdco.com

Regional Parks

@regionalparks

Embracing nature’s legacy: recovery, resilience and conservation

There’s an exciting new exhibit to explore at the Robert Hobson Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan!

The connection between our health and nature is well documented. We know providing access to regional parks, programs, and trails through the conservation and protection of landscapes is important for our community. Time spent outdoors, surrounded by trees, water, mountains and open spaces improves our wellbeing and can help us recover and reconnect to our world.

But what about nature? How can it adapt to the increased intensity and severity of natural disasters such as fire?

The exhibit highlights nature’s incredible ability to recover in the face of adversity and the importance of conserving and protecting these valued landscapes. Drop by and learn how forest ecosystems adapt in the face of wildfires and how a new nocturnal preserve designation in one regional park is protecting species from the damaging effects of light pollution.

The Robert Hobson EECO is located in Mission Creek Regional Park (at Springfield and Durnin Roads) and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Guided Hikes

We’ve curated a selection of activities and events to help you celebrate 50 years of regional parks. Look for this icon throughout our program guides and be inspired to explore!

Registration required. Outdoor programs run rain, shine or snow. Please wear sturdy shoes, arrive on time and be prepared for the weather.

Register: rdco.com/parkprograms

Owl prowl

What a fascinating bird of prey! Join an evening prowl through the woods on easy to moderate paths as we keep an eye out for these nocturnal creatures. By registration.

Woodhaven Nature Conservancy

Tuesday, March 5, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Glen Canyon Regional Park

Tuesdays, March 12 and March 19, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Scenic Canyon Regional Park

Tuesdays, March 26 and April 2, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Discover your parks

With spring comes exciting new ways to discover nature! Join a park interpreter on a guided hike, exploring regional parks and unveiling their secrets. Enjoy the trails! By registration.

Woodhaven Nature Conservancy Regional Park

Saturday, March 16,10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Black Mountain - sntsk’il’ntən Regional Park

Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Wednesday, April 10 and 24, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday, April 29, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park

Thursday, March 7, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Thursday, April 11, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Kalamoir Regional Park

Thursday, March 14, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Robert Lake Regional Park

Thursday, March 21, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Hardy Falls Regional Park

Tuesday, April 30, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Goats Peak Regional Park

Wednesday, May 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thursday, May 16 and 30, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Glen Canyon Regional Park

Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Wonders of the night sky

Celebrate the night sky! Start hiking as the sun goes down to observe the night sky away from the lights of the city. Join us at Canada’s newest and third nocturnal preserve! By registration.

Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park

Wednesday, April 3 and 17, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Friday, April 19, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Spring flowers hike

Along with the return of warmer weather come the first flowers of the year! Join us and explore the many wildflowers that bloom early in the season.

Kalamoir Regional Park

Sunday, April 21, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Scenic Canyon Regional Park

Sunday, May 12, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Let’s talk trees 2 .0

If you enjoyed the Let’s talk trees program last season, let’s keep the connection going! If this is your first time joining a tree program, learn what makes them special while enjoying a guided hike. By registration.

Glen Canyon Regional Park

Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Friday, March 29, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Trepanier Creek Greenway Regional Park

Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Mission Creek Regional Park

Tuesday, March 26, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Art Inspired Programs

Registration required. Outdoor programs run rain, shine or snow. Please wear sturdy shoes, arrive on time and be prepared for the weather.

Register: rdco.com/parkprograms

Watercolour creations - spring flowers

Spring will soon be in bloom - let’s celebrate it! By registration.

Robert Hobson Environmental Education Centre

Friday, March 22

10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Kaloya Regional Park

Friday, May 17

1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m..

Nature journaling

Slow down and take time for yourself. Park interpreters will guide you on calming, creative tasks to help you connect with nature and be more mindful. By registration.

Kaloya Regional Park

Wednesday, March 27

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Mill Creek Regional Park

Wednesday, March 27

1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Mill Creek Regional Park

Wednesday, April 10

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Kalamoir Regional Park

Wednesday, May 1, Thursday, May 16 and 30 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Fun with collage

A collaborative mosaic art project for kids ages 7 to 12. Build a group masterpiece with craft papers, creating unique mosaic tiles which come together into one large art piece. Each student will take home an individual piece of artwork. $25 per person. By registration.

