Workshops at the Sanctuary
Learn about local ecosystems and increase your connection to nature!
Guided Nature Walks
These walks will be about 45 minutes and include time for questions. We will be walking about 500m on wide smooth paths and rocky steps. If you have accessibility needs, please email us at programs@swanlake.bc.ca ahead of time so we can work to accommodate you.
Please dress for the weather as we will be outside the entire time. Meet on the grass outside the Nature House.
Who: All ages welcome; tour content is best suited for an audience aged 10+
Cost: $10 per participant
When: 1-1:45pm
Saturday Nov 9: The Past, Present, and Beyond
Saturday Nov 30: One Site, Many Ecosystems
The Past, Present, and Beyond
Join environmental educator Stephanie for casual conversations about the rich history of the nature sanctuary including historical uses of the area, the impact of post-colonial activities, and current land practices. Discuss the challenges and opportunities of planning for the future at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary.
Facilitator: Stephanie Chong
For over 15 years, environmental educator Stephanie Chong has managed learning and education opportunities at museums and science centres in Canada and the United States. She believes strongly in encouraging curiosity, a joy of being outdoors, and a communal understanding of environmental responsibility. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her wandering around looking for wiggly creatures.
Saturday November 9, 1-1:45pm
Pre-Registration preferred via our Event calendar [URL embedded]
One Site, Many Ecosystems
Join environmental educator Andie for casual conversations about how the geological processes that formed the land features resulted in the unique ecosystems and species that call the Nature Sanctuary their home. Then consider their relationship with an increasing urban landscape.
Facilitator: Andie Mazer
Andie has a background in environmental biology and conservation. Her previous experiences include wetland and migratory bird research, and ecological monitoring of grassland ecosystems. She feels most at home when she is surrounded by nature and is passionate about facilitated connections between people and the natural environment. In her spare time, Andie enjoys biking, yoga, and making art.
Saturday November 30, 1-1:45pm
Pre-Registration preferred via our Event calendar [URL embedded]
Forest Bathing at Swan Lake with Agnes
What is forest bathing?
Forest bathing, Forest therapy and Shinrin-Yoku broadly means taking in the forest atmosphere with all one's senses. Not simply a walk in the woods, it’s a conscious, contemplative practice of being immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. By immersing ourselves in nature and engaging our senses, we can reap the many benefits such as improved immune function, cardiovascular and respiratory health, and reduced stress.
Meet us at the Nature House for a forest bathing walk!
The walk will begin at 10:00am and go until about 11:30am. We encourage you to arrive 10-15 minutes early. There are washroom facilities on site, plenty of parking, and plenty of woods to explore after.
We will be walking under half a kilometer on a relatively smooth, wide forest trail with minimal to no elevation gain.
A light snack and tea will be provided at the end.
Cost: $15
Register via our Event calendar [URL embedded]
Next dates:
Monday October 21
Monday November 18
Facilitator: Agnes Kedmenecz
Enjoying learning about, playing and being in nature and the woods has been a part of Agnes' life from a young age. Being able to share this love and peace of nature with others is the inspiration for being a Nature Bathing guide.
Agnes has been delighting in the woods, sea, and wilderness of Vancouver Island since her move to Victoria is 2022.
In the winter of 2023, Agnes completed her provisional certification as a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy [URL embedded]. She also holds a twenty-hour remote wilderness first aid through the Canadian Red Cross.
A Nature Bathing Walk offers us some time to slow down, unwind and be.
Hope to see you outside soon!
