Swan Lake's Silver Swans
April 2026
Not pictured: Margaret L. Photo: Olivia Levert
The Silver Swans are a group of fabric artists, crafters, and quilters who since 2011, have come together every week in friendship to design and create fabric art, quilt textiles and share conversations and laughter; all in support of the Nature Sanctuary.
With the help of a federal New Horizons for Seniors Program grant to support senior community groups, the Silver Swans volunteer program was initiated fifteen years ago. Many of the founding members of the group were associated with Swan Lake as office or site staff, and many nature-loving crafters from different backgrounds have joined since. These dedicated volunteers meet every Thursday morning to quilt and sew together in community, as well as contributing many hours of their own personal time and resources.
“Swan Lake's name is getting out there, [...] and people are becoming aware that there's this little gem here. So that is quite important to me.”
- Betty
Photos: Taylor Nishimura
The group collaborates on larger-sale quilts and wall hangings depicting native species and scenery on site, but each Swan has found their own specialty. Shelly dreams up ideas for quilts and sews together everyone’s contributions into one piece, and Monica specializes in creating felt animal ornaments and bookshelf-themed quilts. Barb specializes in aprons, and Donna and Violet create bowl-huggers. Betty and Patty mainly focus on organization, pricing, and inventory, which is intensive work, particularly leading up to the biannual Winter and Spring Craft Sales.
All proceeds from the sale of their beautiful creations directly support Swan Lake’s restoration and conservation work.
Come celebrate with us at Swan Lake’s Craft Sales were you'll find beautiful handcrafted goods by the Silver Swans. These two-day, weekend events feature nature-themed, handcrafted linens, table décor, quilts, ornaments, and unique gifts for special someone!!
Where: Swan Lake Nature House, 3873 Swan Lake Road
When: Fall and Spring
Who: Everyone welcome!
Cost: Free admission and parking
Learn more here [URL embedded].
Photo: Olivia Levert
info@swanlake.bc.ca
Office Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9:00am – 4:00pm
3873 Swan Lake Road,
Victoria, BC, V8X 3W1
swanlake.bc.ca
We acknowledge the lək ̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the Nature Sanctuary stands, and the lək ̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
We respect the vital relationships of First Peoples with these lands and waters for countless generations. We are honoured to receive Indigenous guidance and welcome collaboration in stewardship and appreciation of the Nature Sanctuary.