Ellison Heritage Community Centre

Thursday, March 28

9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Learn to draw

Learn to draw your favorite animals with local artist, Leanne Clark. Explore drawing techniques and principles of art. This series teaches the foundations for drawing creatures big and small. $30 per person. Ages 8 to 14. By registration.

Ellison Heritage Community Centre

Thursdays, April 11 to May 2, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Public Programs

Registration required. Outdoor programs run rain, shine or snow. Please wear sturdy shoes, arrive on time and be prepared for the weather.

Register: rdco.com/parkprograms

After the fire

Learn about the role of wildfires in our forests. If we understand their connection to healthy ecosystems, we may come up with ways to keep our homes and ecosystems safer from the damaging effects of interface wildfires. By registration.

Robert Hobson Environmental Education Centre

Thursday, March 7, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, April 2, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, April 16, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, April 30, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Mysteries of the moon

Do you look at the moon and wonder if it’s waxing or waning? In this workshop we explore the cyclical phases of the moon so you can learn to identify them. Open to ages 16+. By registration.

Robert Hobson Environmental Education Centre

Saturday, March 2,1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 20,1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Owls of the Okanagan

Owls have captivated our curiosity for centuries. Learn about their intriguing behaviours and characteristics. This workshop includes a pellet dissection and an art project. For adults 16 years +. Cost $5. By registration.

Robert Hobson Environmental Education Centre

Saturday, March 9,1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 21,1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Roll & Stroll

Caregivers and their little ones are invited to join our weekly walking group. Each week, we walk an easy trail through the park. Let’s spend time together outdoors and recharge our batteries within a supportive community. Afterwards we gather inside the EECO for social time.

Mission Creek Regional Park

Thursdays, April 4 to May 30, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Restorative yoga

A gentle yoga class for all abilities. This restful floor practice of Yoga Nidra with Paula Morrison ends your day with easy stretching and mindful movement. $45 per session. By registration.

Ellison Heritage Community Centre

Tuesdays, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Session one: April 9 to May 7

Session two: May 28 to June 25

Dance Fitness (SHiNE)

Revitalize your spring with dance and music in this high energy, joyful fitness class. You’ll feel like a beaming ray of sunshine! Join Jessica Baynton of SHiNE fitness for one or both sessions. $45 per session. By registration.

Ellison Heritage Community Centre

Wednesdays, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Session one: April 10 to April 24 and May 8, 15

Session two: May 29 to June 26

All about bears

BC is often referred to as bear country due to its large population of bears. We are lucky to share the land with these beautiful creatures. Come learn fascinating facts about bears, so we are better able to coexist with them. An art activity is included in the workshop. An interpreter-led opportunity for adults 16+. By registration.

Robert Hobson Environmental Education Centre

Sunday, April 14, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 19, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Ballroom dance for beginners

Swing and sway in this dance class for beginners and beginners plus, as the talented Don Muller teaches you the smooth flowing rhythms of Rhumba. Singles welcome, partners encouraged. $45 per person. By registration.

Ellison Heritage Community Centre

Thursdays, April 18 to May 16, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Bye bye kokanee fry

Become a kokanee salmon ambassador and help us say goodbye to the kokanee fry reared in the aquarium at the EECO. Register to learn more about these fish and help release them into the spawning channel. By registration.

Mission Creek Regional Park

Saturday, May 4, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Fly-tying for fish

Catching a fish with a fly you tied is a proud moment! Discover the art of tying flies and learn Okanagan-specific fly patterns. Great for adults and children nine years and up. All supplies provided. $10 per person. By registration.

Robert Hobson Environmental Education Centre

Saturday, March 9, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Tracks

Your Tracks walking leader will offer support and motivation to keep you moving in nature. This beginner walking program starts with short walks and slowly increases each week. By registration.

Mission Creek Regional Park

Mondays and Wednesdays, April 8 to May 29, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park

Tuesdays, April 9 to May 28, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Explora con tu familia - los arboles

Ven aprender sobre los arboles locales de nuestra región y los animales que dependen de ellos (delivered in Spanish).

Mission Creek Regional Park (reuniserse en el EECO)

Sabado 11 de mayo, 15:30 horas a 16:30 horas

Domingo 12 de mayo, 15:30 horas a 16:30 horas

Los arboles locales. Okanagan trees.

Fishing dock at Shannon Lake Regional Park.

Drop-in Programs

Story time

Story time for 3-5 year olds. Each week we will have a new nature theme with stories, crafts, songs and activities.

Robert Hobson Environmental Education Centre

Tuesdays, March 5 to May 28 (no program March 19)

10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Neighbourhood coffee socials

Sharing coffee, tea and treats with neighbours and new acquaintances is the perfect way to leave winter hibernation behind. Come out into the sunshine and join us for social hour.

Drop in, no registration required.

Ellison Heritage Community Centre

Tuesday, March 5, May 7 and June 4, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Music mornings in the park

Come out to relax and enjoy a morning of music in the park! Bring your lawn chair and listen to toe tapping folk music performed by local talent, the Nice and Easy Duo.

Mission Creek Regional Park

Thursday, May 9, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Kaloya Regional Park

Friday, May 17, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

G o Fish!

Introduce youngsters to fishing! Children can try fishing on weekends from May 11 until June 16. Hall Road Pond and Shannon Lake will be stocked with trout. Staff will be on hand to teach new fishers. No fishing license required for BC youth aged 15 years and under.

Mission Creek Regional Park (Hall Road entrance) and Shannon Lake Regional Park

Weekends from May 11 to June 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friends of Regional Parks

Regional Parks Friends groups are non-profit volunteer organizations working with regional parks staff on projects and activities to enhance habitat restoration and visitor experiences in regional parks.

Friends of Woodhaven AGM meeting

Guest ecologist Don Gayton presents ‘Be a naturalist in your backyard!’ based on his book The Sky and The Patio.

Woodhaven Nature Conservancy

Saturday, March 9, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Invasive weed pull at Woodhaven

Join the Friends of Woodhaven to learn about a few problem plants in the Central Okanagan and help remove them from the park. By registration.

Woodhaven Nature Conservancy

Saturday, May 4, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Fire fuel mitigation at Kalamoir

Join the Friends of Kalamoir and bring your boots and gloves to remove woody debris and fire fuel from the park. By registration.

Kalamoir Regional Park

Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Learn to fish at Shannon Lake Regional Park!

The cedar-lined boardwalk at Mill Creek Regional Park.

Events

Park clean up and BBQ

April is community cleanup month and Regional Parks is getting involved!

Join Regional Parks staff and volunteers at one of three parks for a light clean up followed by a complimentary BBQ lunch. Join the fun and help get these parks ready for the year!

Glen Canyon Regional Park, Mill Creek Regional Park, and Scenic Canyon Regional Park

Saturday, April 13, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Meadowlark Nature Festival

The Meadowlark Nature Festival returns to the valley May 16-20. Join us at the following RDCO parks-led program. Details and registration will be on the festival site at meadowlarkfestival.ca

Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park

Sunday, May 19, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., $25.00

Int ernational Dark Sky Week 2024

Discover the night! International Dark Sky Week, April 2 to 8, is a worldwide celebration of the dark and natural night.

Join us at the EECO to learn about the harmful effects of light pollution and what we can do to save the night. Be filled with wonder and awe as you discover that natural nights are critical to the wellbeing of our planet.

For more info visit: idsw.darksky.org/

Robert Hobson Environmental Education Centre

Tuesday, April 2 to Sunday, April 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Feature Program

Bridging generations

Calling all seniors! Join us for this new and exciting program, fresh air, gentle physical activity, and community connections. Interactions with younger community members and walking are two of the most beneficial forms of activities for older adults. This volunteer-led walk brings students and seniors together for a walk along the Mission Creek Greenway on a flat 2.0 km trail. By registration.

Mission Creek Regional Park

Monday, April 22, May 27 and June 24, 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Thursday, April 25. May 30 and June 27, 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Where there’s adventure, there’s a way!

If you need support to participate in any of these park programs due to physical, cognitive, or sensory challenges, reach out to C.R.I.S. Adaptive Adventures. This unique, non-profit organization aims to enable people with diverseabilities. Email admin@adaptiveadventures.ca, call 250-979-3941, or visit crisadaptive.ca for registration or more information.

2024 brings volunteer opportunities to RDCO parks! From intergenerational programming to trail wayfinding and data collection, we’re ready for adventures! Are you? For more info visit: rdco.com/parksvip

• Environmental steward

• Park ambassador

• Park partners

• Special events volunteer

Come